Last Updated on September 9, 2026 by James
Matia Barzic, whose full name is Matía Barzic Gutiérrez, is a Spanish-born Croatian footballer who plays as a central defender. Born in Madrid on May 31, 2004, he grew up in a multicultural household shaped by his Croatian father and Spanish mother.
Unlike many young footballers, Barzic’s parents and sister have been discussed publicly in interviews about his career. However, he remains private about his romantic life.
Does Matia Barzic Have a Girlfriend?
As of now, Matia Barzic has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. There are no reliable interviews, club statements or reputable news reports identifying a romantic partner.
Although photographs or social-media interactions can sometimes generate speculation, they are not sufficient evidence of a relationship. Barzic’s public profile is primarily focused on football, his Croatian heritage and his development as a professional player.
Is Matia Barzic Married?
There is no credible information indicating that Matia Barzic is married. No wife or engagement has been publicly announced.
Does Matia Barzic Have Children?
Matia Barzic has no publicly known children. The defender has not spoken about being a father, and trustworthy biographical reports do not mention any children.
Who Are Matia Barzic’s Parents?
Matia Barzic’s parents are Mate Barzic and Paloma Gutiérrez. His father is Croatian, while his mother is Spanish. This family background made Matia eligible to represent either Spain or Croatia internationally.
Matia Barzic’s Father, Mate Barzic
Matia’s father, Mate, was born in Sinj, Croatia, and grew up in Split from approximately one year of age. His paternal family has roots on the Croatian island of Vis, while his maternal relatives come from Stobreč, near Split.
Mate was also involved in football. He played as a goalkeeper for Primorac Stobreč but did not establish a long-term professional career. He later worked abroad and met Paloma in London in 1998. The couple lived briefly in Split before making their home in Paloma’s native Madrid, according to an interview published by Sportske novosti.
Mate played an important part in preserving his son’s connection to Croatia. He taught Matia Croatian with a Dalmatian influence, took him to Split and Vis, and introduced him to Hajduk Split. Matia has attended matches at the Poljud Stadium and previously spent time training with young players in Split.
His father also helped bring him to the attention of the Croatian Football Federation. When Matia was about 16, Mate reportedly contacted the federation and sent footage of his son. Barzic was subsequently brought into Croatia’s youth international system.
Matia Barzic’s Mother, Paloma Gutiérrez
Matia’s mother is Paloma Gutiérrez, a Spanish woman from Madrid. Her occupation has not been publicly documented in reliable sources.
Paloma is reportedly a passionate Atlético Madrid supporter. Matia initially admired Barcelona because of Lionel Messi, while his father considered taking him to Real Madrid. However, his mother encouraged the Atlético Madrid route, and Matia eventually entered Atlético’s academy.
Her influence therefore helped shape one of the most important decisions of his early career. Barzic remained in Atlético Madrid’s youth system for more than a decade before joining Elche in 2023.
How Did Matia Barzic’s Parents Meet?
Mate Barzic and Paloma Gutiérrez met in London in 1998. After beginning their relationship, they spent a short period living in Split and later relocated to Madrid, where both of their children were born.
The family’s life in Spain did not weaken its Croatian connections. Matia regularly visited Croatia, learned the language from his father and followed Croatian football. This dual identity eventually contributed to his decision to represent Croatia internationally.
Does Matia Barzic Have Any Siblings?
Matia Barzic has one publicly known sibling, a younger sister named Violeta Barzic. Like Matia, Violeta was born in Madrid.
A September 2024 profile by 24sata identified Violeta as 15 years old at the time and reported that she played basketball. No reliable source indicates that Matia has any additional brothers or sisters.
How Matia Barzic’s Family Supported His Football Career
Both parents influenced Matia’s development in different ways. His mother’s support for Atlético Madrid helped direct him toward the club’s academy, while his father strengthened his connection with Croatian football.
One memorable family story concerns the Croatian national-team shirt Matia wore when he attended an Atlético trial. The shirt carried Luka Modrić’s name and had reportedly been signed by Modrić and several other Croatian players. Mate obtained the signatures while working at a hotel where Tottenham Hotspur’s squad stayed during a visit to Madrid.
Atlético accepted Matia into its academy, beginning a development period that lasted from 2012 until 2023. His family also supported his education: his father said that they encouraged him to use his free time productively while he studied economics in Alicante.
Matia Barzic’s Croatian and Spanish Heritage
Barzic’s family story explains why he has such close associations with two countries. He was born and raised in Spain, developed at Atlético Madrid and has a Spanish mother. At the same time, his father ensured that he knew the Croatian language, culture and football traditions.
His attachment to Split, Vis and Hajduk reflects his father’s background. His pathway through Atlético Madrid and Spanish professional football reflects his mother’s Madrid roots. Barzic eventually chose Croatia at international level and has represented the country’s youth teams.
After loan spells with Eldense and Cultural Leonesa, Barzic returned to Elche. In August 2026, he extended his Elche contract until 2030, as reported by tportal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matia Barzic’s Family
Who is Matia Barzic’s father?
His father is Mate Barzic, a Croatian originally from Sinj who grew up in Split. He previously played as a goalkeeper for Primorac Stobreč.
Who is Matia Barzic’s mother?
His mother is Paloma Gutiérrez, a Spaniard from Madrid and an Atlético Madrid supporter.
Does Matia Barzic have a sister?
Yes. He has a younger sister named Violeta, who has been involved in basketball.
Does Matia Barzic have a brother?
No brother has been identified in reliable public reports.
Who is Matia Barzic’s girlfriend?
Barzic has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend, so his current relationship status remains private.
Does Matia Barzic have children?
He has no publicly known children.
Why does Matia Barzic represent Croatia?
Barzic qualifies for Croatia through his Croatian father. He grew up visiting the country, speaking Croatian and maintaining close connections with his father’s family and Dalmatian heritage.
James Horan is a football writer focused on the Premier League transfer market, covering confirmed signings, transfer rumors, and club strategies during the transfer windows.
