Real Madrid
On 16 August 2015, Inter manager Roberto Mancini confirmed that the club was forced to sell Kovačić to Real Madrid due to Financial Fair Play regulations. Speaking during a press conference after a friendly against Greek club AEK Athens, Mancini stated, "There are rules that have to be respected. I don't think anyone wanted this to happen but we have the Financial Fair Play regulations to follow. We're all sorry about it: myself, the president, the management and the players themselves. Real Madrid also confirmed the transfer two days later, announcing that Kovačić had signed a six-year deal with the club. The transfer fee was an estimated €32 million, according to British newspaper The Guardian. On 19 August, Kovačić was unveiled as a new player by Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, where it was revealed he would wear the number 16 jersey for the club. Four days later, he made his debut as a 70th-minute substitute for Isco as Real Madrid began the La Liga season with a goalless draw at promoted Sporting de Gijón.
Youth career:
Kovačić suffered a serious injury in 2009 in which his leg was broken, but he returned to the pitch after a lengthy recovery on 31 May 2010.
Dinamo Zagreb
Kovačić started training with the club's senior squad under manager, Vahid Halilhodžić, four months later, on 6 October 2010, but continued to appear for the club in academy league matches during October. On 30 January 2013, however, the media, surprisingly, revealed that Kovačić was sold to Internazionale of Serie A. During his time with Dinamo, Kovačić won two domestic league titles and two Croatian Cup titles, appearing in a total of 73 official matches, including 12 appearances in the Champions League.
Internazionale
On 31 January 2013, Kovačić agreed to a transfer to Inter Milan. It was revealed that the deal was worth €15 million in total, with €11 million paid immediately and €4 million when and if Inter qualifies for the UEFA Champions League.