Josko Gvardiol’s story is one of humble beginnings. As the son of a fisherman, he was poised to follow in his father’s footsteps in the fish business if soccer hadn’t claimed his heart. It’s remarkable to consider that when Gvardiol was just four years old, Luka Modrić was already making his debut for Croatia in 2006. Today, Gvardiol has become one of the most sought-after talents in Croatian football.
A Fisherman’s Son turned Football Phenom: Josko Gvardiol History
At that time, he (still a baby) was riding a bicycle with auxiliary wheels. Today, the humble son of a fisherman plays with Legendary Modric and is being courted by top clubs around Europe. This is the story of a boy who, at age 6, initiated his dreams by drawing his own imaginary Dinamo Zagreb Jersey. Behold, 12 years later, he achieved his childhood dreams of winning four trophies with the club – at the young age of 19.
He drew this as a kid, stayed focused, chased his goals and finally achieved far above his dreams.
Our Josko Gvardiol Biography tells you Facts about his Childhood Story, Early Life, Parents – Sanja Gvardiol (Mother), Tihomir Gvardiol (Father), Family Background, Sisters (Franka and Lorena), Uncle (Damir Kalapač), Girlfriend, Grandfather (Zvonimir), etc.
Again, this article on Josko Gvardiol tells you about his Family Origin, Religion, Ethnicity, etc.
We’ll also unveil details of the Croatian footballer’s Lifestyle, Personal Life, Net Worth, and Salary Breakdown – up to what he makes every second with RB Leipzig.
Preamble:
Our version of Josko Gvardiol’s biography begins by telling you about the notable events of his boyhood years and early life.
Next, we’ll provide salient facts on his early career life with Trešnjevka and Dinamo. Then, finally, the humble boy from Zagreb achieved a rise in the beautiful game.
We hope to whet your autobiography appetite as it engages you with reading Josko Gvardiol’s Biography.
To begin doing that, let’s present a gallery that tells the story of the Croat’s Boyhood years and Rise. From his early years to the moment he achieved fame with RB Leipzig, Josko has truly come a long way.
Josko Gvardiol Biography – From his childhood years in Croatia to the moments he achieved football fame.
When you are only 19 and already an important member of the Croatian national football team, many football fans look at you under a magnifying glass.
In the case of Gvardiol, people don’t just look but wonder about the story behind his name. The untold story of how he became the greatest hope of his country’s football.
While researching Croatian soccer players, we found a knowledge gap.
The truth is, not many football lovers have read an in-depth version of Josko Gvardiol’s Biography, which is very exciting. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
Josko Gvardiol Childhood Story:
For Biography starters, he bears the nickname ‘Pep Guardiola.’ This nickname came because of the similarity between his last name and that of Manchester City‘s Manager, Josep “Pep” Guardiola.
Joško Gvardiol was born on the 23rd day of January 2002 to his Mother, Sanja Gvardiol, and Father, Tihomir Gvardiol, in Zagreb, Croatia.
The Croatian professional footballer is one among three children (himself and two sisters), all born to the marital union between their Mum and Dad.
Now, let’s introduce you to one of Josko Gvardiol’s parents. Tihomir is a popular Fisherman, a man who never gave his son the riches of the world but that spirit of reverence.
Meet Josko Gvardiol’s Dad, Tihomir.
Growing Up:
In his childhood days, Joško Gvardiol’s parents lived at Zagreb’s Srednjaki. Their home is at the third skyscraper, the closest to Zagrebačka Avenue.
As a child, the footballer, his Dad, Mum and siblings (two older sisters) all lived in an apartment on the fifth floor of the skyscraper building.
Josko Gvardiol is a boy from Srednjak, a settlement in the Jastrebarsko administrative area of Zagreb County, Croatia.
In this small village, he grew up alongside his two older sisters, Franka and Lorena. Now, let’s unveil facts about Josko Gvardiol’s siblings who made his childhood worthwhile.
