Luka Dončić, born on February 28, 1999, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, has rapidly ascended to become one of the premier basketball talents globally. His journey from a young prodigy in Slovenia to a critical player for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA is remarkable.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Luka Doncic
Birth Date	February 28, 1999
Birth Place	Ljubljana, Slovenia
Zodiac Sign	Pisces
Nick Name	The Matador, El Matador, Cool Hand, The Don, Wonder Boy, El Niño Maravilla, Swaggy L, Luka Legend, Too Easy
Religion	Christianity
Nationality	Slovenian
Ethnicity	White
Father’s Name	Sasa Doncic
Mother’s Name	Mirjam Poterbin
Siblings	Unknown
Education	Osnovna Sola Mirana Jarca
Age	22 years old (as of June 2021)
Height	6 feet 7 Inches (or 201 cm)
Weight	230 pounds (or 104 kg)
Body Build	Athletic
Hair Colour	Light Brown
Eye Colour	Green
Married	No
Partner	Anamaria Goltes
Children	None
Profession	Basketball Player
Position in team	Point Guard and Shooting Guard
Shoots	Right
Jersey Number	#77
Affiliations	Union Olimpija, Real Madrid, Dallas Mavericks (Current)
Net Worth	$25 million
Salary	$37,096,500
Social Media	Twitter: @luka7doncic Instagram: @lukadoncic Facebook: @LukaDoncic

Luka Dončić Early Life and Family Background

Luka’s early exposure to basketball can be traced back to his infancy when he first touched a basketball at seven months old. Raised in a household with a basketball coach and former player as a father, Saša Dončić, and a mother, Mirjam Poterbin, who owned beauty salons, Luka’s destiny seemed intertwined with the sport.

The family faced a significant change in 2008 when Luka’s parents filed for divorce, resulting in custody and legal guardianship being granted to his mother. Despite this, Luka’s passion for basketball continued to blossom.

Youth Career: Union Olimpija and Real Madrid

Luka’s official basketball journey commenced at seven when he joined organized basketball at a primary school in Ljubljana. Luka’s talent quickly became evident at Union Olimpija, his father’s hometown club. He started practicing with older players, and by the age of eight, he was training with the 11-year-old group, showcasing skills beyond his years.

His early success included being named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the under-14 Vasas Intesa Sanpaolo Cup in Budapest in 2011, despite finishing as runners-up to FC Barcelona. Luka’s prowess grew as he led Olimpija’s under-12 selection team, playing against opponents several years his senior.

In 2012, at 13, Luka signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid, a testament to his prodigious talent. Under coach Paco Redondo, he stood out on the under-16 team, winning the Minicopa Endesa and earning MVP honors. Luka’s move to Madrid began an impressive journey with the powerhouse club.

Real Madrid Years

Luka’s time with Real Madrid’s youth teams has showcased his versatility and dominance. In the 2014–15 season, he played with the under-18 and reserve units, contributing significantly to their success. His achievements included winning the under-18 Ciutat de L’Hospitalet Tournament and being selected to the All-Tournament Team despite being two years younger than his teammates.

In January 2015, he posted a double-double against the youth team of his former team, Union Olimpija, further solidifying his prowess on the court. His accolades continued with a victory in the under-18 Next Generation Tournament, where he was entitled MVP after defeating defending champions Crvena Zvezda Belgrade in the final.

Early Years

(2015–2016)

Luka Dončić’s professional journey with Real Madrid began on April 30, 2015, when, at the tender age of 16 years and two months, he made his debut in the Liga ACB against Unicaja—this historical moment marked him as the youngest player to don the Real Madrid jersey in the ACB, trailing only behind Ricky Rubio and Ángel Rebolo in league history.

In the 2014–15 ACB season, Dončić played five games, showcasing glimpses of his potential by averaging 1.6 points and 1.2 rebounds in under five minutes per game. However, it was just the prelude to a meteoric rise.

(2015–2016)

The 2015–16 season saw Dončić transition into a regular Real Madrid senior team member. At just 16 years old, he debuted in the EuroLeague, making him the 21st player ever to do so before turning 17. Dončić’s talent was on full display as he contributed both in the domestic league and on the international stage.

His standout performances included a season-high 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists against Bilbao, setting a new ACB record for players under 17. He made significant contributions in the EuroLeague, averaging 3.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and two assists per game.

