Luka Dončić Stuns Dallas with Surprise Appearance at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Just a day after an emotional reunion with the Mavericks, Dončić gives fans an unforgettable moment off the court.
DALLAS — Luka Dončić may no longer wear a Mavericks jersey, but his heart clearly still beats for Dallas.
Fresh off a breathtaking 45-point performance in his return to the American Airlines Center, Dončić shocked fans again—but this time, it wasn’t with a step-back three or a no-look assist. Instead, it was a surprise visit to a Dick’s Sporting Goods store in Dallas that sent shockwaves through the local basketball community.
Dončić, now repping the Jordan Brand, was there to unveil his newest signature shoe. But what was expected to be a low-key promotional event quickly turned into a heartwarming community moment.
Kids from the AB Elite program and a handful of lucky fans were invited under the impression they’d be attending a standard meet-and-greet. What they got instead was a deeply personal and unforgettable experience with one of basketball’s brightest stars. Dončić hosted a candid Q&A, shared intimate stories about his journey from Slovenia to NBA stardom, and signed everything from shoes to jerseys—and even a few sneakers right off fans’ feet.
In a move that only endeared him more to his Texas fanbase, Dončić stepped behind the cash register to ring up fans’ purchases himself, flashing his signature grin and joking with everyone in line. “You sure you want these?” he teased one young fan holding his new sneakers. “They’re pretty fire.”
Photos, laughs, and hugs followed, but perhaps the most poignant moment came when a young boy asked Dončić what he missed most about Dallas. Dončić paused, eyes misty, and simply said, “Everything.”
His appearance came just a day after his emotional return to the Mavericks’ home court, where a tear-jerking tribute video played before tipoff. Dončić, visibly moved, wiped away tears as the crowd gave him a standing ovation. He responded in the only way he knows how—by torching the court with 45 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
Though he’s no longer a Maverick, moments like these remind Dallas fans that Luka Dončić’s connection to the city goes far beyond basketball.
And sometimes, that connection shows up not on the hardwood—but in the aisle of a sporting goods store.
Who Is Luka Doncic’s Fiancée? All About Anamaria Goltes
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic and model Anamaria Goltes welcomed their first child together in late 2023
The couple first met in Croatia when they were just kids and have been together since 2016.
“People have [a] best friend, boyfriend, true love. I’m lucky they are all the same person,” Goltes wrote on Instagram in 2018.
Doncic got down on one knee during a romantic proposal in Slovenia on July 7, 2023 — a date that could be a nod to his jersey number, 77
Less than a year later, Goltes cheered Doncic on during the NBA Playoffs in May 2024, sharing photos on Instagram that included Gabriela at a game.
A major change for the couple came in February 2025, when Doncic was unexpectedly traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in a move that shocked basketball fans. He responded to the news in an Instagram post where he thanked the organization for allowing him to “contribute to your important work.”
Goltes showed her support by sharing his post on her Instagram Stories, adding a simple message of her own. “Thank you,” she wrote, along with a blue heart emoji.
So, who is Luka Doncic’s fiancée? Here’s everything to know about Anamaria Goltes
She studied in Slovenia, even while living in the United States
Goltes was born on April 30, 1998, in Slovenia. She has one younger sister named Pia. When Goltes graduated high school, she attended the University of Ljubljana, the oldest and largest college in Slovenia, and of which her father is also an alum. Goltes attended the University’s School of Economics and Business
While living in Dallas, where Doncic played with the Mavericks, she continued studying virtually, telling Cosmopolitan SI that she would immediately log on to submit her coursework and assignments first thing in the morning after breakfast because of the time difference
She and Doncic met as kids
During an Instagram Story Q&A session in March 2020, Goltes shared how she and Doncic first met
“I answered this question like a million times. We met when we were 12 years old at the seaside in Croatia,” she said (via the New York Post). “Fun fact: We still have the same group of friends we had at that time. You keep the real ones, am I right?”
