Luka Dončić

Luka Dončić, is a Slovenian professional basketball player renowned for his exceptional skill set, basketball IQ, and versatility on the court. Playing as a guard for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA, Dončić has quickly become one of the league’s brightest stars. With multiple All-Star selections and a EuroLeague MVP title before joining the NBA, he is celebrated for his scoring, playmaking, and ability to perform in clutch moments. Known for his charisma and competitive spirit, Dončić is a global ambassador for basketball and a rising icon in the sport.

Luka Dončić’s early life in Slovenia and his dedication to basketball shaped his path to becoming an international superstar.

• Born Luka Dončić on February 28, 1999, in Ljubljana, Slovenia,
• Luka showed an early passion for basketball, reportedly playing with a miniature hoop as a toddler and starting organized basketball at the age of seven. 
• Coached by older and more experienced players during his early years, Luka developed the basketball IQ that distinguishes him today.
• Grew up immersed in the sport, influenced by his father’s career, and began playing organized basketball at the age of eight with Union Olimpija, a top Slovenian basketball club.
• Signed with Real Madrid at the age of 13, relocating to Spain to join one of Europe’s premier basketball programs, where he honed his skills against elite competition.
• Made his professional debut for Real Madrid’s senior team at just 16 years old, becoming the youngest player in club history and showcasing his talent on the European stage.
• Won the EuroLeague MVP and Final Four MVP awards in 2018, leading Real Madrid to a EuroLeague championship and cementing his status as the best young player in Europe.
• Declared for the 2018 NBA Draft, where he was selected third overall by the Atlanta Hawks and traded to the Dallas Mavericks, marking the start of his journey in the NBA.

Luka Dončić’s family and upbringing have played a pivotal role in shaping his basketball career and personal life, fostering his passion for the game from an early age.

• Born to Mirjam Poterbin, a beauty salon owner, and Saša Dončić, a basketball coach and former player. His mother is Slovenian, while his father is of Serbian descent from Kosovo.
• Dončić’s parents divorced in 2008, with custody and guardianship granted to his mother, Mirjam, who has remained a constant support throughout his career.
• In July 2023, Luka got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Anamaria Goltes. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Gabriela, on December 1, 2023.