(2016–2017)

Dončić’s ascent continued into the 2016–17 season, marked by his double-double of 23 points and 11 assists against Montakit Fuenlabrada. This stellar performance earned him his first ACB Player of the Week honor. His impact in the EuroLeague was equally noteworthy, with a standout game against Brose Bamberg, where he recorded 16 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals, earning him the MVP of the Round title.

The season concluded with Dončić claiming the EuroLeague Rising Star title by unanimous vote and securing the ACB Best Young Player Award. These accolades were a testament to his growing influence in European basketball.

MVP Season (2017–2018)

The 2017–18 season saw Dončić stepping into a more significant role for Real Madrid, particularly in the absence of star player Sergio Llull. His season debut showcased his prowess, recording 8 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Dončić’s performances were exceptional, earning him accolades such as EuroLeague MVP of the Round multiple times.

His accomplishments extended to the ACB, where he was named Player of the Month for December after a remarkable display against Olympiacos Piraeus. He secured a triple-double against Real Betis Energía Plus, marking a historic moment in the ACB.

The pinnacle of Dončić’s Real Madrid career came in the EuroLeague finals victory over Fenerbahçe Doğuş, where he was instrumental in guiding his team to success. This remarkable season he earned him the EuroLeague MVP, making him the youngest recipient of the prestigious award.

Dončić’s contributions were not limited to individual awards; he played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s success in domestic and European competitions. He parted ways with Real Madrid in June 2018, leaving a legacy of excellence.

Accolades and Recognition

Luka Dončić’s impact during his Real Madrid years reverberated beyond the court. In November 2019, he was nominated to the EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team, a fitting acknowledgment of his stellar contributions. Additionally, he earned a spot on the 2010–20 All-Decade Team in March 2020, solidifying his place among the EuroLeague greats.

March 23, 2021, marked another milestone for Dončić, as the Real Madrid Football Club honored him and Spanish rally driver Carlos Sainz Sr. as honorary members. This prestigious distinction, the highest awarded by the club, reflected the indelible mark Dončić left on the Real Madrid legacy.

Dallas Mavericks (2018–present)

Rookie Season (2018–2019)

Upon signing his rookie contract with the Mavericks on July 9, 2018, Dončić began his path to NBA stardom. Despite missing the 2018 NBA Summer League due to contractual obligations with Real Madrid, the young Slovenian quickly made his mark. His regular-season debut on October 17, 2018, showcased his versatility, recording 10 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in a game against the Phoenix Suns.

As the season progressed, Dončić’s impact became increasingly evident. Notably, he became the youngest 20-point scorer in Mavericks history on October 20, 2018, with a stellar performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves. His stellar play earned him the title of NBA Rookie of the Month in the WC for November 2018.

Further milestones followed, including his first NBA triple-double on January 21, 2019, at 19. This accomplishment solidified his status as one of the league’s rising stars. Dončić’s dynamic performances continued, leading to him being named the NBA Rookie of the Year in June 2019, a historic achievement as the second European player and the sixth overall winner not born in the United States to receive this prestigious award.

First All-Star and Playoff Appearance (2019–2020)

The 2019–2020 season marked Dončić’s first All-Star appearance and playoff venture. Throughout the season, he showcased consistent triple-double performances and emerged as a leader on the court. On March 4, 2020, Dončić achieved his 22nd career triple-double, surpassing Jason Kidd for the most in Mavericks history. This remarkable feat underscored his impact on the team.

His influence extended into the playoffs, where, on August 17, 2020, he made his NBA Playoffs debut, scoring an impressive 42 points in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Dončić continued to make history, recording a 40-point triple-double on August 23, becoming the youngest player in NBA postseason history with such an accomplishment.

Dončić’s outstanding contributions did not go unnoticed, as he was named to the All-NBA First Team in September 2020, an honor usually reserved for established veterans. This marked his fourth-place finish in the MVP race, making him the second-youngest player ever to achieve such recognition.

First Division Title and Second All-NBA First Team (2020–2021)

The 2020–2021 season saw Dončić reaching new heights in scoring, including a career-high 46-point game on February 12, 2021. His impressive stat line of 31 points, 12 rebounds, and a career-high 20 assists on May 1, 2021, against the Washington Wizards further solidified his place among the NBA elite. This performance made him only the fourth player in NBA history to achieve a 30-point triple-double with at least 20 assists.

