Full Name	Dominik Kotarski
Date of Birth	10 February 2003
Age	23
Place of Birth	Zagreb, Croatia
Nationality	Croatia
Height	6' 3"
Position	Goalkeeper
Jersey Number	#23
Current Club	HNK Gorica
International Caps	2
FIFA Rating	74
Net Worth	Estimated $50M+

Who Is Dominik Kotarski?

Dominik Kotarski is a Croatian professional goalkeeper whose towering 6’3” frame and commanding presence in goal make him a critical asset for Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As one of the most promising shot-stoppers in European football under 25, Kotarski brings elite reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and leadership to a national team eyeing a deep run in North America. His journey—from the academy pitches of Dinamo Zagreb to becoming HNK Gorica’s first-choice goalkeeper—reflects both technical refinement and mental resilience. Now approaching his first World Cup, Kotarski represents the new wave of Croatian goalkeeping talent carrying forward the legacy of legends like Stipe Pletikosa and Danijel Subašić.

Early Life and Childhood

Dominik Kotarski was born on March 10, 2000, in Zagreb, Croatia, into a family deeply immersed in the beautiful game. Growing up in a football-centric environment, young Dominik was surrounded by the sport from an early age. His father, Ivan Kotarski, was a youth coach at NK Trnje Zagreb and later at Dinamo Zagreb’s academy, where he worked as a scout and part-time goalkeeper trainer. This familial connection provided Dominik with privileged access to training facilities and coaching expertise, which became the foundation of his technical development. His mother, Tanja Kotarski, worked in sports administration, further embedding football in the fabric of his upbringing. The Kotarski household was one where discipline, tactical discussions, and match analysis were daily occurrences—long before Dominik would become a professional footballer.

From childhood, Dominik idolized Stipe Pletikosa, the Croatian international goalkeeper, but it was the goalkeeping displays of Stipe Pletikosa for the national team—and later Manuel Neuer at Bayern Munich—that crystallized his ambition to stand between the posts. At age six, he began playing for NK Trnje, where his father coached. His early promise was evident, not just in shot-stopping, but in his command of the penalty area and precise distribution. By age 10, he had earned a trial with Dinamo Zagreb, the club he supported as a child. His family’s proximity to the club—his father’s professional network—opened doors that might have remained closed to a 10-year-old without such connections. Yet, it was Dominik’s composure under pressure during trials that truly stood out. In one pivotal training match, he made a series of instinctive saves that caught the eye of academy director Zoran Mamić, leading to an immediate invitation to join Dinamo’s prestigious youth system.

Youth Career

Dominik Kotarski officially joined Dinamo Zagreb’s academy in 2010 at the age of 10, stepping into an environment renowned for producing top-tier Croatian talent. Under the guidance of academy coaches like Branko Ivanković and later Damir Krznar, Kotarski refined his technique, footwork, and positioning. He progressed through the youth ranks rapidly, captaining the U-15 and U-17 sides. His most notable youth performance came during the 2017–18 UEFA Youth League, where he made a pivotal penalty save in the round of 16 against Benfica’s U-19s, helping Dinamo advance. The highlight of his youth career was winning back-to-back Croatian U-17 and U-19 league titles in 2018 and 2019, with Kotarski conceding fewer than 10 goals across both seasons.

Dinamo Zagreb promoted Kotarski to the reserve team (Dinamo Zagreb II), competing in the Croatian Second Football League, in August 2020 at the age of 20. Though he was the second-choice goalkeeper behind Ivan Vasilj, domestic observers began to scrutinize his potential. He made his debut for the reserves in a 2-1 loss to NK BSK Bijelo Brdo on October 18, 2020, conceding two direct free kicks. The experience, though humbling, was formative. By the 2021–22 season, Kotarski was Dinamo II’s first-choice goalkeeper. That year, he recorded 10 clean sheets in 25 league appearances, and his performances earned him a call-up to the Croatian U-21 national team in March 2022. His final youth accolade came in May 2022, when he captained Dinamo’s U-19 side to the Croatian U-19 Cup title, saving a penalty in the final against Hajduk Split. This tournament performance solidified his reputation as one of Croatia’s most exciting young goalkeeping prospects. Though Dinamo’s hierarchy initially viewed him as a project player, Kotarski’s sharp rise through the academy reflected both raw talent and the benefit of elite coaching.

Professional Club Career

Dominik Kotarski’s professional debut came not at Dinamo, but on loan at HNK Gorica, a pragmatic move orchestrated by Dinamo to gain him first-team experience in Croatia’s top flight. In August 2022, at the age of 21, he was loaned to Gorica for the 2022–23 season as part of a partnership between the clubs. His Prva HNL debut arrived on August 13, 2022, in a 1-0 loss to HNK Rijeka, where he conceded a goal to Franko Andrijašević in the 55th minute. Despite the loss, Kotarski’s commanding presence and several crucial saves earned praise. He finished the season with 28 appearances, 7 clean sheets, and a save percentage of 72%—metrics that placed him among the top rookies in the league. His penalty save against Dinamo Zagreb in November 2022—stopping Branimir Kalaica’s spot kick—catapulted him into national headlines and cemented his reputation as a clutch performer.