Lorena Gvardiol is the footballer’s immediate older sister. She, who is 24 years old (at the time of writing this Bio), works at a fashion company, Mona Fashion – Zagreb. Lorena, who celebrates her birthday every November, also does modelling, and she is an Athlete.
Meet Lorena, one of Josko Gvardiol’s sister.
Franka Gvardiol is the oldest among the siblings born to Sanja and Tihomir. She, who is 31 (at the time of writing this Bio), is a huge football lover.
Our research has it that Franka excels best at handball and beach volleyball. Josko’s sister plays for ŽRK Udarnik. This is a women’s handball club in Velika Gorica, which is Croatia’s largest and most populous city.
Josko Gvardiol Early Life:
The Zagreb native’s journey in the quest to become a professional footballer began when he was six.
It all started when Josko Gvardiol’s Dad took him for enrolment at Trešnjevka, which is their neighbourhood local football club.
There was a bit of a challenge during his enrollment, as Josko, who joined so early, did not find boys in his age bracket to play with.
Because no kids were in his age bracket, young Gvardiol was made to play with older boys whom he outsmarted. Behold the Croat in his boyhood years.
Josko Gvardiol began his football career on solid footings.
To the joy of his Dad, his son was able to match the quality of older boys in his team. In fact, Gvardiol did things that were extraordinary for a six-year-old.
The talent of the boy who emulated Lionel Messi was very difficult to ignore, and within a year, football Scouts were all over him.
Josko Gvardiol Family Background:
The first thing to know about his household is the fact that his Dad was once a footballer. Tihomir was once an amateur player of GOŠK from Novigrad, the town he was born.
Soccer took Josko Gvardiol’s Dad from his roots to play for Trešnjevka, where his career ended.
Even though he was a fisherman, Tihomir Gvardiol has always wanted his son to relive his lost football dreams.
As many would say, it only takes a visionary Dad like him to harness his son’s talent as early as possible. Tihomir took his six-year-old son to Trešnjevka football club, which is where he retired from.
Josko Gvardiol’s Parents’ occupation:
The household of the Croatian Defender is made up of humble and down-to-earth people.
In the place he comes from, Josko Gvardiol is often called the humble son of a Novigrad fisherman. The footballer’s family, led by Tihomir, built a reputation around fish business.
Josko’s Dad is a fisherman who sells the fish he catches at the central Zagreb farmers’ market, Dolac. Tihomir Gvardiol participates heavily in the Ivčić fishing trade. Almost every day, he and other fishermen would go fishing in the evening.
Then, Josko’s Dad and other fish farmers will deliver their catch to drivers who will help transport their fish to the Zagreb farmers’ market.
After delivering the fish to drivers, the hardworking man goes to his family, rests, and prepares for the next day.
In the morning, the fresh fish arrives at the fish market. Josko Gvardiol’s Dad gets up as early as four o’clock and then goes to Dolac farmers’ market to collect and move his fish to the selling point.
The hardworking Dad of three then displays his fish and sells them off before the evening. And in the evening of that day, the whole cycle continues (Tihomir goes fishing again).
Among Josko Gvardiol’s parents is his Dad, who is mostly business-inclined. His mother, Sanja, worked as a full-time employee at a large Zagreb wholesale company.
During his childhood, Josko (despite his busy soccer schedule) supported his Dad in fishing. He once said that if it wasn’t for football, he would have followed in his Dad’s footsteps.
Josko Gvardiol Family Origin:
The Centre-back holds only Croatian nationality, and Zagreb, the city he was born, is also the birthplace of Sanja, his mother.
During our research, we found that Josko Gvardiol’s Family do not have their origins in Zagreb, which is Croatia’s capital and largest city.
Tihomir, his Dad, is a native of Novigrad near Zadar. Josko Gvardiol loves to spend every summer with his paternal grandparents, who reside in Novigrad.
On the other hand, the Defender’s Mother, Sanja, has her family roots in Srednjak. This village is in the Jastrebarsko administrative area of Zagreb County, Croatia.
This map shows the location of Novigrad, where his Dad (Tihomir) comes from and Srednjak, where his Mum (Sanja) comes from.
