Ivan Perišić's romantic story: His wife is a high school sweetheart, and they married twice

The enduring love story of Croatian footballer Ivan Perišić and his wife Josipa, who first met in high school, is highlighted as one of the most beautiful in Croatian football. The couple, who sat in the same class at Split's School of Economics and Business, began their romance during their teenage years.

Their relationship faced challenges when Ivan, at 17, made the significant decision to move to France to play for Sochaux. Josipa provided unconditional support during this difficult period. Their love was first celebrated in a civil ceremony in 2012, the same year their first child, son Leonardo, was born. Ivan was 23 at the time and embarking on a more serious phase of his international career.

Eight years later, in July 2020, they exchanged vows again in an intimate church wedding at the Church of St. Michael in Grohote, Šolta. For the ceremony, Josipa chose to wear her original Vivienne Westwood dress from 2012, adapted for the occasion. The Perišićs are now parents to three children: Leonardo, daughter Manuela (born in 2014), and youngest son Luka (born in April 2022).

Although the couple largely keeps their private life away from public view, they occasionally share family moments on social media. Josipa has consistently been Ivan's biggest supporter, following him through his football journeys across France, Germany, Italy, and England.