Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Pedro Salcas
Karlo Matković is a Croatian professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. Born on March 30, 2001, in Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina, he developed into a promising European basketball talent before reaching the world’s leading professional basketball league. His journey from a small town in Bosnia and Herzegovina to the NBA involved leaving his family at a young age, adapting to different countries and pursuing his athletic ambitions with determination.
Karlo Matković grew up with his parents, an older brother and a younger sister in Livno. Although his parents and siblings have been mentioned in several interviews, their names have not been reliably disclosed in established public sources. His family remained in Livno when he moved to Zagreb at approximately 14 years old to pursue basketball. Despite discussing his upbringing and family relationships, Matković has maintained privacy regarding his romantic life and whether he has children.
Does Karlo Matković Have a Girlfriend?
As of now, Karlo Matković has not publicly confirmed that he is in a romantic relationship. The New Orleans Pelicans forward-center has generally kept his dating life away from public attention, and reliable sports publications have not identified a current girlfriend.
Throughout his professional basketball career, Matković has participated in numerous interviews with Croatian and international sports publications.
However, these conversations have primarily focused on his basketball development, experiences playing in Europe, transition to the NBA and relationship with his hometown.
He has also spoken about his friendships with other Croatian basketball players, including Ivica Zubac and Dario Šarić, but has not provided similarly detailed information about his romantic relationships.
There is also no reliable public announcement establishing that Matković is married or engaged.
Although his relationship status may interest basketball fans, the absence of publicly available information does not necessarily mean he is single.
His current romantic relationship status remains undisclosed.
Does Karlo Matković Have Children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports indicating that Karlo Matković has children.
The Croatian basketball player has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and his official NBA biography does not identify him as a father.
Most of the information available about his personal life concerns his upbringing in Livno, family members and professional basketball career.
Matković has also participated in charitable activities involving children and young people in his hometown.
However, his community involvement should not be confused with information about his own potential children.
As of now, it remains unconfirmed whether Karlo Matković has any children.
Who Are Karlo Matković’s Parents?
Karlo Matković was born to Croatian parents in Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Although his parents have been mentioned in several interviews, their names and detailed professional backgrounds have not been reliably established in major sports publications.
In a July 2024 interview with Sportske Novosti, published by Jutarnji list, Matković explained that his parents remained in Livno to work when he left home to pursue his basketball career in Zagreb.
His older brother and younger sister also remained in Livno during that period.
The arrangement meant that Matković had to adapt to living away from his immediate family while still a teenager.
Karlo Matković’s Father
Karlo Matković’s father’s name has not been reliably confirmed in publicly available interviews or official NBA biographies.
However, Matković has discussed his father’s place in his upbringing and the family’s life in Livno.
In a 2024 interview with Sportske Novosti, he explained that both parents continued working in their hometown after he relocated to Zagreb.
His departure represented an important turning point because he was approximately 14 and a half years old when he joined the youth basketball program at Cedevita.
Moving to another city required him to adjust to a new environment and take greater responsibility for his daily life.
In an interview with Sportklub published in early 2026, Matković also revealed that nobody in his family had previously been involved in competitive sports.
Unlike some professional basketball players who grow up with parents who were athletes or coaches, Matković developed his interest in basketball primarily through friends.
He began playing regularly after school and gradually became more interested in improving his abilities.
Although his father was not publicly identified as a former athlete, his family supported the opportunity to pursue basketball outside Livno.
Matković has described his move to Zagreb as a decision that changed the direction of his life.
Details about his father’s occupation, age and personal background remain private.
Karlo Matković’s Mother
Karlo Matković’s mother has also maintained a private life, and her name has not been reliably established through official basketball biographies or major interviews.
Nevertheless, her role in his family is acknowledged in interviews discussing his childhood and early basketball development.
In March 2022, Matković spoke to Večernji list after helping Croatia defeat Sweden in a dramatic FIBA World Cup qualifying game.
During the interview, he explained that his parents, older brother and younger sister had followed the game from Livno.
He described their excitement after Croatia secured an important victory in double overtime.
That account provides evidence of the family’s continued interest in his sporting achievements.
