Mateo Kovačić genoss das Meer, veröffentlichte ein Foto von dem Abendessen und löste eine Debatte aus: "Du bist ein bisschen angezündet"

After a tough World Cup campaign, Croatian footballers took time off before returning to their club obligations. Among them, Mateo Kovačić shared glimpses of his summer vacation on social media, sparking mixed reactions. On Instagram, he posted photos of himself enjoying the seaside atmosphere, dining at a restaurant with the sea and a beautiful sunset in the background. While many praised his relaxed moment, others focused on the food, questioning its preparation. The post showed Kovačić eating cevapi, a traditional dish popular in Croatia, alongside a side dish. Though the meal seemed typical for the region, the image stirred some debate among commenters. Some found the meat slightly overcooked, while others noted the lack of ajvar, a common accompaniment. “Lipo je to, ali fali ajvar,” one user wrote. “Malo su zagorili,” another added. A few even joked, suggesting the cevapi should be eaten with hands rather than utensils. Despite the criticism, some fans expressed admiration for Kovačić’s laid-back lifestyle. One commented, “When you finish playing football, modeling awaits you.” Others simply asked, “How are you enjoying yourself?” or called him “the new James Bond.” Meanwhile, his wife, Valentina Miletić, surprised followers with a video showing her in a bikini, teasing, “Would you run with me or just watch?” Meanwhile, another player, Vedran Šornić, known as Vatreni (meaning “Fire”), showed emotion after Croatia’s elimination from the World Cup following a defeat to Portugal in the round of 16. He posted on social media expressing gratitude for the support from fans. “I still struggle to find the right words after the last match,” he wrote. “We believed we could go much further, so this is hard to accept. Everyone gave everything they had for this jersey. We leave this tournament disappointed, but proud of how we fought for our homeland until the end. To everyone who filled the stadiums, cheered for us, and supported us from home, thank you. We felt your support at every step.” As the team continues to recover from the emotional weight of the World Cup exit, players like Kovačić and Šornić have taken moments to reflect and recharge. Their posts highlight the contrast between public celebration and private reflection, offering fans a glimpse into life beyond the pitch. For Kovačić, the beachside meal became both a personal escape and a point of discussion, underscoring the blend of pride and scrutiny that comes with being a national sports star.