From Blanka to Nikola Vlasic: A Family’s Sports Legacy

Nikola Vlasic is an athlete born into a family blessed with remarkable sports talent. His story is one of a young boy who used the global fame of his father and sister to fuel his own success as a professional footballer. Growing up, Nikola was aware of the Vlašić family’s reputation, known not just in Croatia but around the world. His father, Joško Vlašić, was already a celebrated figure, but it was his older sister, Blanka Vlašić, who brought global recognition to the family name. Blanka, a renowned high jumper, held world records and was so famous that she was named after the city of Casablanca, where their father won a gold medal honour at the 1983 Mediterranean Games, shortly before she was born.

Vlasic’s childhood was filled with memories of sitting in his family’s living room, gazing at his sister’s numerous gold medals. Those moments inspired young Nikola, as he promised himself that one day he would also make his parents proud. This article explores the story of Nikola Vlašić, highlighting how he used his family’s sporting legacy, especially his sister’s global fame, as inspiration to carve out his own path to success.

Preamble:

Our biography of Nikola Vlašić provides insights into his childhood, early life, and family background, including his parents, Venera Milin and Josko Vlašić, and his siblings, his famous sister Blanka Vlašić, and his brothers Luka and Marin. We also explore his relationship with his wife, Ana, and delve into his personality.

To give you a taste of Nikola Vlašić’s captivating life story, we’ve put together a gallery showcasing key moments from his early life to his career achievements. Take a look at this visual summary of the Croatian footballer’s remarkable journey.

Without question, Nikola has what Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes have got in terms of their offensive midfield capabilities. The talented player is a dynamic, energetic box-to-box playmaker who can take on defenders and control the pace of any football match.

Despite the many praises surrounding his name, we notice that only a few football fans have read a concise piece of Nikola Vlasic’s Biography. Because of that, we’ve made his story to satisfy your search intent. Now, without further ado, let’s begin with the events of his Early Life.

Nikola Vlasic Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, he bears the nickname – Niksi. Nikola Vlašić was born on the 4th day of October 1997 to his mother, Venera Milin and father, Josko Vlasic, in the city of Split, Croatia.

The attacking midfielder came to the world as the last-born child (also called the baby of the house), among the four children of his Dad and Mum. All of Nikola Vlasic’s siblings are fruits of the blissful marital union between his parents (Venera and Josko).

Early Life and Growing-Up Years:

Nikola Vlasic spent his boyhood days alongside three older siblings, who are at least four years his senior.

The firstborn of Venera and Josko is Blanka Vlasic (born in 1983). Marin Vlasic, the first son follows next. The third child (Nikola’s immediate older brother) is Luka Vlasic.

Nikola grew up noticing his Vlasic family’s name was very popular – not just by the people of Croatia but the world in general.

Aside from his Dad (Josko Vlasic), his oldest sister (Blanka) enjoyed global fame in sports. She is a renowned world record holder in the high jump.

The Best Memory of his Boyhood Days:

Among many, Nikola has two sweetest childhood memories. First, it is that unforgettable moment and the proud feeling of watching his big sister (Blanka Vlasic) win and celebrate her high jump world record.

Now, here is the video of the blissful moment Blanka Vlasic made that High Jump record, a feat that made the Vlasic family so proud of their sporting success.

The second part of Nikola Vlasic’s childhood memory is that beautiful moment he sat on the chair – in his family’s living room, watching all of his sister’s gold medals. Here, little Niksi told himself – that one day, he too would make his parents proud.

It is pertinent to note that during this time, Nikola (through his Dad’s efforts) had already taken a liking to football. There was never such a thing as the last-born lazy syndrome.

As a boy, Nikola often played football with his big sister (a Croatian Olympic GOAT and renowned world record holder in the high jump). The boy showed a firm commitment to making it – so early in his life.

Nikola Vlasic Family Background:

When you think of one of the greatest sporting households in the Croatian city of Split, you can hardly go past two names without mentioning the Vlasic family. Truth be told, Sports didn’t start with Nikola’s older sister but with his Dad and Mum.

The Croatian professional footballer (Nikola Vlasic) was born to the family of former cross-country skier Venera Milin (his Mother) and an athletic coaching father, Josko Vlasic.

Nikola Vlašić’s father, Josko Vlašić, is a highly accomplished sports professional who graduated in athletics from the Faculty of Physical Culture in Zagreb. Josko worked as a coach for ASK Split, an athletics organization, and also served as a physical education teacher in various elementary and high schools across Split, the second-largest city in Croatia.

Nikola Vlasic Family Origin:

The attacking midfielder is of Croatian nationality. Nikola is also from the country’s Slavic ethnic group, which is native to Croatia alongside parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina (the country of Edin Dzeko).