His mother also remained in Livno when he joined Cedevita’s youth basketball program in Zagreb.
Matković later acknowledged that leaving his family at such a young age was emotionally challenging.
During his first year in Zagreb, he struggled with the distance from home and considered returning to Livno during the Christmas period.
However, he gradually adjusted to his new environment and developed friendships with other young basketball players.
Although his mother has not publicly discussed these experiences in extensive interviews, Matković’s own account illustrates the challenges associated with pursuing professional sports away from home.
Her occupation, educational background and other personal details remain undisclosed in reliable public reporting.
Who Are Karlo Matković’s Siblings?
Karlo Matković has two siblings: an older brother and a younger sister.
The basketball player personally confirmed their existence during a March 2022 interview with Croatian newspaper Večernji list.
He discussed his family after Croatia’s victory over Sweden in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, explaining that his parents and both siblings had watched the game from Livno.
He also mentioned his brother and sister during a July 2024 interview with Sportske Novosti, discussing the circumstances surrounding his move to Zagreb.
Although their family relationship is established through these interviews, neither sibling has been reliably identified by name in the available major sports coverage.
Karlo Matković’s Older Brother
Karlo Matković has an older brother who grew up alongside him in Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
His brother’s existence was confirmed in the March 2022 Večernji list interview, during which Matković referred specifically to his older brother.
The interview followed Croatia’s dramatic 105–98 victory over Sweden in double overtime.
Matković scored 16 points and collected 13 rebounds during the game, delivering an important contribution for the Croatian national team.
He explained that his family had watched the match from Livno and experienced considerable tension before celebrating the result.
His older brother was among the relatives following the game.
In July 2024, Matković again mentioned his brother while explaining the challenges he experienced after leaving home as a teenager.
He recalled that his parents, brother and sister remained in Livno while he moved to Zagreb alone.
Although these interviews confirm their family relationship, reliable sources have not established his brother’s name, occupation or sporting background.
Matković’s comments about being the first member of his family to pursue competitive sports suggest that his path to professional basketball was unusual within the household.
However, it would be inaccurate to make specific claims about his older brother’s professional activities without further evidence.
Karlo Matković’s Younger Sister
Karlo Matković also has a younger sister, whose existence was confirmed in the same March 2022 interview with Večernji list.
The Croatian basketball player identified her as his younger sister while discussing his family’s reaction to Croatia’s victory over Sweden.
Like his older brother, she remained in Livno when Karlo moved to Zagreb to pursue basketball.
Matković mentioned her again in his July 2024 interview with Sportske Novosti.
Although she has been publicly acknowledged, information about her personal life remains limited.
Her name, age, educational background and professional activities have not been reliably established through major sports reporting.
There is also no verified information indicating whether she participates in organized basketball or another sport.
Consequently, she is publicly known as Matković’s younger sister, while additional personal details remain private.
Karlo Matković’s Family Background in Livno
Karlo Matković was born and raised in Livno, a town in southwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina with strong historical and cultural connections to Croatia.
He comes from a Croatian family and has represented Croatia in international basketball competitions.
Although he was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Matković has repeatedly emphasized his attachment to Croatia and his pride in representing the Croatian national team.
During an interview with Sportklub, he explained that wearing Croatia’s jersey had special meaning for both him and his family.
He also discussed his affection for Livno, describing its residents as hardworking and determined.
His childhood differed from those of many athletes who enter organized basketball programs at an early age.
Matković initially spent time practicing taekwondo before becoming interested in basketball at approximately 13 years old.
In a July 2024 interview with Sportske Novosti, he explained that friends had encouraged him to try basketball because of his height.
He eventually decided to concentrate on the sport and began spending considerable time practicing on local courts.
In a later Sportklub interview, he recalled staying after school to shoot baskets and improve his skills.
These informal training sessions helped establish his enthusiasm for basketball.
His rapid physical development and athletic ability eventually attracted attention from coaches outside Livno.
Why Did Karlo Matković Leave His Family at Age 14?
One of the most important decisions in Karlo Matković’s basketball career occurred when he was approximately 14 and a half years old.
At the time, he was playing basketball in Livno and attracting attention because of his height, athletic ability and potential.