This map helps portray where Josko Gvardiol’s parents come from. His Dad (Tihomir) is from Novigrad, and his Mum (Sanja) is from Srednjak.
Josko Gvardiol Ethnicity:
Like his fellow country footballers (e.g., Marcelo Brozovic and Andrej Kramaric etc.), he belongs to the South Slavic ethnic group.
Our finding shows that Josko Gvardiol’s ancestors are from Southeast Europe, Central Europe, and the Mediterranean.
The existence of the South Slavic ethnic group, which he identifies with, dates back to the 7th Century.
Josko Gvardiol Education:
At the appropriate age, Sanja and Tihomir ensured mandatory schooling for their children. Josko Gvardiol attended Josip Račić Elementary School.
This school, where he graduated from, is at Srednjaci 30, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia. Before attending this school, Josko Gvardiol went through Srednjaci Kindergarten, a school located in his birth city.
After graduating from Josip Račić Elementary School, the Croatian footballer proceeded to the Road Traffic School. This place of learning is at Kennedy Square, close to Maksimir, in one of the districts of Zagreb, Croatia.
After finishing secondary school, Josko Gvardiol did not immediately proceed to attend college or university. Even though his football career took over, the youngster still has plans to continue his schooling.
Josko Gvardiol Biography – Football Story:
As a child, the youngster travelled to matches and training by tram. Playing with the older boys made him mature quickly.
While he was in the books of Trešnjevka Academy, the youngster got spotted by two clubs: Lokomotiva and Zagreb.
Initially, Lokomotiva, who approached him first, were the favourite to sign him. However, at the last minute, Josko Gvardiol received a surprising contract offer from Croatian Giants, Dinamo Zagreb, which his family loved and gladly accepted.
While at Trešnjevka, Josko Gvardiol’s talent was first noticed by Miroslav Davidović, who was the coach of Dinamo’s kids.
In order to stop Lokomotiva from getting the kid, he delayed no more and brought him to Dinamo.
Settling down at Dinamo Zagreb:
In 2010, when little Josko joined the club of his dreams, everyone supported him in settling down with his new life.
During that time, he was at Josip Račić Primary School. A friend of Joško Gvardiol’s Dad helped by making a sketch for him.
That sketch (pictured below) was like a mind map whose purpose was to help him find his way around everything more easily. Thankfully, it became one of Joško Gvardiol’s success secrets in his early career years.
By adhering strictly to this guide, the youngster efficiently managed his career life.
The always smiling and humble boy (as people described him back then) showed great potential from his early days with the Croatian giants.
At some point, Josko contemplated stopping his education as he trusted in his ability to become successful in what he loved.
In other to become the best, Gvardiol did more than just train with his teammates. In fact, he had an additional five-hour training period with a private coach.
The boy planned to devote himself to football as much as possible. This comes even though Josko Gvardiol’s parents advised that he enrol in college (which he refused).
They (especially his Mum) once wanted him to continue his studies and later become a football coach.
Josko Gvardiol Bio – Road to Fame Story:
At the time he was 15 years old, news about his talent had reached some of Europe’s big leagues.
Joško was first noticed by Inter Milan scouts, who wanted to sign him at all costs. The Defender and his family reject the offer, stressing that they need him to grow slowly.
Josko agreed to the wish of his adviser and family. He agreed to build his career slowly and modestly without skipping the rigorous training of his private trainer.
And rather than following his parents’ advice to continue his education, the Athlete decided to stick to his plan.
Josko did his best to achieve a successful youth career with the Dinamo Zagreb, as well as establish himself in the first team.
From the moment he had his debut with the club, some fans knew his call to the national team was near.
Among his friends and colleagues in the senior team, Joško edged out as someone who was a very persistent and hard-working young man.
Again, in addition to daily club training, the younger ensured he was last to leave the training pitch. Even at that, Josko continued to hone his skills under the supervision of his private trainer.
At that time, Little Pep (as his teammates nicknamed him) got addicted to watching Virgil van Dijk.