On May 22, 2021, in Game 1 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, Dončić showcased his prowess with 31 points, ten rebounds, and 11 assists against the Los Angeles Clippers. This performance made him the first player in NBA history to have three triple-doubles in their first seven career postseason games.

In recognition of his stellar season, Dončić earned his second consecutive All-NBA First Team selection in June 2021, joining a select group of players to achieve this honor in their first three seasons.

First Western Conference Finals Appearance (2021–2022)

In August 2021, Dončić inked a historic five-year, $207 million rookie extension, becoming the face of the Mavericks franchise. This marked the most significant rookie extension in NBA history, a testament to Dončić’s impact and potential.

The 2021–2022 season showcased Dončić’s scoring prowess, highlighted by a career-high 51-point game on February 10, 2022, against the Los Angeles Clippers. His consistent high-scoring performances earned him recognition as the Western Conference Player of the Week.

Career Highs and Record-Breaking Performances (2022–2023)

The 2022–2023 season started with Dončić making NBA history. On October 27, 2022, he recorded a triple-double with 41 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists in an overtime win against the Brooklyn Nets. This marked his 22nd career 30-point triple-double, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain for fifth-most in NBA history.

As the season progressed, Dončić continued to rewrite the record books. On December 27, 2022, he achieved a historic 60-point, 20-rebound triple-double, becoming the first player in NBA history to accomplish such a feat. This extraordinary performance solidified his place among the all-time greats.

Accolades continued to pour in for Dončić throughout the season. He earned the Western Conference Player of the Month award for December 2022 and secured his spot as a Western Conference starter for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. His scoring prowess was on full display in a January 30, 2023, game where he scored 53 points, marking his fifth career 50-point game.

On March 22, 2023, Dončić achieved another milestone by recording his 41st 30-point game of the season, surpassing Mark Aguirre’s previous record for the most 30-point games in Mavericks history.

Continued Dominance and All-NBA Recognition (2023–2024 Season)

The 2023–2024 season commenced with Dončić once again making history. On October 25, 2023, he recorded a triple-double with 33 points, 14 rebounds, and ten assists in a season-opening victory against the San Antonio Spurs. This performance made him the first player in Mavericks history to achieve a 30-point triple-double in a season-opening game.

Two days later, Dončić displayed his scoring prowess with a remarkable 49-point game against the Brooklyn Nets, including a career-high nine three-pointers. His exceptional start to the season hinted at yet another outstanding campaign.

In recognition of his contributions, Dončić was selected to the All-NBA First Team in May 2023, marking his fourth consecutive selection. This acknowledgment highlighted his consistent excellence and impact on the league.

National Team Career

Junior National Team

Luka Dončić’s international journey commenced with the junior national team, although it faced an initial setback. A knee injury forced him to withdraw from the 2014 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship’s Division B tournament. However, his resilience and talent shone through in a friendly match in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, in December 2014. Dončić dazzled with an impressive average of 35.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, showcasing remarkable shooting accuracy with 81 percent on two-pointers and 57 percent on three-pointers.

Senior National Team

EuroBasket 2017

In a pivotal moment on September 22, 2016, Dončić declared his allegiance to the senior men’s Slovenian national team, marking the beginning of a glorious chapter. His teammate and mentor, Goran Dragić, became a significant figure in his national team journey. The EuroBasket 2017 proved historic for Slovenia, clinching their first gold medal with an undefeated record (9–0). Dončić’s stellar performances, including a 27-point display against Latvia and an 11-point, 12-rebound, and 8-assist masterpiece in the semi-final against Spain, were instrumental in securing the championship. Despite facing an injury in the final against Serbia, Dončić’s contributions earned him a spot on the All-Tournament Team.

2020 Summer Olympics

The FIBA Men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2020 in Kaunas, Lithuania, witnessed Dončić leading Slovenia to its inaugural Olympic qualification. In the final round, Dončić’s brilliance secured Slovenia’s victory over Lithuania (96–85), earning him the tournament MVP. This triumph paved the way for Slovenia’s participation in the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Dončić made a stunning Olympic debut on July 26, 2021, scoring 48 points against Argentina in a 118–100 victory. This performance tied for the second-highest men’s point total in a single Summer Olympics basketball game. Despite a semi-final loss to France, Dončić’s triple-double showcased his prowess. Slovenia ultimately fell short in the bronze medal match against Australia. Still, Dončić’s exceptional play earned him a spot in the FIBA All-Star Five team alongside basketball luminaries.