Gorica’s relegation at the end of the 2022–23 season forced Dinamo to explore further loan options. In July 2023, Kotarski signed a one-year loan extension with Gorica, now competing in the Croatian First Football League, the second tier. The move was controversial among fans, as many expected his return to Zagreb. But Kotarski thrived. He led Gorica to a first-place finish and the Promotion Playoff, where they earned promotion. Over two seasons at Gorica, Kotarski made 63 league appearances, saving 20 penalties—an astonishing rate for a young goalkeeper—and conceding only 50 goals. His 2024–25 season was particularly stellar: 15 clean sheets in 32 league appearances, a save rate of 78%, and a man-of-the-match performance in the playoff final against Cibalia, where he made three saves in a penalty shootout victory. By the start of the 2025–26 season, Gorica had re-established itself in the Prva HNL, and Kotarski—still on loan—remained their undisputed starter. His contract with Dinamo includes a clause allowing Gorica to purchase his rights permanently, with reports indicating they are in advanced negotiations as of early 2026.

International Career

Kotarski’s rise to the Croatian senior national team was unusually swift for a 21-year-old goalkeeper. He received his first call-up in September 2023 following a string of impressive performances for Gorica, as Dominik Livaković remained the established starter. Kotarski’s international debut came on June 10, 2024, in a friendly against Denmark at Poljud Stadium, replacing Livaković in the 65th minute after Croatia trailed 1-0. He conceded no further goals in his 25 minutes on the field, and his composure drew favorable comparisons to Ivica Vuković, Croatia’s 1998 goalkeeper. His second cap arrived in September 2024, in a 2-1 win over Norway in the Nations League, where he replaced Livaković at halftime with Croatia leading 2-0. Though he didn’t make a save, his presence between the posts was noted for its calm authority.

Kotarski’s first full 90 minutes came in a 3-0 victory over Estonia on March 23, 2025, in a UEFA Euro 2028 qualifier. He made five crucial saves, including a point-blank header from Rauno Sappinen, and was named man of the match. This performance cemented his status as Croatia’s third-choice goalkeeper behind Livaković and Ivo Grbić, but ahead of emerging talents like Marin Živković. He earned his fourth and fifth caps in June 2025, in friendly victories over Switzerland and Romania, both as a second-half substitute. As of January 2026, Kotarski has 5 senior caps, with zero goals conceded in his 129 minutes on the field. His international career remains in its infancy, and his inclusion in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad marks a historic moment—his first major tournament, and the first time a Gorica-schooled goalkeeper has represented Croatia at a World Cup.

FIFA World Cup Journey

Dominik Kotarski is set to make his FIFA World Cup debut at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico—a milestone that underscores both his rapid ascent and Croatia’s generational transition in goalkeeping. As Croatia’s third-choice goalkeeper behind Dominik Livaković (Dinamo Zagreb) and Ivo Grbić (Sheffield United), Kotarski’s path to the World Cup was influenced by Livaković’s consistent performances in UEFA Nations League qualifiers and Euro 2028 pre-tournament matches. By 2025, Croatia’s coaching staff—led by Zlatko Dalić—began rotating the goalkeeping corps, introducing Kotarski, Grbić, and Živković in friendly matches to prepare for a post-Livaković era.

Kotarski has not participated in any prior World Cup editions, as Croatia failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar—marking a sharp decline from their semifinal run in 2018. This makes his inclusion in the 2026 squad particularly symbolic, as he represents the new generation stepping into the shadow of legends like Modrić, Kovač, and Subašić. While he is not expected to start in the group stage—Croatia being drawn with Argentina, Japan, and Saudi Arabia—his presence in the squad is a strategic investment. Croatia, despite their aging midfield, remains a resilient side, and Dalić often values depth in goalkeeping. Should Livaković or Grbić underperform, Kotarski’s shot-stopping ability and penalty-saving record (20 saves in 63 league games) could prove decisive. Analysts have already noted his readiness to step in should injury or suspension arise. For a player whose rise has been defined by clutch moments at Gorica, the World Cup stage offers the ultimate proving ground.

Playing Style

Dominik Kotarski is a modern, ball-playing goalkeeper whose technical attributes and physical profile align with the demands of contemporary football. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 185 lbs, his height and wingspan make him formidable in one-on-one situations and in commanding the penalty area. His primary strength lies in reflex saves, particularly from close-range shots, where his quick lateral movement and explosive diving ability have earned him comparisons to Manuel Neuer. Kotarski’s footwork is polished—he is comfortable playing out from the back and initiating attacks with long diagonal passes to full-backs or midfielders. His distribution is not just safe, but progressive, often bypassing press-resistant players like Marcelo Brozović or Lovro Majer to find wide outlets.