It is pertinent to note that both of Nikola Vlasic’s parents (Venera Milin and Josko Vlasic) are from two different parts of Croatia.

His Dad is from Dubrava, in the district of Zagreb. On the other hand, Nikola Vlasic’s Mum (Venera Milin) hails from Jezera – a faraway Croatian village.

Nikola Vlasic Education and Career Buildup:

As a successful and famous sports household, there were expectations – such as the need to continue the Vlasic family legacy.

Hence, Nikola Vlasic’s parents (Venera and Josko), early on, considered the idea of enrolling him in a football programme.

Aside from going to school, Nikola got his first football training from no other than his versatile Dad. In the year 2002, his father, Joško Vlašić, decided that Niksi, as his family nicknames him, would focus all his time – on a quest to become a professional footballer.

In the beginning, Joško Vlašić trained his son on his own. Later, he sought advice from the late Tomislav Ivić, a Croatian manager who advised that his son should be coached by Zoran Vulić, a former Croatian footballer.

For much of his childhood, Nikola was coached individually by Zoran Vulić. Afterwards, he started his career in Dalmatinac.

To help him get the best, Josko Vlasic (his Dad) approved his son to join Omladinac Vranjic, a football academy from Vranjic, near Split, Croatia.

The idea of making things formal was simple. It was to see his son getting raised (career-wise) in the image and likeness of Mario Mandžukić – a goal machine who, as of then, was a legend with Dinamo Zagreb.

Nikola Vlasic Football Story:

Young Niksi was a true child soccer sensation – at the time, he played his football with Omladinac Vranjic Academy.

As early as 2006 (age 8), videos of him had already gone viral on YouTube. Watch little Nikola doing wonders as an 8-year-old.

After spending four successful seasons with the Omladinac Vranjic academy, 12-year-old Nikola Vlašić joined Hajduk Split, marking the start of his journey towards becoming a professional footballer.

Nikola excelled at the youth club level, and the very best of his Hajduk Split academy days came just a year before graduation. It happened with his childhood best friend.

In that 2013 -2014 season, the youngster formed a potent midfield partnership with one of his teammates, Andrija Balić.

That partnership brought colossal success to Hajduk Split. It is pertinent to note that both lads had played with each other since their boyhood days.

Both boys helped their team finish first place – in a full first half of a single season, without a single loss.

As a reward for hard work, Andrija Balić and Nikola Vlasic (including other teammates) earned themselves a professional contract.

Early Life in Senior Football:

Nikola Vlašić started his professional career on a high note. To the delight of his parents and family members, the promising talent scored in his debut match, a UEFA Europa League qualifying game against Dundalk.

By scoring on his debut, Nikola broke a record to become Hajduk Split’s youngest scorer for international competitions at the age of 16 years and nine months. The boy’s success didn’t end there as that season, Vlašić scored more goals.

The Leadership Position:

On the 30th day of June 2016, two seasons after he became a pro, the youngster earned himself a vice-captain position for his club.

Even while the captain of his team (Kalinić) was away for the UEFA Euro 2016, a young Nikola Vlašić (at the tender age of 19) took up the mantle of leadership. He captained Hajduk Split – leading them to important victories.

Nikola Vlasic Biography – The Road to Fame Story:

That leadership quality he possessed, coupled with his performance, made him a hot transfer property.

It earned Nikola Vlasic a place in the books of football scouts from Everton. A season after the 2016 Euros, the Toffees signed him on a five-year contract.

Watch the Nikola Vlasic glory days with Hajduk Split. These were the displays that convinced Everton to sign him.

The money Everton gained from the sale of John Stones (CB), Romelu Lukaku, and Ross Barkley was among those used to purchase Nikola Vlasic.

Other big names who arrived at Everton that season includes; Gylfi Sigurdsson, Jordan Pickford, Theo Walcott, Michael Keane and Cenk Tosun.

Ironically, Everton faced Nikola Vlasic’s old club (Hajduk Split) in his first year of being with them. The boy (19) had lots to prove at that time.

Hence, it was no surprise that his gameplay impressed Everton Boss, Ronald Koeman and Director of football Steve Walsh.

Vlašić continued to push hard to impress his boss – even scoring on his debut at Toffees’ home ground – Goodison Park. Watch his first goal in an Everton shirt.

The Marco Silva Rejection:

The 2018/2019 change in Everton’s management brought in the Portuguese manager, who had his own ideas of growth. Marco Silva’s plan was centred around the acquisition and use of his own favourites, namely André Gomes (AM), Ademola Lookman, and Richarlison.

