The Truth Behind Jokic’s ‘Missing’ Wedding Ring, Despite His Wife Trying Everything But Still Failing

Nikola Jokic, the stoic superstar of the Denver Nuggets, has never been one to chase the spotlight. While his style of play on the court is dazzling, his demeanor off it is remarkably reserved. Jokic, now widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NBA history, lives a life that stands in contrast to many of his peers: humble, private, and deeply rooted in family values.

That’s why fans were both surprised and touched when Jokic recently shared a deeply personal — and somewhat hilarious — story about why he doesn’t wear his wedding ring, even though he treasures his marriage and family life. His tale, filled with sincerity and humor, provides a rare window into the private world of a man who often prefers to let his game do the talking.

A Serene Love Story from Serbia

To understand the significance of Jokic’s story, one must first look at his long-standing relationship with his wife, Natalija Maćešić. The two grew up together in their hometown of Sombor, Serbia, a small city located in the northern part of the country. Childhood friends turned sweethearts, their bond only deepened over the years. As Jokic pursued his basketball career — first in Serbia, then in Europe, and eventually in the NBA — Natalija was always by his side.

In October 2020, the couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in their hometown, away from the glitz and glamour of professional sports. Their wedding was a celebration of love and loyalty, and in many ways, it perfectly reflected Jokic’s low-profile approach to fame.

Today, the couple shares a quiet family life. They are the proud parents of two children: their daughter Ognjena, born in September 2021, and a second child, born in November 2024. Despite Jokic’s growing global fame, the family maintains a private, grounded lifestyle, largely free from the noise of celebrity culture.

An MVP with an MVP’s Heart

Nikola Jokic has never been your typical NBA superstar. Known for his unselfish play, elite court vision, and deep understanding of the game, he has won multiple MVP awards and led the Nuggets to the 2023 NBA Championship. But while his career achievements continue to stack up, Jokic remains refreshingly unaffected by the trappings of fame.

He has no interest in social media. He prefers spending time with his horses in Serbia during the offseason. And when it comes to public appearances or flashy accessories, Jokic often chooses simplicity over spectacle.

That’s what made his recent comments about his wedding ring so unexpected — and so endearing.

The Shoe That Held a Secret

During the launch of his first-ever signature sneaker in collaboration with 361 Degrees, a Chinese athletic brand, Jokic surprised attendees by revealing a small but unique feature of the shoe’s design: a hidden pocket specifically designed to hold a wedding ring.

This detail wasn’t added on a whim. It was a nod to Jokic’s personal tradition of tying his wedding ring to his basketball shoes during games. For Jokic, it was a meaningful ritual — a quiet, symbolic gesture that helped him stay emotionally connected to his wife and children, even in the middle of high-stakes competition.

“When I play, I want to feel close to my family,” Jokic said. “Even if they’re not in the arena, I know they’re with me.”

The design of the pocket — subtle, secure, and hidden from plain sight — was a thoughtful inclusion in his signature sneaker. It spoke volumes about who Jokic is as a person: family-oriented, emotionally grounded, and appreciative of life’s quieter moments.

The Funny Twist: Two Rings Lost

But the story didn’t end there.

As Jokic elaborated, he admitted that despite the special design, he had no plans to use the pocket — and for a very good reason. In fact, the entire tradition of tying the ring to his shoes had backfired not once, but twice.

“It’s a funny story,” Jokic shared with a laugh. “I lost my wedding ring. My wife gave me a new one… and I lost that one too.”

While some players may lose track of game stats or miss a flight, Jokic managed to lose two separate wedding rings — both of which had been lovingly gifted by his wife, Natalija. The incidents, though frustrating, were recounted with humor and humility.

“Now I’m not sure I’m allowed to have another one,” he added jokingly.

The anecdote struck a chord with fans. It wasn’t just about the ring — it was about a man doing his best to honor his marriage in his own quiet way, and making a few clumsy mistakes along the way. Jokic, in his unassuming charm, reminded everyone that even MVPs can be a little forgetful.

Natalija’s Efforts and Jokic’s Quiet Devotion

According to close friends of the couple, Natalija tried several times to get Jokic to wear the ring more traditionally — on his finger, like most people do. But her husband’s unique routine and his apparent knack for misplacing valuable items made that difficult.

Still, there’s no sign that this quirk has caused any tension. On the contrary, it has become part of their personal story — a mix of love, laughter, and compromise. Jokic may not wear his ring, but his devotion to Natalija and their family is beyond question.

In many interviews, he’s spoken openly about how fatherhood changed his life, how he prioritizes family time over fame, and how he leans on Natalija for emotional support during the grueling NBA season.

A Love Story Fans Can Believe In

In an era where many athletes live their personal lives under the constant scrutiny of the media, Jokic’s approach feels refreshingly authentic. He doesn’t court attention. He doesn’t craft a brand around his personal life. Instead, he lets small moments — like a shoe with a hidden pocket — tell the story for him.

Fans have embraced this side of Jokic with open arms. Social media lit up with praise after his wedding ring story was shared.

“Only Jokic could lose two rings and still be the most loyal guy in the league,” one fan tweeted.

“He doesn’t need to wear a ring — we all know where his heart is,” said another.

The Symbolism Beyond the Ring

In many ways, the wedding ring is just a symbol — a tangible object that represents something much deeper. And for Jokic, that “something deeper” is already evident in the way he lives his life. His actions speak louder than jewelry ever could.

He’s the kind of player who goes home to Serbia after every season to spend time with extended family. The kind of father who talks about bedtime routines and cuddling his daughter after games. The kind of husband who, even when he loses a wedding ring, never loses sight of what really matters.

What It Says About Jokic’s Legacy

Jokic is on track to become a first-ballot Hall of Famer. His stats, accolades, and championship credentials are more than enough. But perhaps what sets him apart is that, even with all the success, he’s never stopped being Nikola from Sombor — a family man who still blushes when talking about his wife and who approaches life with equal parts grace and goofiness.

The lost ring story might seem small in the grand scheme of things, but it encapsulates what makes Jokic special. He’s real. In a world full of branding and bravado, Jokic is content to be a quiet giant — someone who can dominate on the court and still laugh about misplacing a symbol of his marriage.

Conclusion: A Ring May Be Lost, But Love Is Not

Nikola Jokic doesn’t wear his wedding ring, but that doesn’t mean his marriage is any less meaningful. If anything, his story has only strengthened fans’ admiration for the Serbian star. He’s shown that you don’t need to wear a ring to prove your love — and that sometimes, the most touching gestures are the ones you don’t even plan.

Whether he ever wears another ring or not, one thing is certain: Jokic’s love for his wife and children is permanent, and far more valuable than gold.