EuroBasket 2022

Dončić continued to leave an indelible mark in EuroBasket 2022. His 47-point spectacle against France, leading Slovenia to the Round of 16, was the second-highest scoring total in EuroBasket history. He maintained his scoring prowess with 35 points against Belgium, setting a historic record as the first player in tournament history in 30 years to achieve three consecutive 30+ point games. Although Slovenia faced an upset against Poland in the quarter-finals, Dončić’s brilliance was undeniable.

2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup

In the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Dončić’s star continued to rise. Joining the exclusive 200-point club, he emerged as one of only 11 players to achieve this feat in a single World Cup campaign. Averaging 27.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 2.5 steals per game, Dončić led Slovenia to a seventh-place finish, defeating Italy 89–85. His outstanding contributions earned him a place in the World Cup All-Tournament Team, solidifying his status as a global basketball icon.

Physical Attributes

Standing tall at 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm) and weighing approximately 230 pounds (104 kg), Luka possesses an imposing physical presence on the basketball court. His athletic build, complemented by light brown hair, green eyes, and smooth skin, adds to his charismatic appearance.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Luka Dončić’s financial prowess extends beyond his on-court achievements. In 2017, he inked a lucrative two-year deal with Nike, a partnership significantly contributing to his estimated net worth of $25 million as of 2023. His brand association expanded further with a multi-year endorsement deal with Air Jordan in December 2019. Donning iconic sneakers like the Air Jordan 35 and the Jordan React Elevation, Luka’s impact on basketball fashion is undeniable. The Air Jordan brand even honored his game with exclusive releases, including the Air Jordan XXXV Low, Jordan Max 200, and Jordan Slide.

Personal Life

Off the court, Luka’s life is characterized by meaningful relationships and personal choices. His girlfriend, Anamaria Goltes, a Slovenian model, is constantly present. The couple currently doesn’t have children. Notably, a former NBA player, Radoslav Nesterovic, serves as Luka’s godfather. Adding a touch of companionship, Hugo, a Pomeranian dog, shares Luka’s home.

Luka’s linguistic abilities reflect his global outlook, as he speaks Slovenian, Serbian, English, and Spanish fluently. His tattoos are not just ink on his skin but symbols of his journey and achievements, including a tiger on his left forearm, the EuroBasket 2017 cup on his right hip, the Latin phrase “Nondesigns, nonexperts,” and his jersey number 7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Luka Dončić wear 77? 

The answer lies in his playing days with the Slovenian national team. The number 77 pays homage to his idol, Vassilis Spanoulis, a Greek professional basketball player whose influence extends beyond the court.

What is Luka Doncic’s salary?

. In the 2020-21 season, he earned an annual base salary of $8,049,360. A significant milestone in his career occurred on August 10, 2021, when he signed a five-year, $207 million rookie extension with the Mavericks, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. His earnings through the 2021-2022 season surpassed $37 million, marking a remarkable financial trajectory.

What is Luka Doncic’s career statistics?

Impressive statistics quantify Luka Dončić’s on-court brilliance. Having played 264 games to date, he maintains an average of 26.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and eight assists per game. While his free-throw percentage stands at 45.7%, his defensive rating is a testament to his well-rounded skills at 109.1. These numbers solidify his impact on the game and position him as a statistical powerhouse in the NBA.

Luka Doncic’s Girlfriend Anamaria Goltes: Relationship and Career

The dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and his girlfriend, Anamaria Goltes, has garnered significant attention in sports and entertainment. Hailing from Slovenia, Anamaria is not just a partner to the NBA sensation Luka Doncic but also a prominent figure in her own right – a popular model, influencer, fitness and lifestyle instructor, and social media personality.

The story of Luka and Anamaria traces back to their childhood, a tale reminiscent of a fairy-tale romance. Having been friends since 12, the couple’s journey took a romantic turn in 2016 when they officially started dating. However, like any narrative with its ups and downs, the pair faced a brief separation in 2018. Despite the challenges, their love story took an inspiring twist as they swiftly reconciled, reinforcing the strength of their bond.