While Marco Silva considered Wayne Rooney as too old for his liking, Nikola Vlasic, on the other hand, was labelled as not his kind of offensive midfielder.

Marco Silva never gave the poor Croat enough time to prove himself. Rather, he made a plan to push Nikola on loan.

It took the efforts of Wayne Rooney to console the Everton rejection – making Nikola believe that hope lies ahead.

Nikola Vlasic Biography – The Success Story:

It was hard for the youngster to deal with the reality of rejection from Everton – a club he loved. After being declared a surplus to requirement, Nikola Vlasic decided he would leave England – with a dream of returning one day – to prove his worth.

On 31 August 2018, the Croatian midfielder joined Russian club CSKA Moscow – via loan. With a new plan in mind, Nikola’s mission was to use majorly the Champions League to prove himself – which he did in a stylish fashion.

On his Champions League debut on September 19, 2018, Nikola Vlašić made a significant impact by scoring two goals for CSKA Moscow. His impressive performance left a lasting impression beyond that match.

Nikola Vlasic made another big statement by scoring the only goal that defeated the Almighty Real Madrid – in a 1-0 CSKA win.

Satisfied with his performances – including a beautiful assist to Andrej Kramaric while on November 2018 national duty, CSKA blessed Vlašić with a permanent contract.

With that new contract came bigger expectations, and Nikola kept defying all odds stacked on his way.

Because he was that good, top European clubs (the likes of Napoli, Atlanta, etc.) came chasing for Nikola Vlašić’s signature. Despite the huge pressure, CSKA refused to sell the precious gem.

The Return to England:

December 2020 was when Nikola Vlašić agreed he had fulfilled his mission in Russia, hence the need to move on.

That decision was when he received the accolades of Russian Premier League, the Russian Football Union and Sport Express Footballer of the Year. Nikola won all these in the year 2020.

With CSKA Moscow still adamant about selling him, the relationship between him and the Russian club deteriorated.

In no time, CSKA Moscow obliged, and that forced the Russian football giant to place a good price tag on their Rebellious midfielder.

On the 31st day of August 2021, David Moyes’ West Ham sealed Nikola Vlasic deal  – in a fee reported to be around £25 million.

According to Croatian media outlets, the fee made Nikola the fourth most expensive transfer of a Croatian player in soccer history.

At the time of writing Nikola Vlasic’s Biography, he now flys high in West Ham colours – hoping to make a bigger statement in England.

Still, only 23 (as of 2021), the son of Josko Vlasic and Venera Milin still has more to prove. The rest of his Biography is now history.

About Nikola Vlasic’s Wife – Ana:

For a long time now, the Croat has been declared taken. Put simply, Nikola Vlasic is not single. He was in a relationship with the love of his life – Ana – even before his early premier league days with Everton.

According to Jutarnji, Nikola and Ana began dating in the year 2016 – just after he started playing professional football with Hajduk Split.

She has supported him throughout, even though it means transferring her education to Russia – after her boyfriend left Everton.

After dating for five years, the lover boy – Nikola – decided he would pop the question. Ana gladly said yes, and both lovers sought marital blessings from their parents. Next was the preparation for the big event.

The Wedding of Nikola and Ana.

After the 2021 Russian championship, Nikola and Ana (in order to prepare for their wedding) returned to their homeland, Split.

The lovers got married (in May 2021) in the circle of their parents, siblings, extended family members and closest friends. Their marriage happened at St. Lawrence’s Church in Split, Croatia.

Nikola Vlasic’s wife (Ana) was heavy with their child at the time of their wedding. The baby was born around mid-2021 – at the time, her husband represented Croatia at the 2020 European Championship.

Personality:

Away from the pitch, the combative midfielder does the most unusual exercises for a footballer.

Sometimes, we wonder… if shooting a bow and arrow is a good workout. Well,… Nikola Vlašić’s bursts of energy in this video help explain that. Watch his amazing workout routines.

Nikola Vlasic Lifestyle:

Living healthy as a footballer takes a ton of extra time and effort. Hence, prioritizing health with a busy lifestyle is paramount for Nikola.

With immense support from his Dad, it is quite easy for Vlasic to jump into his car after a hard day of transfer negotiation.

Nikola Vlasic Family Life:

The only thing better than a footballer is having an athletic family. And Nikola Vlasic’s household has reached the heights of sporting stardom – all thanks to their achievement in different sports. Now, let’s tell you more about his Dad, Mum and older Siblings.

About Nikola Vlasic’s Father:

Joško was born in the year 1956 in Split. He started out as a student athletic in ASK Split, a Croatian club for Athletes.

Upon observing his outstanding talent, his former coach, Ante Tešija felt Joško would do well in the decathlon, as he described him as “tall and skinny”.