Joško Gvardiol no longer admired Lionel Messi at that time. This was because he was now looking to follow in the footsteps of van Dijk, one of the World’s Best Defenders.
Josko Gvardiol Biography – Rise to Fame:
Because he was so good, Dinamo Zagreb’s coach made him a vital member of the first team just after he played four games with the club’s reserve team. Thanks to his constant ability to improve, Josko Gvardiol achieved an instant meteoric rise.
After the likes of Igor Bišćan, Darij Šimić, Vedran Ćorluka, Tino Jedvaj and Dejan Lovren, he was seen as the most gifted defensive player produced by Dinamo Zagreb’s incubator.
Every time the physically dominant, 185-centimetre-tall teenager stepped onto the football field, several football scouts would be on alert.
Because Josko Gvardiol did these things, he instantly got the honour of being the world’s most wanted teenage Defender in the European scouting orbit.
At the young age of 18, the son of a fisherman (who played alongside Mario Gavranović) had begun collecting trophies with Dinamo Zagreb.
Before RB Leipzig won the race for his signature, Gvardiol had won the Prva HNL (two times), the Croatian Cup and the Croatian Super Cup.
Before finding greener pastures abroad, Joško Gvardiol won these trophies for Dinamo Zagreb.
RB Leipzig Rise:
From the day of Gvardiol’s Bundesliga debut (a 4–0 victory over VfB Stuttgart), signs were there that he would adjust quickly to his new surroundings.
The Croatian Baller enjoyed a solid partnership with Angeliño, Lukas Klostermann, Tyler Adams (not related to Che Adams) and Ilaix Moriba – all of whom played in either Defence or midfield.
Under Jesse Marsch’s command, Joško’s RB Leipzig team achieved many victories – thanks to wonders from Christopher Nkunku, André Silva and Dominik Szoboszlai.
The dividends of the team’s hard work (including many outstanding performances from Gvardiol) led them to win the DFB-Pokal for the 2021/2022 season.
The 6 foot 1 Defender was at the centre of RB Leipzig’s trophy celebration.
Transfer Interest Again:
At the age of 20, Joško Gvardiol became the World’s most sought-after Defensive football commodity.
Many who just got to know him (including Jesse Marsch) have said that they haven’t seen a 20-year-old with so much potential.
Joško Gvardiol, as of 2022, became the most valuable Croatian footballer. In fact, his €60m market value (at age 20) overtook the value of these footballers: Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Perisic (when they were aged 20).
This video explained why Thomas Tuchel and Pep Guardiola wanted this BEAST at Chelsea (source: Telegraph Football) and Man City.
At the time of writing Josko Gvardiol’s Biography, the Baller has established himself as an irreplaceable member of the Croatian national team.
With 19 years, four months and 21 days, he surpassed Mateo Kovačić as the youngest-ever footballer to play for Croatia at a major tournament. The rest, as we say, is now history.
Who is Josko Gvardiol Dating?
With the accolades he has achieved at a relatively young age, it is okay to say that the Defender is already a successful Athlete.
There is a saying that behind every successful Croatian soccer player comes a glamorous WAG. To this end, we ask the question;
Josko Gvardiol’s Girlfriend?
An enquiry into knowing the Croatian Defender’s Love Life.
When writing this Bio, Gvardiol wasn’t into any romantic relationships with anyone. The Croatian Defender (as of 2022) appears to keep his love life quiet.
Hence, it’s only a matter of time before we get to know Josko Gvardiol’s Wife in the making.
Personal Life:
Away from what he does on the pitch, lots of fans who want to know his personality have asked…
Who is Josko Gvardiol?
In his early professional days, the Croatian Defender lived away from his parents. Josko is the type who does not go out much.
Despite playing for Croatia’s biggest club and making money that could afford a good apartment, he chose the opposite. Gvardiol lived in this very small apartment.
The humble footballer once lived in this apartment near Dinamo Zagreb’s stadium.