According to a March 2022 interview with Večernji list, former Croatian basketball player Marino Baždarić noticed Matković after a game in Široki Brijeg.
Baždarić encouraged the young player to attend a trial with Cedevita in Zagreb.
Matković subsequently participated in several training sessions and a tournament, impressing the club’s youth coaches.
The experience led to an opportunity to join Cedevita’s development program.
However, accepting the opportunity meant leaving his parents and siblings in Livno.
Matković eventually decided to relocate to Zagreb and pursue basketball more seriously.
In his July 2024 interview with Sportske Novosti, he admitted that the first year was emotionally difficult.
He had moved from a relatively small hometown to a much larger city and had to adjust to life away from his family.
During the Christmas period, he experienced particularly strong feelings of homesickness and wanted to return home.
However, his situation gradually improved as he developed friendships with his teammates and became more comfortable with his new surroundings.
He eventually spent approximately three years in Zagreb, gaining valuable experience through Cedevita’s basketball program.
Despite the difficulties, Matković has repeatedly stated that moving away from home was one of the most important decisions in his life.
How Did Karlo Matković’s Family Influence His Basketball Career?
Although Matković has explained that nobody in his family was previously involved in competitive sports, his upbringing and the decision to leave home became important parts of his development.
His basketball journey began in Livno, where he developed an interest in the sport through his friends.
After moving to Zagreb, he joined Cedevita’s youth system and began competing against stronger opponents.
The experience helped him improve his basketball fundamentals, physical conditioning and understanding of the game.
After leaving Cedevita, Matković continued his development in Serbia.
He played for OKK Beograd before joining Mega Basket, an organization recognized for developing young basketball talent.
During a Sportklub interview, Matković described his time at Mega as particularly important.
He credited coach Vlada Jovanović with helping him establish a stronger foundation in professional basketball.
The demanding training environment encouraged him to improve his offensive awareness, defensive responsibilities and overall understanding of the game.
His performances attracted attention from NBA scouts.
On June 23, 2022, the New Orleans Pelicans selected him with the 52nd overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Matković was at home in Livno with his family when he learned about his selection.
In an interview with RTL Sport, he recalled waiting until the early morning hours for the draft announcement.
His agent, Miško Ražnatović, contacted him shortly before the Pelicans selected him.
The occasion marked an important achievement for Matković and the family members who had followed his journey from Livno.
However, he did not immediately join the NBA.
Instead, he continued developing in Europe, playing for Cedevita Olimpija in Slovenia.
In February 2024, he moved to the United States and joined the Birmingham Squadron, the Pelicans’ NBA G League affiliate.
His performances helped demonstrate that he was ready for greater responsibilities.
On July 14, 2024, the New Orleans Pelicans officially announced that Matković had signed a standard NBA contract.
He made his NBA regular-season debut on October 23, 2024, against the Chicago Bulls.
During the 2024–25 season, he appeared in 42 games and averaged 7.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and approximately one block per game.
He continued developing during the 2025–26 campaign, appearing in 62 regular-season games for New Orleans.
His progression from a young basketball player in Livno to an NBA professional reflected years of training, international moves and personal adjustments.
Although his parents and siblings have not been extensively featured in international media, they remain important figures in the background of his journey.
Karlo Matković’s Croatian Heritage and Family Identity
Karlo Matković was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina but belongs to the Croatian community and represents Croatia internationally.
His decision to represent Croatia became an important aspect of his sporting identity.
He previously played for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the youth international level, including the 2018 FIBA Under-18 European Championship.
However, he subsequently expressed his desire to represent Croatia in senior international competitions.
In a 2026 interview with Sportklub, Matković explained that he had always wanted to play for Croatia because of his family background.
He also discussed the lengthy process involved in obtaining permission to represent the Croatian national team.
After completing the necessary eligibility procedures, he made his senior international debut with Croatia.
In February 2022, he played an important role in Croatia’s FIBA World Cup qualifying victory over Sweden.
His family followed the game from Livno, celebrating his performance and the national team’s result.
Matković has described representing Croatia as an especially meaningful achievement for both himself and his relatives.
His international career reflects the cultural connections between his birthplace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and his Croatian family identity.