As Wikipedia puts it, a decathlon is a combined sports event in athletics comprising ten track and field events. Joško at first was initially not convinced about joining the sport. So, because of his patient attitude, he kept being tenacious, and the results came quickly.

In the following years, Joško Vlašić became the leading Yugoslav decathlete, winning five consecutive national championships from 1979 to 1983.

That year, 1983, Nikola Vlasic’s Dad broke a state record in the decathlon sport – (7659 points).

The proud Dad won two decathlon medals in consecutive Mediterranean Games: a bronze in 1979 and his gold medal in 1983. In fact, Joško Vlašić’s decathlon personal best of 7659 points, set in Izmir in June 1983, is still a Croatian record.

After retirement, the proud father went into coaching his daughter at the Long jump. Joško employed himself as the sole coach to his daughter Blanka Vlašić.

Behold the Super Dad Joško and his daughter, who went on to become a world champion in the high jump.

About Nikola Vlasic’s Mother:

Venera Milin is best known as the wife of Joško, one of the most respected men in Croatian sports.

Like her husband, she was also an Athlete (now retired). Venera before retirement, was engaged in cross-country skiing. She later went into handball and athletics.

About Blanka Vlašić – Nikola Vlasic’s Sister:

Born in the year 1983, her parents (Venera and Joško) named her after Casablanca, the host city of the 1983 Games.

Blanka Vlašić was born during the Mediterranean Games – which saw her famous athlete Dad winning a gold medal.

She began following in her parents’ footsteps early in her youth. Blanka tried many athletic events, such as tennis, volleyball and basketball. In the end, she settled for the high jump – after consulting with her Dad.

As a high jumper, Blanka won several medals – making her a Legend. Nikola Vlasic’s sister is a European champion, double world outdoor champion, double world indoor champion, Olympic silver medalist, and double world junior champion. Blanka’s Dad, Joško, remains her greatest asset.

About Nikola Vlasic’s Brothers – Marin and Luka:

Nikola Vlašić’s older siblings are spaced six years apart. Marin, the eldest, was born in 1986, making him three years younger than Blanka and 11 years older than Nikola. Luka, the second son, was born in 1992.

Both Marin and Luka (pictured below) have not witnessed as much success and global fame as Blanka and Nikola – the two family breadwinners.

Untold Facts:

Rounding up this Biography, we’ll use this final section to unveil more truths about the Croatian professional footballer. Now, let’s begin.

Nikola Vlasic Salary Breakdown:

West Ham United sealed a deal to pay him £70,000-per-week. An average person working in Croatia typically earns around 204,001 HRK per year. Hence, it would take 13 years for such a citizen to earn Nikola Vlasic’s monthly salary with West Ham.

The Ex-Spurs, Real Madrid and Croatian midfielder was unanimously acknowledged as the world’s best player that year.

Nikola Vlasic Profile:

He is very much like Paul Pogba – for comparison’s sake. Nikola Vlasic excels more in his movement and balance. As observed from his stats, he has a powerful running style, which he combines well with a technical mastery of the ball – which only a few midfielders can match. Here are Vlasic’s FIFA ratings, which look very much like Kenan Yıldız‘s.

Nikola Vlasic Religion:

The attacking midfielder belongs to the Roman Catholic division of Christianity. Members of Nikola Vlasic’s family attend Saint Lawrence’s Church in Split, Croatia.

Right there in that church was where he celebrated his wedding with his beloved wife, Anna.

Conclusion:

Nikola Vlasic was always destined to be in the limelight – all thanks to the efforts of his Dad (Josko Vlasic), who began training him (personally) from a very young age.

Coming from a famous sports family also helped him lay the foundation of his footballing dreams.

Nikola Vlasic’s parents are the foundation of sports in the family. Venera Milin (his Mum), is a physical education teacher and a former cross-country skiing national champion.

Nikola Vlasic’s Dad (Joško Vlašić) is a Croatian athletics coach and a former decathlete who represented Yugoslavia.

Blanka Vlašić, his older sister, is a former track and field athlete who became a legend in the high jump. She is a two-time world champion and a double Olympic medalist.

As a boy, Nikola witnessed (Blanka Vlasic) conquer the world several times – making her name in the history of jumping.

The influence of his Dad, Mum and older siblings gave him that powerful drive to succeed in his own world of football.

As I write this Bio, Nikola Vlasic’s inexorable rise is just being witnessed in a West Ham shirt. A thousand right decisions have forged Croatia’s new hero, and he is proud to have become a vital member of Zlatko Dalic‘s national team setup.

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Kindly stay tuned for more Croatian soccer stories. The Life History of Dominik Livakovic and Josko Gvardiol will excite you.

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