Last Updated on September 10, 2026 by Helena

Petar Ratkov is a Serbian professional footballer who plays as a centre-forward. Born on August 18, 2003, in Belgrade, he developed in Serbian football before representing Red Bull Salzburg and Lazio. As of now, he plays for Levante UD on loan from the Italian club.
Ratkov’s multicultural family background has received attention because it made him eligible to represent more than one national team. His mother comes from Croatia, while public reports connect his father with Bulgaria. However, their names and occupations have not been reliably disclosed.
Who Are Petar Ratkov’s Parents?
The names of Petar Ratkov’s parents are not publicly known. Unlike some football families, they have not become prominent media personalities or regularly appeared in interviews concerning their son.
What is known is that Ratkov has Croatian heritage through his mother and a connection to Bulgaria through his father. These family links contributed to interest from the Croatian and Bulgarian football associations before he established himself with Serbia.
Ratkov was born and raised in Belgrade, where he began playing organized football at a young age. Although his parents presumably supported his early development, the striker has not provided extensive public information about their roles in his career.
Who Is Petar Ratkov’s Father?
Petar Ratkov’s father has not been identified by name in reputable public sources. His profession and personal history also remain private.
Serbian and Croatian reports state that Ratkov’s father was born in Bulgaria. This connection made the striker eligible for Bulgarian citizenship and consideration by the country’s national-team system. Being born in Bulgaria does not, by itself, establish every aspect of his father’s ethnic or national identity, so broader claims should be avoided.
Ratkov ultimately decided to represent Serbia. In interviews, he explained that playing for the Serbian national team was his preferred choice despite his eligibility for other countries.
Who Is Petar Ratkov’s Mother?
Petar Ratkov’s mother is Croatian and reportedly comes from Vrgorac, a town in Croatia’s Split-Dalmatia County. Her name and occupation have not been publicly confirmed.
His maternal background made Ratkov eligible to represent Croatia internationally. Croatian football authorities reportedly showed interest in the forward, but he remained committed to Serbia.
Ratkov’s mother appears to be a private individual. There is no reliable basis for publishing further personal information about her beyond the Croatian family connection already reported by established media.
Petar Ratkov’s Serbian, Croatian and Bulgarian Background
Ratkov’s family history gave him international options that are uncommon even among professional footballers. He was born in Serbia, has Croatian roots through his mother and has a Bulgarian connection through his father.
These links meant that Serbia, Croatia and Bulgaria could all potentially claim him under international eligibility regulations. Ratkov represented Serbia at under-19 and under-21 levels before making his senior international debut on October 14, 2023.
He later formed part of Serbia’s squad for UEFA Euro 2024. His decision reflected his upbringing and personal identification with the country of his birth rather than a rejection of his parents’ respective family backgrounds.
Does Petar Ratkov Have Siblings?
As of now, no authoritative public source confirms whether Petar Ratkov has brothers or sisters. He has not prominently discussed siblings in interviews about his upbringing or football career.
People sharing the Ratkov surname should not automatically be described as his relatives. In particular, there is no verified evidence that Serbian basketball player Aleksandar Ratkov is Petar’s brother or a member of his immediate family.
Who Is Petar Ratkov’s Girlfriend?
Petar Ratkov has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend or romantic partner. No reputable sports publication or official source has identified someone as his current partner.
The Serbian forward uses his public platform mainly for football-related matters. Without a direct confirmation from Ratkov, photographs or unsupported names circulating on social media should not be interpreted as proof of a relationship.
Is Petar Ratkov Married?
There is no reliable public information indicating that Petar Ratkov is married. He has not announced a marriage, and authoritative sources do not identify a wife.
Does Petar Ratkov Have Children?
No children have been publicly confirmed for Petar Ratkov. The striker has not announced that he is a father, and reputable profiles do not report him as having a son or daughter.
His family plans and parental status remain personal matters unless he chooses to discuss them publicly.
Petar Ratkov’s Childhood in Belgrade
Ratkov was born in Belgrade and began his football education with FK DIF Beograd. He spent several years in the club’s youth system before moving to FK TSC Bačka Topola.
His progress at TSC allowed him to make his senior debut in Serbian football. During the 2022–23 season, he emerged as one of the country’s most promising young forwards, attracting attention from clubs outside Serbia.
His Move to Red Bull Salzburg
Red Bull Salzburg signed Ratkov in June 2023. The transfer took him away from Serbia for the first time in his senior career and allowed him to compete in the Austrian Bundesliga and European competitions.
One of his most memorable achievements in Austria came in February 2024, when he scored against Blau-Weiß Linz only six seconds after kick-off. The goal became the fastest in Austrian Bundesliga history.
Across his Salzburg career, Ratkov made 99 appearances and scored 22 goals. He also gained experience in the Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup.
From Lazio to Levante UD
Ratkov joined Lazio permanently in January 2026 after leaving Red Bull Salzburg. He made nine appearances for the Italian club before another opportunity emerged in Spain.
In September 2026, Levante UD announced that Ratkov had arrived on loan from Lazio until the end of the season. The move gave the Serbian international an opportunity to continue his development in La Liga.
As of now, Ratkov remains contracted to Lazio while representing Levante temporarily. His arrival added another country to a career that has already taken him through Serbia, Austria, Italy and Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Petar Ratkov’s parents?
The names and occupations of his parents have not been publicly confirmed. His mother is reportedly Croatian, while his father was reportedly born in Bulgaria.
Where is Petar Ratkov’s mother from?
Reports identify his mother as a Croatian from Vrgorac, in the Split-Dalmatia region.
Is Petar Ratkov’s father Bulgarian?
Public reports state that his father was born in Bulgaria. However, detailed information about his father’s nationality and personal background has not been disclosed.
Does Petar Ratkov have siblings?
No reliable source confirms whether Ratkov has brothers or sisters.
Does Petar Ratkov have a girlfriend?
He has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend or romantic partner.
Is Petar Ratkov married?
There is no credible public evidence indicating that he is married.
Does Petar Ratkov have children?
No children have been publicly confirmed for the Serbian footballer.
Which national team does Petar Ratkov represent?
Ratkov represents Serbia. He was also eligible for Croatia and Bulgaria through his family background.

Helena Lena Jessica Da Laila is a football writer covering Spanish women’s football, with a focus on Liga F, tactical trends, and emerging talents shaping the women’s game in Spain.
