How does a love story that started at age 12 and blossomed over a decade suddenly come to an end? For NBA superstar Luka Doncic and his fiancée Anamaria Goltes, their public separation in March 2026 shocked fans who had followed their journey from childhood sweethearts in Slovenia to a power couple in the United States. While headlines point to a custody battle and legal filings, the real story is a more complex and human tale of distance, family, and the immense pressures of a global career.
This article provides a comprehensive, fact-based look into the real reasons behind their separation, the details of the ongoing custody dispute over their two young daughters, and what the future may hold for the once-inseparable pair.
A Fairytale Romance: From Childhood Friends to Engaged Parents
Luka Doncic and Anamaria Goltes shared a bond that predated his international fame. They first met as 12-year-olds on the coast of Croatia, and their friendship eventually grew into a romance in 2016. For years, Goltes was a constant, supportive presence as Doncic’s star rose, from his early days in Europe to becoming an NBA phenomenon.
She was by his side through it all, moving from their native Slovenia to Dallas when he was drafted by the Mavericks, and then to Los Angeles following his blockbuster trade to the Lakers in 2025. Their love story reached a new peak in July 2023 when Doncic proposed at the picturesque Lake Bled in Slovenia. They welcomed their first daughter, Gabriela, in November 2023, and their second, Olivia, in December 2025, seemingly cementing their family unit.
The Core Issue: Why Did They Really Break Up?
The primary reason for the end of their engagement, according to Doncic himself, was the heartbreaking difficulty of being separated from his children. With Goltes and their two daughters living in Slovenia, the distance became an insurmountable obstacle during the demanding NBA season in Los Angeles.
In a statement released to ESPN, Doncic expressed his struggle directly and without ambiguity:
“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. Everything I do is for my daughters’ happiness, and I will always fight to be with them and give them the best life I can.”
This statement cuts through the speculation and points to a fundamental conflict: a father’s desire to be present in his children’s lives clashing with the logistical realities of an international career and a partner living across the globe.
The December Tipping Point: What Happened at the Hospital?
The breaking point appears to have been a tense incident at the Kranj Maternity Hospital in Slovenia in December 2025. Doncic had traveled there to be present for the birth of their second daughter, Olivia. While at the hospital, he expressed his wish to bring their older daughter, Gabriela, back to the United States with him.
An argument broke out between the couple over this request. The disagreement escalated to the point that police were called after Doncic left the hospital. However, according to an official police report reviewed by ESPN, authorities “did not detect any elements of a criminal offense or misdemeanor” on Doncic’s part. This event marked a critical turning point; it was reportedly the last time Doncic saw his daughters before the public announcement of their split.
When asked about his trip to Slovenia, Doncic gave a telling response: “I don’t even know how to describe it. It was a lot. I was there for the birth of my daughter, so that means everything to me. But it was definitely a roller coaster.”
The Legal Aftermath: A Complicated Custody Battle
Following the separation, a complex legal battle has unfolded on two fronts. In California, Anamaria Goltes filed a petition seeking child support and coverage for her attorney fees. This move brought the private dispute into the public eye and confirmed what many had suspected for months.
Meanwhile, in Slovenia, Luka Doncic filed an interim injunction on February 26, 2026, seeking immediate contact with his daughters. Sources close to the situation have stated that Doncic covers his family’s expenses “without limitation” and had no prior knowledge of Goltes’ California filing. This two-pronged legal situation highlights the complexities of international family law, with proceedings now active in both the United States and Slovenia.
Who is Anamaria Goltes? More Than Just an NBA Fiancée
While often identified by her relationship with Doncic, Anamaria Goltes is a successful and independent woman in her own right. Born and raised in Slovenia, she met Doncic during a summer vacation in Croatia when they were both 12 years old. Their shared Slovenian roots and long friendship formed the foundation of their relationship.
She has built a notable career as a fashion and fitness model, gracing the cover of Cosmopolitan Slovenia and serving as an ambassador for brands like Lisca Lingerie and jewelry brand Zlatarna Celje. Beyond modeling, Goltes is a prominent social media influencer and entrepreneur, cultivating a strong personal brand focused on fashion, fitness, and lifestyle. Her career and public identity were well-established long before the recent turmoil.
Relationship Timeline: A Decade of Love
To understand the full context of their split, it helps to see the key milestones of their decade-long relationship laid out clearly.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Began dating after years of childhood friendship. |
| July 2023 | Got engaged at Lake Bled, Slovenia. Doncic proposed on July 7 — a nod to his No. 77 jersey. |
| November 2023 | First daughter, Gabriela, born in the United States. |
| February 2025 | Doncic is traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the LA Lakers. |
| May 2025 | Goltes and Gabriela move back to Slovenia; the couple reportedly separates. |
| December 2025 | Second daughter, Olivia, born in Slovenia; the hospital incident occurs. |
| February 26, 2026 | Doncic files for an interim injunction in a Slovenian court. |
| March 10–11, 2026 | Goltes files a petition in California; Doncic publicly confirms the engagement is off. |
What Happens Next? The Future for Luka, Anamaria, and Their Daughters
The path forward for the former couple is centered on the resolution of their international custody battle. The primary challenge will be establishing a co-parenting plan that bridges the geographical divide between the United States and Slovenia — a difficult task for any family, let alone one navigating the spotlight of global sports celebrity.
Despite the immense personal turmoil, Doncic’s performance on the basketball court has remained at an elite level. He is the NBA’s leading scorer this season, averaging 32.5 points per game, a testament to his mental fortitude. The long-term impact of being separated from his children, however, is a personal challenge that will unfold away from the public eye. The hope for all involved is a resolution that prioritizes the well-being and happiness of Gabriela and Olivia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were Luka Doncic and Anamaria Goltes ever married?
No, they were not married. The couple got engaged in July 2023 but ended their relationship before a wedding took place. Luka Doncic has never been married.
How many children do Luka Doncic and Anamaria Goltes have?
They have two daughters together: Gabriela, born in November 2023, and Olivia, born in December 2025.
Where are Luka Doncic’s daughters living now?
Both daughters are currently living with their mother, Anamaria Goltes, in Slovenia. Doncic has been fighting through the courts for more time with them.
Why did Anamaria Goltes file for child support in California?
While the exact legal strategy is private, filing in California — where Doncic resides and earns his income — could be a move to establish jurisdiction in a U.S. court for financial matters. Doncic’s representatives have stated he covers his family’s expenses without limitation and was unaware of the filing.
Did Luka Doncic cheat on Anamaria Goltes?
There have been no credible reports or allegations of infidelity from either side. The stated reason for the breakup is the distance and the inability to have his daughters with him in the United States during the NBA season.
How has the breakup affected Luka Doncic’s performance on the court?
Remarkably, it has not appeared to affect his on-court performance. Doncic has continued to play at an MVP-caliber level for the Los Angeles Lakers throughout this personal ordeal, leading the NBA in scoring.
What is Anamaria Goltes known for professionally?
Anamaria Goltes is a Slovenian fashion and fitness model, entrepreneur, and social media influencer. She has worked with brands like Lisca Lingerie and Zlatarna Celje, and has appeared on the cover of Cosmopolitan Slovenia.
In the end, the dissolution of a decade-long relationship is a deeply personal and often painful process. For Luka Doncic and Anamaria Goltes, this process is magnified by the lens of public scrutiny and the complexities of an international lifestyle. While the legal battles continue, the core of the story remains a human one: a family navigating a difficult separation and striving to find a new path forward for the sake of their children.