In the above photo of his house, there are only two jerseys. The first is Filip Krovinović’s Benfica jersey, which was sent to him via his agent Marjan Šišić.
And the second jersey is that from Ryan Bertrand (someone he admires), whose agent tried to sign Gvardiol.
Josko Gvardiol Workout Routine:
The Croatian Defender spends at least six days a week in the gym. When in the gym, Josko Gvardiol’s workout is split between lifting weights and cardiovascular exercises. Here is a photo that explains the fitness secrets of the RB Leipzig Defender.
Alongside weight training, the Croat enjoys cardiovascular exercises.
Josko Gvardiol Lifestyle:
Day after day before his next big transfer, he sees millions of euros thrown at his front. Josko isn’t someone who gets affected by it, as he keeps his feet firmly on the ground.
People say that Leipzig is a beautiful town, so when Gvardiol played for the city’s biggest club, he made friends who took him out.
Popular among these friends are Dani Olmo and his brother Carlos. They spoilt Gvardiol by taking him to some of the best restaurants in Leipzig, Saxony.
Together with his best friend, Dani Olmo, life in Germany became very interesting.
Love for Formula 1:
In the course of writing Biographies of footballers, we found that Matt Doherty and Josko Gvardiol have something in common. That thing is their love for Max Verstappen, who is the two-time Formula One World Champion.
In July 2022, Gvardiol and his teammates (Alexander Sørloth, Dani Olmo, and Yussuf Poulsen) booked their tickets to watch the Austrian Grand Prix.
The Croatian Defender and his friends took photos in front of Max’s garage. The Defender (as seen here) also spent some time with some of Max’s mechanics.
Witnessing the Austrian Grand Prix was an amazing experience for these Soccer Superstars.
Josko Gvardiol Car:
For the record, the former Dinamo Zagreb star is someone who does not fancy displaying luxurious automobiles via his social media space.
Josko Gvardiol, who is a huge fan of Formula One cars, is also old enough to get a driver’s license. So, it is only a matter of time before fans get to know the car the Croat drives.
Josko Gvardiol Family Life:
The very persistent and hardworking young man owes his success to the proper upbringing he received from his parents. Now, let’s tell you facts about the Croatian footballers’ family members.
Josko Gvardiol Father:
Before he became a successful footballer, the Defender promised to buy his Dad a new home. Just after Josko achieved his transfer to RB Leipzig, he fulfilled his promise to his Dad.
The location of the new house is at Rakitje, a village in central Croatia, west of Zagreb. The house is very close to a peaceful oasis.
Josko ensured his parents’ new home was located far away from the hustle and bustle of Zagreb city and, of course, very close to a lake.
Tihomir, his Dad, is best described as a fisherman from Novigrad. Despite the financial success his family has earned through his son’s career, the proud Dad never gets tired of his old job, fishing. Especially during summer holidays, Josko finds time to help his Dad to fish.
The footballer agrees with the fact that things turned out differently in his life because of his visionary father. Tihomir is proud to have humble, down-to-earth family members.
The youngster sees every success he has as a debt he owes to his parents, especially his Dad.
Josko Gvardiol Mother:
Together with her husband, Tihomir, they help him make all important life decisions.
Sanja Gvardiol no longer lives the daily life of going to work at her former workplace, the wholesale company. This is because her son has provided the means to make her life very comfortable.
Despite her son’s great talent, Sanja Guardiol keeps reminding him not to forget about furthering his education.
Josko is not sure about that at the moment but hopes it will happen later in his career. Sanja views her son as temperamental, playful at the same time and of course, a good child.
Josko Gvardiol Sisters:
Franka and Lorena are quickly growing and acquiring knowledge of the football business. Together with their parents, they work with Marjan Šišić, who has been their brother’s agent since he was 13. This agent is a lawyer from Zagreb who has Josko Gvardiol as his biggest client.
Both of Josko Gvardiol’s Sisters work, and they are also into sports. Together with their brother, they love visiting Novigrad, which is the home of their father. Lorena and Franka Gvardiol are six years apart, with the latter being the oldest in the family.
