Luka Dončić, the star player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has confirmed the end of his engagement to model Anamaria Goltes amidst a growing custody battle over their two daughters. The announcement, made in March 2026, reveals a deeply personal chapter in the life of the NBA athlete.
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Dončić and Goltes first crossed paths as children in Croatia, bringing their long-standing relationship into the spotlight when they began dating in 2016. The couple became engaged on 7 July 2023 during a romantic proposal in Slovenia. Their first child, Gabriela, was born in December of the same year, followed by their second daughter, Olivia, who arrived two years later in December 2025.
In his announcement to ESPN, Dončić opened up about the challenges he faced in maintaining his family life while pursuing his basketball career. He noted, “I love my daughters more than anything and I’ve been doing everything I can for them to be with me in the U.S. during the season, but that hasn’t been possible, so I recently made the tough decision to end my engagement.” His sentiments underline the complexities athletes often navigate between their professional commitments and personal lives.
Shortly before their engagement was called off, Goltes reportedly filed a petition for child support in a California court, highlighting the gravity of the circumstances surrounding their separation. The split appears to have been driven by a desire to prioritise their daughters’ welfare amidst ongoing negotiations regarding custody arrangements.
Anamaria Goltes, who was born on 30 April 1998 in Slovenia, has not only made a name for herself as a model but also as an influencer. After completing her high school education, she pursued studies at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia’s oldest institution of higher learning. While living in Dallas, where Dončić was playing for the Mavericks, Goltes managed to continue her studies online, demonstrating her determination to balance her educational aspirations with her personal life.
The couple has often reminisced about their childhood friendship, with Goltes recalling in a 2020 Instagram Q&A that they met at the seaside when they were just twelve years old. This long-standing connection has been a cornerstone of their relationship, and it is clear that both individuals cherish their early bond.
Professionally, Goltes launched her modelling career in 2017, establishing herself as an ambassador for Lisca Lingerie. Her talents have since led her to collaborate with notable brands, including working with Slovenian jeweller Zlatarna Celje and gracing the cover of Cosmopolitan Slovenia. Throughout their relationship, Goltes had emphasised the importance of maintaining her individual identity and ambitions, which she believed played a vital role in sustaining her partnership with Dončić.
Despite the dissolution of their engagement, the former couple remains focused on their children. Both Dončić and Goltes have expressed their commitment to ensuring their daughters, Gabriela and Olivia, receive the most supportive environment possible as they navigate this challenging transition. The emotional toll of splitting while also raising young children is significant, yet both are reportedly dedicated to co-parenting effectively.
As Dončić continues to make a name for himself on the basketball court, his personal life has now entered a new phase. The journey of co-parenting and navigating the demands of celebrity status will undoubtedly shape the futures of both him and Goltes. Their supportive approach towards their daughters will be essential as they adapt to the changes ahead. The couple’s decision marks a significant moment in both their lives, reflecting the unpredictability of relationships in the public eye.