When Cosmopolitan SI asked Goltes how Doncic won her over, she shared that it was his young and playful energy that attracted her to him, and that continues to be the case to this day
“I answered this question like a million times. We met when we were 12 years old at the seaside in Croatia,” she said (via the New York Post). “Fun fact: We still have the same group of friends we had at that time. You keep the real ones, am I right?”
When Cosmopolitan SI asked Goltes how Doncic won her over, she shared that it was his young and playful energy that attracted her to him, and that continues to be the case to this day
She’s a model and influencer
Goltes made her modeling debut in 2017, when she became an ambassador for Lisca Lingerie. Shortly after, she signed with the agency Immortal Models Management and has appeared in several campaigns for Slovenian jeweler Zlatarna Celje, as well as on the cover of Cosmopolitan Slovenia.
In the past, Goltes announced the launch of her fashion blog in October 2021 and teased the idea of designing a workout clothing line in July 2020, though there have been no additional updates on the projects. Most recently, Goltes shared a rare look at how she chooses an outfit in a TikTok posted in February 2022
Goltes previously told Cosmopolitan SI that focusing on her identity and goals was crucial to making her relationship with Doncic work, in part so that she doesn’t lose her sense of self. She shared her belief that when a person can be happy alone, it can make them a better friend and partner
She and Doncic live together in Dallas
Doncic and Goltes home base has been Dallas, and while she enjoys the city now, it took some getting used to it after moving from Slovenia. She explained to Cosmopolitan SI that she was exposed to a new place with a new culture and it prompted a new way of thinking. Some of the adjustments she had to make included finding the best local grocery stores, picking a gym and making new friends
The following year, Goltes gave a heartfelt update about the transition. “Dallas is a lot like Europe,” she shared in an Instagram Story Q&A. “I love Dallas. It reminds me of home.”
Goltes said that relocating to a new continent helped her grow as a person and gave her a new perspective — and that positively impacted her relationship with Doncic. She opened up about learning to enjoy her own company when Doncic was busy training a lot of the time
She and Doncic have three dogs
Doncic and Goltes share three dogs: a Pomeranian named Hugo, a White Swiss Shepherd named Gia and a large breed named Viki, whom they welcomed into their family in February 2022. Goltes said one of the silver linings of the COVID-19 pandemic was being able to spend quality time with her boyfriend and pooches
“I love that I get to spend some time with Luka, Hugo, and Gia in the quarantine,” she said in an Instagram Story Q&A. “We don’t get to spend that many days together because we are always working on our individual things. So being able to spend time together feels very good
She is Doncic’s biggest cheerleader
Goltes is often on hand to cheer for Doncic at games and events, where she’s spotted wearing his jersey number, 77. And even when she can’t attend matchups, Goltes still represents him at home with their dogs and their coordinating blue-and-white uniforms.
At the 2023 All-Star game, she stepped out in a custom denim jacket with his name and number on the back. Beyond the basketball court, Goltes walked the NBA Awards red carpet with Doncic in 2019 when he was named Rookie of the Year. The model wore a form-fitting black gown while Doncic opted for a sleek blue suit
She and Doncic team up for charity
Doncic and Goltes are a team in more ways than one. When Doncic’s basketball schedule prohibited him from visiting two Slovenian children’s hospitals he’d supported with his foundation in December 2022, Goltes attended in his place with holiday-themed balloons
In a statement shared by Cosmopolitan SI, Doncic said, “I hope this puts a smile on their faces and cheers them up. They are brave and strong, so I want them to know that I am thinking of them during the holidays and that I want them to return to their homes as soon as possible
She and Doncic share one child
In early December 2023, Doncic and Goltes announced the arrival of their first child together. “Gabriela !” they captioned a photo of the newborn on Instagram.
It’s unclear exactly what day the couple’s daughter was born, but Doncic did miss the Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies game in Dallas on Dec. 1, 2023.
While on the basketball court, Doncic keeps Gabriela close. Her name followed by a heart is always printed on the midsole of his sneakers
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