Croatia defender Domagoj Vida is one of the most iconic players to have played for his country, and the footballer is married to ex-Miss Croatia Universe winner Ivana
England and Croatia are set to continue their rivalry on Thursday evening. And even eight years down the line, memories of their World Cup semi-final in Russia are still strong.
Croatia shocked the footballing world with their run to the final in Moscow, where they eventually lost to France in a seven-goal thriller. And in Russia, defender Domagoj Vida made waves with his distinctive rock star appearance.
Recognisable by his flowing locks and intense expression, the full-back had been a regular fixture in the Croatia team for more than 10 years, having made his international debut in 2010.
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However, Vida’s striking looks were quickly outshone when cameras picked up his jaw-dropping wife, Ivana, in the stands. As with all great love stories, Vida and Ivana’s romance began in a Zagreb nightclub.
And it seems to have been love at first sight, as the couple have remained together ever since. Former Bayer Leverkusen and Dynamo Kyiv player Vida was already with Ivana when she won her Miss Croatia Universe crown in 2014 – not to be confused with Ivana Knoll.
The couple welcomed their first baby in 2015. Ivana has remained alongside Vida throughout his numerous transfers around Europe, relocating from Croatia to Ukraine, Ukraine to Turkey and Turkey to Greece.
Following Croatia’s remarkable 2018 World Cup campaign, Vida was strongly tipped for a Premier League switch, with West Ham, Liverpool and Arsenal all touted as potential suitors.
He subsequently signed for Besiktas, before a move to AEK Athens in 2022, where, at 37-years-old, he is still playing. However, he has only made appearances in Greek Cup, and has been limited to the bench in the league.
Vida last represented his country in 2024, playing the full 90 minutes during friendlies with Egypt and North Macedonia.