Rise From ‘Ugliest’ to ‘Sexiest’ for World Cup’s Hottest Coach

Six years is a long time in football, well at least for Croatia’s coach Niko Kovač. In 2008 Kovač was being consoled by Croatia coach Slaven Bilić after his side bowed out of EURO 2008 to Turkey in dramatic style on penalties. Six years later and it was Kovač doing the consoling to his players after Mexico sent Croatia home from Brazil 2014. But, it is not the only thing that has turned full circle for the likeable 42-year-old…

At EURO 2008 Niko in the role of player

Female football fans around the world voted Kovač as the ‘Sexiest Coach‘ at this year’s World Cup finals in Brazil, a turn-around from being voted onto the list of the ’15 Ugliest Players’ at EURO 2008 in Austria and Switzerland. British football portal Who Ate all the Pies named Kovac as the 10th ‘Ugliest’ player on display at the tournament, just behind the likes of Franck Ribery and Edwin van der Sar.

Six years is a long time in football…and fashion. Niko ‘before’ and ‘after’

2014 however was a different ball game for the former defensive midfielder. Hair slicked back, crisp white shirt on, tailored suit trousers, and a steely look in the eyes had female fans in Croatia and around the world comparing Kovač to even James Bond, and dedicating a video clip to him. Bad news for the ladies, Kovač has been married to his wife Kristina for the last 14 years. (pic Guardian)