Karlo Matković’s Relationship With Ivica Zubac
Although they are not biological relatives, Karlo Matković and fellow Croatian NBA center Ivica Zubac share a supportive professional relationship.
Both athletes come from the region around Livno and developed their basketball careers before reaching the NBA.
In a May 2025 interview with Croatian public broadcaster HRT, Matković discussed his friendship with Zubac and the advice he had received from the experienced center.
He explained that Zubac’s confidence and experience had provided valuable guidance during his transition to the NBA.
In a later Sportklub interview, Matković said that he remained in regular contact with Zubac and occasionally communicated with Dario Šarić.
Their conversations provided opportunities to exchange advice about professional basketball and life in the United States.
Although these players are not family members, their support has been important as Matković continues building his NBA career away from his hometown.
Karlo Matković’s Connection to His Hometown
Despite spending much of his professional basketball career outside Bosnia and Herzegovina, Karlo Matković has maintained a strong connection to Livno.
He regularly returns to his hometown during breaks in the basketball calendar.
In May 2024, he visited his former school, Gimnazija Livno, where he spent time with students and participated in activities connected to physical education.
The school celebrated his achievements and described him as an important example for young athletes from the area.
Matković has also supported charitable and community initiatives in Livno.
In May 2026, he participated in the ninth edition of the Košarkom za toleranciju basketball event, organized to promote inclusion, community cooperation and support for people in need.
According to Večernji list’s Bosnia and Herzegovina edition, the event included young basketball players and participants from the Put u život association, which supports people with developmental disabilities.
Matković spent time interacting with participants and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to support the event.
His involvement demonstrated his continued interest in maintaining connections with the community where he grew up.
Although his professional career now takes place primarily in the United States, Livno remains an important part of his personal story.
Frequently Asked Questions About Karlo Matković’s Family
Who is Karlo Matković’s father?
Karlo Matković’s father’s name has not been reliably confirmed publicly. The basketball player has explained that his father remained in Livno when he moved to Zagreb to pursue basketball.
Who is Karlo Matković’s mother?
Karlo Matković’s mother’s name has not been publicly established in reliable sports reporting. She was among the family members who remained in Livno during his early basketball development.
How many siblings does Karlo Matković have?
Karlo Matković has two siblings: an older brother and a younger sister, according to his March 2022 interview with Večernji list.
Does Karlo Matković have a brother?
Yes. Karlo Matković has an older brother who grew up with him in Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina. His name has not been reliably disclosed.
Does Karlo Matković have a sister?
Yes. Karlo Matković has a younger sister, whom he mentioned in interviews discussing his family’s support and his move to Zagreb.
What are Karlo Matković’s siblings’ names?
The names of Karlo Matković’s older brother and younger sister have not been reliably established in major sports publications.
Does Karlo Matković have a girlfriend?
As of now, Karlo Matković has not publicly confirmed a current girlfriend, and his romantic relationship status remains undisclosed.
Is Karlo Matković married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Karlo Matković is married.
Does Karlo Matković have children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports indicating that Karlo Matković has sons or daughters.
Where was Karlo Matković born?
Karlo Matković was born on March 30, 2001, in Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Is Karlo Matković Croatian or Bosnian?
Karlo Matković was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina to a Croatian family and represents Croatia in international basketball competitions.
Why did Karlo Matković move to Zagreb?
Matković moved to Zagreb at approximately 14 and a half years old to join Cedevita’s youth basketball development program after attracting attention from coaches.
Was Karlo Matković’s family involved in basketball?
According to Matković’s own account in a Sportklub interview, nobody in his family had previously been involved in competitive sports. He developed his interest in basketball through friends.
Which NBA team does Karlo Matković play for?
Karlo Matković plays for the New Orleans Pelicans, who selected him with the 52nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Pedro Salcas is a dedicated sports journalist and NBA specialist focused on team strategy, player performance, and league news. Tracking action across the Eastern and Western Conferences, he breaks down complex game tape, roster moves, and statistics into clear, engaging analysis. From preseason storylines to deep playoff runs, Pedro brings a sharp analytical perspective and passion for basketball to keep readers informed on everything happening in the NBA.
