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Luka Modrić

April 24, 2023

Luka Modrić (Croatian pronunciation: [lûːka mǒːdritɕ];[4][5] born 9 September 1985) is a Croatian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for La Liga club Real Madrid and captains the Croatia national team. He plays mainly as a central midfielder, but can also play as an attacking midfielder or as a defensive midfielder. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time,[6] and as the greatest ever Croatian footballer.[7]

Luka Modrić
Modrić in 2021
Personal information
Full name Luka Modrić[1]
Date of birth (1985-09-09) 9 September 1985 (age 37)[2]
Place of birth Zadar, SR Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia
Height 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)[3]
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Real Madrid
Number 10
Youth career
1996–2000 Zadar
2000–2003 Dinamo Zagreb
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003–2008 Dinamo Zagreb 94 (26)
2003–2004 → Zrinjski Mostar (loan) 25 (8)
2004–2005 → Inter Zaprešić (loan) 18 (4)
2008–2012 Tottenham Hotspur 127 (13)
2012– Real Madrid 321 (26)
International career‡
2001 Croatia U15 2 (0)
2001 Croatia U17 2 (0)
2003 Croatia U18 7 (0)
2003–2004 Croatia U19 11 (1)
2004–2005 Croatia U21 15 (2)
2006– Croatia 164 (23)
Honours
Men's football
Representing  Croatia
FIFA World Cup
Runner-up 2018 Russia
2022 Qatar

Signature
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20:58, 22 April 2023 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22:50, 28 March 2023 (UTC)

Born in Zadar,[8] Modrić's childhood coincided with the Croatian War of Independence which displaced his family. In 2002, he was signed by Dinamo Zagreb at age 16, after showing promise with his hometown club NK Zadar's youth team. He continued his development in Zagreb, before spells on loan to Zrinjski Mostar and Inter Zaprešić. He made his debut for Dinamo in 2005 and won three consecutive league titles and domestic cups, being named the Prva HNL Player of the Year in 2007. In 2008, he moved to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur for a club-record transfer fee of £16.5 million, where he led Spurs to their first UEFA Champions League appearance in almost 50 years, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2010–11 tournament.

In the summer of 2012, Modrić joined Real Madrid for a £30 million transfer fee. There he became a key contributor and helped the team win La Décima and was selected for the 2013–14 Champions League squad of the season. After Zinedine Zidane took over Madrid, Modrić was critical to three consecutive Champions League titles from 2015–16 to 2017–18, each time being voted into the squad of the season. He has won twenty-two major trophies at Real Madrid, including five UEFA Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, four Supercopa de España titles, four UEFA Super Cup titles and five FIFA Club World Cup titles. He won the La Liga Award for "Best Midfielder" in 2016 for the second time, and the UEFA Club Football Award for "Best Midfielder" in 2017 and 2018. In 2015, he became the first Croatian player to be included in the FIFA FIFPRO World 11, in which he was regularly included until 2019 and then again in 2022, as well in the UEFA Team of the Year between 2016 and 2018. In 2018, Modrić became the first Croatian player to win the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award, and by winning The Best FIFA Men's Player and Ballon d'Or awards, he became the first player other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to claim the awards in more than a decade. In 2019, he was awarded the Golden Foot award for career results and personality.

Modrić made his international debut for Croatia against Argentina in March 2006, and scored his first international goal in a friendly match against Italy. Modrić has anchored Croatia's "second Golden Generation", participating in every major tournament Croatia has qualified for, including the UEFA Euro 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020, as well as the 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022 FIFA World Cup. At the Euro 2008, he was selected for the Team of the Tournament, becoming only the second Croatian to ever achieve this honour. Following group stage eliminations in his first two World Cups, Modrić led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup Final, winning the Golden Ball in process. At the following tournament, he led the team to a third-place finish, winning the Bronze Ball in process. In March 2021, he went on to become the country's most capped player in history. Furthermore, he has been named Croatian Footballer of the Year a record eleven times between 2007 and 2022.

Early life

 
Modrić was born in Zadar, Croatia where he began his youth career at NK Zadar.

Luka Modrić was born on 9 September 1985 and was raised in the hamlet of Modrići, which is a part of Zaton Obrovački,[9][10] a village situated on the southern slopes of the mountain Velebit, north of the city of Zadar in SR Croatia, then a republic within SFR Yugoslavia.[11][12][13] He is the oldest child of Stipe Modrić from Modrići and Radojka Dopuđ from Kruševo near Obrovac, both of whom initially worked in a knitwear factory.[14][15][16][17] Modrić mostly spent his early years in the stone house of his paternal grandfather after whom he was named,[9][18] located on the road above the hamlet of Modrići,[19][20][21] and was shepherding goats as a five-year-old.[22][23][24]