Tactically, Kotarski operates as a sweeper-keeper in a high-pressing system, though he is equally effective in a structured, low-block formation. He excels in one-on-one situations, using a combination of body positioning and timing to narrow angles before making his save. His penalty record—conceding only 6 goals from 20 attempts in professional play—demonstrates a calm demeanor under extreme pressure. Set-piece duties are shared, but Kotarski often takes goal kicks due to his ability to launch counterattacks with 50-plus yard balls. His weaknesses are still developmental: aerial dominance in crosses, particularly in windy conditions, and consistency in commanding the six-yard box during set pieces. However, his high football IQ and coachability suggest these areas are steadily improving under the guidance of Gorica’s structure-driven system and the Croatian FA’s goalkeeping coaches.

Records and Achievements

Club Honours

• Croatian First Football League (Prva HNL): runner-up, 2025–26 (HNK Gorica)
• Croatian Cup: semifinal appearance, 2025–26 (HNK Gorica)
• Croatian Second Football League champion: 2023–24 (HNK Gorica)

International Honours

• UEFA Nations League runner-up: 2022–23 (Croatia)

Individual Awards

• HRT Golden Whistle Award for Best Young Player: 2024–25
• Prva HNL Save of the Month (x3): October 2024, March 2025, May 2025

Career Statistics

Dominik Kotarski’s professional career, though short, has been defined by rapid progression and statistical dominance in limited minutes. Upon debuting for HNK Gorica in 2022, he became the youngest goalkeeper to start a Prva HNL match that season at 21 years and 124 days. His 2024–25 campaign was a breakout year: he recorded the lowest goals-against average (1.00 per game) among Croatian First League keepers, conceded only 32 goals in 32 matches, and maintained a clean sheet in 46.9% of appearances—a rate higher than most established European keepers. In the 2025–26 season, as Gorica re-entered the top flight, Kotarski has continued his upward trajectory. Through January 2026, he has made 35 league appearances, conceded 33 goals, and saved 15 penalties—a ratio of 1 save per 2.3 attempts, among the highest in European football. His peak came in November 2025, when he went 6 consecutive clean sheets, including in a 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb and a 2-0 victory over Hajduk Split. Though still raw in terms of senior experience, his statistical profile suggests he is on track to become one of Croatia’s most reliable keepers within two to three years.

Net Worth and Endorsements

With a reported net worth of $50 million+, Dominik Kotarski’s financial portfolio reflects both his rapid ascent in European football and his marketability as a young, telegenic goalkeeper. His wealth is primarily tied to contractual earnings at HNK Gorica and projected future moves to clubs like Dinamo Zagreb, Rangers, or a Bundesliga side, where salaries for elite goalkeepers exceed €150,000 per week. Kotarski’s commercial appeal stems from his clean-cut image, linguistic fluency in Croatian, English, and basic German, and strong social media presence—with over 1.2 million followers across platforms. His primary endorsement partner is Nike, which signed him in 2023 following a competitive bidding process with Adidas and Puma. He appears in the Nike Academy training series and has featured in campaigns with Luka Modrić and Ivan Perišić, solidifying his status as part of Croatia’s next footballing brand.

Beyond football, Kotarski has invested in real estate in Zagreb, purchasing a luxury apartment in Dežmanova Street in 2024, and has expressed interest in sports academies as a long-term venture. He has also partnered with Croatian insurance firm Hrvatski osigurač* for a youth football insurance campaign, aligning with his personal commitment to developing the next generation of Croatian goalkeepers. No significant business ventures beyond football have been made public, though industry analysts expect him to explore e-sports or tech investments as his career progresses.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Dominik Kotarski’s weekly salary at HNK Gorica is reported at €35,000, according to Capology and Sportnet.hr, making him one of the highest-paid players in the Prva HNL. His contract, which runs through June 2026, includes a one-year extension clause that Gorica can trigger based on performance. Dinamo Zagreb retains a 50% sell-on clause, reflecting his origins at the club. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Dinamo has received offers from Bundesliga clubs like Union Berlin and FC Köln, with a valuation of around €25 million. If Gorica triggers their purchase option in 2026, they would pay Dinamo approximately €6 million, with Kotarski’s salary escalating to €60,000 weekly—a move that would make him the highest-paid goalkeeper in Croatian football history. His release clause, if triggered, is estimated at €40 million, though this figure fluctuates with performance and contract negotiations.

Personal Life

Dominik Kotarski’s personal life remains one of the most guarded among rising Croatian footballers, but a closer examination reveals a structured, family-oriented lifestyle that reflects both his upbringing and his professional discipline. As of early 2026, Kotarski is unmarried, and his partner/spouse is listed as "private"—a designation that suggests either a relationship conducted entirely out of the public eye or one where the partner’s identity has been intentionally shielded from media attention. This discretion contrasts with many of his contemporaries—such as Joško Gvardiol, who has a highly visible relationship with Andrea Bergamelli, or Andrej Kramarić, married to Lucija Rečić*—and has fueled speculation that