Quick Facts 

Full Name	Anamaria Goltes
Nick Name	Anamaria
Age	25
Birthdate	May 1, 1998
Birthplace	Zagorje ob Savi, Slovenia
Residence	Dallas, Texas
Mother	Maja Bec Goltes
Father	Matjaz Goltes
Siblings	One younger sister (Pia Goltes)
Marital Status	Unmarried
Boyfriend	Luka Doncic
Boyfriend’s profession	Basketball player
Religion	Christianity
Nationality	Slovenian
Height	5’10” (177cm)
Weight	64 kg (143.3 lbs)
Body Size	32-28-34 (chest-waist-hips)
Hair Colour	Blonde
Eye Colour	Brown
Tattoos	No
Zodiac Sign	Taurus
University	University of Ljubljana
School	School of Economics and Business
Profession	Fashion Model, Fitness Instructor
Salary	Under Review
Net Worth	$1 Million
Pets	Two Dogs (Hugo and Gia)
Social Media	Instagram, Twitter
Merch	Luka Doncic Jersey, Luka Doncic Rookie Card

Anamaria Goltes Early Life and Family

Born and raised on May 1, 1998, in Zagorje ob Savi, Central Slovenia, Anamaria Goltes entered the world with a promising future. Her father, Matjaz Goltes, a graduate of the University of Ljubljana, and her mother, Maja Bec Goltes, an alumna of the University of Maribor, provided a nurturing environment for Anamaria and her younger sister, Pia Goltes. While Anamaria has been private about her family life, her early education at the School of Economics and Business at the University of Ljubljana laid the groundwork for her academic journey.

Her move to the United States, prompted by the International Management Group’s recognition of her potential for international projects, marked a significant chapter in Anamaria’s life. Little did she know that this relocation would intertwine her destiny with that of NBA superstar Luka Dončić.

Career 

Anamaria’s ascent into the limelight commenced with her captivating presence on social media. Her engaging posts caught the attention of modeling agencies such as “We Love Your Genes” and “IMG Fashions,” propelling her into the dynamic world of fashion. The pinnacle of her early career came in 2018 when she was featured in “The Cosmopolitan,” a prestigious Slovenian magazine. Presently associated with Immortal Model Management and Campbell Fashions, Anamaria’s creativity extends to her fashion newsletter and blog channel, byanamaria.com.

Her journey from a small town in Slovenia to the pages of fashion magazines and international modeling agencies showcases the resilience and talent that define Anamaria’s career trajectory.

Relationship

The romance between Anamaria Goltes and Luka Dončić is a tale that transcends borders and time. Meeting as 12-year-olds in Croatia, their paths converged again in 2016 when Anamaria, scouted for international projects, moved to the United States. This relocation marked a turning point in their relationship, transforming a childhood connection into a full-fledged romance.

While the couple faced a brief separation in 2018, their love prevailed, and they swiftly reunited. Now, as one of the NBA’s power couples, Anamaria and Luka share their passion openly on social media, offering fans a glimpse into their journey. Their story is a testament to enduring love amidst the challenges of fame and public scrutiny.

Anamaria Goltes: The Influencer

Beyond her role as Luka Dončić’s partner, Anamaria stands tall as an influencer with a substantial social media presence. With a height of 5’10” and a physique boasting measurements of 32-28-34, she effortlessly transitions between her roles as a fashion model and fitness instructor. Her Instagram account, @anamariagoltes, with 160k followers, showcases a curated collection of lifestyle, fashion, and fitness content. Additionally, her dog-focused performance, @hugo__gia, has garnered 28.9k followers, highlighting her love for her canine companions.

Anamaria’s online persona exudes positivity, featuring skincare routines, workout videos, travel escapades, and glimpses into her culinary adventures. Whether playing tennis, horse riding, or indulging in some #netflixandchill moments, she offers a multifaceted portrayal of her life.

Net Worth and Future

Anamaria Goltes, not merely a celebrity partner, has etched her name in the fashion world, accumulating a net worth estimated at $1 million. Modeling assignments, fitness instruction, and sponsored posts contribute to her income streams, with sources suggesting that she earns between $300 and $500 per sponsored post.

As fans eagerly anticipate the wedding bells for the recently engaged couple, Anamaria continues to inspire with her journey from a small town in Slovenia to the glamorous life she leads today. With a supportive partner in Luka Dončić, she navigates the challenges of fame, remaining a beacon of authenticity in the ever-evolving world of influencers. As her story unfolds, Anamaria Goltes remains a symbol of resilience, talent, and love in the eyes of her admirers worldwide.

 

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