Josko Gvardiol Grandparents:
According to research, his Dad’s parents live in Novigrad. This explains why Josko and his sisters love to visit this town, which is situated in Istria County in western Croatia.
Josko Gvardiol Uncle:
Kalapač is his name, and he is from Zadar, a city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. He (a former Croatian national team player with one appearance) is Josko Gvardiol’s Uncle.
Damir Kalapač, the super Uncle, follows Josko’s performances in the Bundesliga and the Croatian national team with pride.
Kalapač, who is yet to find a single fault with “little nephew”, hopes that he will end up at an even bigger club than Leipzig.
Untold Facts:
In this final section of Josko Gvardiol’s Biography, we’ll tell you facts you might not know about him. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
His three Biggest Wish:
Since childhood, the Croatian Defender has always wished for these things. The first is to play for his family club, Dinamo Zagreb, which he has achieved. Next is to find himself with the national team, which happened in 2021.
Gvardiol’s last childhood wish was to play in the English Premier League. As I write this Bio, that dream seems likely as English Giants, Chelsea, and Manchester City are battling it out to win his signature.
Josko Gvardiol Salary:
His contract with RB Leipzig sees him make around €1,121,699 annually. Converting this money to Croatian kuna, we have 8,448,905 kn.
Comparing his Salary to the Average Citizen :
Where Josko Gvardiol’s family come from, the average person makes around 91,200 Kuna annually. Do you know?… such a person would need 92 years to make 8,448,905 Kuna, which is the amount he earns every year with RB Leipzig.
Josko Gvardiol FIFA:
As of 2023, the Croatian Defender, alongside Nuno Mendes, and Alphonso Davies, ranks among the best Left-backs with the highest potential in Football. At 20, it is clear that Gvardiol has everything above average in football. Here is a piece of photo evidence.
His most valuable football assets are Sprint Speed, Jumping, Strength, Standing/Sliding tackle and aggression
The video below proves that the Defender ranks among the best career-mode wonderkids.
Josko Gvardiol Religion:
Although he doesn’t publicly reveal details of his faith, the 6 foot 1 Defender was raised in a Christian home.
Josko Gvardiol joins around 86.3 per cent of the Croatian population who identify with and practice the Catholic faith of Christianity.
EndNote:
Josko Gvardiol bears the nickname ‘Pep’ or ‘Pep Guardiola’ because of the similarity of his last name with that of the Man City manager. His birth came on the 23rd of January 2022 to his Mum, Sanja Gvardiol, and Dad, Tihomir Gvardiol.
Gvardiol has two siblings – all sisters (Franka and Lorena). Damir Kalapač is the name of his Uncle. His grandfather’s name is Zvonimir. Gvardiol’s Dad is an Ex-footballer, Fisherman and Fish seller. Sanja, his Mum, used to be an employee at a Zagreb wholesale company.
The Croatian professional footballer with the Aquarius zodiac sign is from the South Slavic ethnic group. His Father hails from Novigrad, and his Mum is from Srednjak.
As regards his education, Josko Gvardiol attended Srednjaci Kindergarten, Josip Račić Elementary School and Road Traffic School. For a left back, he has an amazing height of 6 feet 1 inch or height is 1.85 meters.
Josko Gvardiol’s family is one that denotes the middle class. His Dad (Tihomir), who was once an amateur player in his native Novigrad, enrolled him at the local club, Trešnjevka. While there, young Josko got the opportunity to join his childhood club, Dinamo Zagreb.
The youngster rose through the academy level to become a professional and one of the greatest hopes of Croatian football. Young Josko won the titles; Prva HNL, Croatian Cup and Croatian Super Cup before his departure to RB Leipzig.
Upon joining the Bundesliga club, he fulfilled his life-long promise to his parents by buying them a home at Rakitje, west of Zagreb.
With RB Leipzig, he joined a Jesse Marsch team that won the DFB-Pokal (2021–22). As I conclude this Bio, Josko Gvardiol is optimistic about having a showcase of his talent at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
