Vanja Drkušić Family: Partner, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on September 10, 2026 by Gabriel

Vanja Drkušić is a Slovenian professional footballer whose family has played an important role in his journey from youth football in Slovenia to the international stage. Born in Novo Mesto, Drkušić grew up in a football-loving household, with his father, Nikola Drkušić, having previously played as a goalkeeper. Away from football, Vanja has built a family of his own with his longtime partner, Kaja Goričanac, and the couple welcomed their first child in 2025.

Who Is Vanja Drkušić’s Girlfriend or Partner?

Vanja Drkušić’s longtime partner is Kaja Goričanac. Their relationship predates his rise to wider international recognition, and Kaja has occasionally appeared alongside him at important football and family events.

In 2023, Drkušić proposed to Kaja at Marof in Novo Mesto. Slovenian media reported in June 2024 that the couple were planning to officially marry in June 2025. However, as of now, dependable public reporting confirming that the planned wedding ceremony actually took place is limited, so Kaja is most accurately described publicly as his longtime partner or fiancée unless the couple themselves confirm otherwise.

Kaja was also among the people supporting Drkušić during Slovenia’s memorable UEFA Euro 2024 campaign. She attended matches alongside members of his family as the defender became one of the most recognizable players in the Slovenian team.

Does Vanja Drkušić Have Children?

Yes. Vanja Drkušić is the father of a son named Aleksander.

Kaja Goričanac gave birth to Aleksander around the beginning of April 2025. Slovenian media reported that the baby arrived a few days earlier than expected, prompting Vanja to return to Slovenia shortly after international duty.

Aleksander is Drkušić’s first publicly known child. His arrival also created a memorable four-generation family connection involving Vanja, his father Nikola and his grandfather Marko.

Who Are Vanja Drkušić’s Parents?

Vanja Drkušić’s parents are Nikola Drkušić and Dragana Drkušić. While his father has received considerable attention because of his own football background, his mother has remained much more private.

The family is closely associated with Novo Mesto and Šmarješke Toplice in Slovenia. Vanja has repeatedly spoken about the importance of staying connected with his family, particularly during difficult stages of his early professional career abroad.

Who Is Vanja Drkušić’s Father, Nikola Drkušić?

Vanja’s father, Nikola Drkušić, is a former goalkeeper who played football in Slovenia. Reports from Slovenian media have linked him with clubs including Gorica, Bela Krajina and Krka, while other coverage notes that he spent much of his playing career in Slovenia’s second tier.

Nikola later also worked as a coach and was closely involved in his son’s early career. Vanja has explained that his father helped him through one of the hardest periods of his football journey, when he considered walking away from the sport after struggling for opportunities in Italy.

Nikola also helped shape Vanja’s connection with Serbian club Red Star Belgrade. The Drkušić family are passionate Red Star supporters, and Nikola took his son to the club’s famous Marakana stadium when Vanja was still a boy. Years later, father and son returned to the same stadium after Vanja joined Red Star as a player.

Who Is Vanja Drkušić’s Mother, Dragana?

Vanja Drkušić’s mother is named Dragana. Unlike Nikola, she has largely remained outside the public spotlight, and reliable sources provide very little information about her profession or personal background.

Her name became publicly documented following the birth of Vanja’s son Aleksander in 2025, when Slovenian coverage referred to Nikola and Dragana as the baby’s new grandfather and grandmother.

There is no reason to speculate about details that Drkušić and his family have chosen to keep private.

Does Vanja Drkušić Have Any Siblings?

There is currently no reliable public information confirming whether Vanja Drkušić has brothers or sisters. Major interviews and profiles discussing his childhood regularly mention his parents and other relatives but do not identify any siblings.

It would therefore be inaccurate to describe Drkušić as an only child. His sibling situation should simply be regarded as private unless he or his family provides further information publicly.

Who Is Vanja Drkušić’s Grandfather?

Vanja Drkušić’s grandfather is named Marko. His grandfather has occasionally appeared in family-related coverage and shares the family’s enthusiasm for Red Star Belgrade.

Following Aleksander’s birth in 2025, a family photograph brought together three generations of Drkušić men: grandfather Marko, father Nikola and Vanja. Aleksander represents the fourth generation of the family.

Vanja Drkušić’s Family and Red Star Belgrade

Football is deeply rooted in the Drkušić family. Nikola was a goalkeeper, while both Nikola and Vanja’s grandfather have been passionate supporters of Red Star Belgrade.

Vanja has recalled that his parents once travelled to a wedding in Serbia and returned with a Red Star shirt for him. That gift helped begin his childhood attachment to the club.

During a family visit to Belgrade years later, Vanja visited Red Star’s stadium and museum. His eventual opportunity to play for the club therefore represented more than simply another career move: it fulfilled a dream shared across generations of his family.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vanja Drkušić’s Family

Who is Vanja Drkušić’s girlfriend?

Vanja Drkušić’s longtime partner is Kaja Goričanac. He proposed to her in 2023, and reports said they planned to marry in June 2025.

Is Vanja Drkušić married?

Reliable Slovenian reporting confirmed his engagement to Kaja Goričanac and plans for a June 2025 wedding. However, clear authoritative reporting confirming that the ceremony subsequently took place is limited, so his exact current marital status should not be assumed.

Does Vanja Drkušić have children?

Yes. Drkušić and Kaja Goričanac have a son named Aleksander, who was born in 2025.

Who are Vanja Drkušić’s parents?

His parents are Nikola and Dragana Drkušić. Nikola is a former football goalkeeper, while Dragana maintains a comparatively private life.

Was Vanja Drkušić’s father a footballer?

Yes. Nikola Drkušić played as a goalkeeper in Slovenian football and later also became involved in coaching.

Does Vanja Drkušić have siblings?

No reliable public source has confirmed whether Drkušić has brothers or sisters. This part of his family background remains private.

Who is Vanja Drkušić’s grandfather?

His publicly identified grandfather is Marko, who, like Vanja’s father Nikola, is a passionate Red Star Belgrade supporter.