Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic has left fans and followers doing a double-take after sharing a radically different look during his recovery from a serious injury.
A New Look During Rehabilitation
The Croatian international, a winner of the Premier League with City and the Champions League with both Chelsea and Real Madrid, has been sidelined for an extended period following two surgeries on his Achilles tendon. Kovacic initially went under the knife ahead of the Club World Cup in the summer, but suffered a painful setback this season.
After brief substitute appearances against Villarreal and Everton in October, discomfort flared up again, forcing the player to undergo a second operation. Now focusing on his rehabilitation, Kovacic offered a glimpse into his life away from the pitch via social media, showcasing a transformation that has become the talk of fans.
From Crew Cut to Curly Locks
Gone is the familiar short, cropped hairstyle and beard often sported by the midfielder. In a recent Instagram story, Kovacic appeared with a head of longer, curly hair and a clean-shaven face, captioning the post "Happy to be back at club camp."
The dramatic change prompted a wave of surprised reactions online. One fan quipped, "Who's this??? Hahaha," while another exclaimed, "WHERE HAS THIS BEAUTIFUL HAIR BEEN?" A third even compared his new appearance to actor Cillian Murphy, writing "That's Cillian Murphy, where is Kovacic."
Road to Recovery and World Cup Hopes
On the pitch, Kovacic is not expected to return to action until at least the turn of the year. City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed in October that the midfielder faced around four months out, with a comeback anticipated in January. Guardiola explained the issue was related to "a little calcification" in the ankle.
His absence has been felt in a City squad that recently endured a nervy 5-4 win over Fulham, a game where his midfield composure could have been valuable. Looking further ahead, both player and country will be eager for a full recovery in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Croatia national team manager Zlatko Dalic has expressed his confidence, stating he believes Kovacic will be fit for the tournament and hopes to see him back in March. "It must be tough for him. The injury and the surgery are taking a psychological toll on him. I hope Kovacic gets through it all," Dalic said sympathetically.