However, his childhood coincided with the Croatian War of Independence—in 1991, when the war escalated, his family were forced to flee the area.[11] Modrić's grandfather Luka was executed by Serb rebels who were part of the police of SAO Krajina in December 1991 near his house in Modrići,[11][13][25][26] and after the family fled, the house was burned to the ground.[27][28] Modrić became a refugee and lived with his family in the Hotel Kolovare for seven years; he later moved to the Hotel Iž, both in Zadar.[11][29][30] His father joined the Croatian Army as an aeromechanic.[11][31] In those years, thousands of bombs fell on the city and football was a way to escape the reality of war.[13] He recalls it as a tough time for his family and something which shaped him as a person.[32][33][34] He also said he was mostly unaware of the war because he befriended many other children and their parents did not let it affect their childhood.[16]

In these difficult circumstances, Modrić began playing football, mostly at the hotel parking lot.[13] In 1992, he simultaneously entered the primary school and a sporting academy, the latter paid for with the little money the family had, sometimes helped by Modrić's uncle.[11][29][16] As a boy he was inspired to play football by Zvonimir Boban and Francesco Totti.[35]

Club career

Early years

Supported by his family, he participated in representative camps and trained in NK Zadar.[11][16] He was under tutelage of coach Domagoj Bašić and the head of the youth academy, Tomislav Bašić.[11] Tomislav Bašić, considered by Modrić as his "sporting father",[26][30] said Modrić's father made him wooden shin guards because they had little money.[11][32][34] However, Modrić later denied the story.[13] Due to being considered too young and light, he was not signed by Croatian powerhouse Hajduk Split, the most representative football club in the region of Dalmatia.[11][16][36] After displaying some talent, including at a youth tournament in Italy,[26] Tomislav Bašić arranged Modrić's move to Dinamo Zagreb when Modrić was a 16-year-old in late 2001.[11][13][37] After a season with Dinamo Zagreb's youth side, Modrić was loaned in 2003 to Zrinjski Mostar in the Bosnian Premier League.[11][26] During this period, he established his versatile style of play and became the Bosnian Premier League Player of the Year at only the age of 18.[38] Modrić later said, "Someone who can play in the Bosnian Premier League can play anywhere," referring to its physical nature.[38] The following year, he was loaned to Croatian side Inter Zaprešić. He spent one season there, helping the team to achieve second position in the Prva HNL[26][39] and a place in the preliminary round of the UEFA Cup. He also won the Croatian Football Hope of the Year award in 2004.[38] He returned to Dinamo Zagreb in 2005.[38]

Dinamo Zagreb

In the 2005–06 season, Modrić signed a ten-year contract (his first long-term contract) with Dinamo Zagreb.[38] With the contract's earnings, he bought a flat in Zadar for his family.[13][26] He secured a place in Dinamo's first team, contributing 7 goals in 31 matches to help win the league.[40] In the 2006–07 season, Dinamo again won the league, with Modrić making a similar contribution.[40] He was the main provider for striker Eduardo,[38] which helped Modrić win the Prva HNL Player of the Year award.[3] The following season, Modrić as a team captain,[41] led Dinamo's attempt to qualify for the 2007–08 UEFA Cup. In the final play-off stage, Modrić converted a penalty in the second and away fixture against Ajax; the match finished 1–1 after regular time. Dinamo won the match and play-off with a score of 3–2 after extra time with two goals from teammate Mario Mandžukić.[42] However, Dinamo Zagreb failed to advance beyond the group stage. In his last home match with the club at Maksimir Stadium, Modrić was given a standing ovation and fans held up supportive banners.[43][44] He finished his four-year tenure at Dinamo with a tally of over 31 goals and 29 assists in four league seasons,[26][45] contributing most notably in the 2007–08 season when Dinamo won the second Croatian Cup and became champions by a 28-point margin.[46] Modrić was courted by Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea, but opted to wait leaving the club.[26][47][48]

Tottenham Hotspur

2008–10: Struggle and success in England

 
Modrić (far left, No. 14), preparing for a match kick-off for Tottenham against Arsenal in November 2010

Modrić agreed to transfer terms with Tottenham Hotspur on 26 April 2008. He was the first of many summer signings for manager Juande Ramos, and was also the Premier League's first summer transfer.[49] Club chairman Daniel Levy promptly flew to Zagreb when Manchester City and Newcastle United became interested,[50][51] and after signing a six-year contract, Tottenham confirmed the transfer fee paid was £16.5 million, equalling the club's record fee set by Darren Bent's move in 2007.[52] He got the number 14 jersey, later recalling that he wore it in honour of Johan Cruyff.[53] Modrić made his competitive Premier League debut on 16 August in a 2–1 defeat to Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium in Spurs' first match of the 2008–09 season.[54]

Modrić had a slow start at Tottenham. He suffered from a knee injury early in his tenure and was labelled as a light-weight for the Premier League by sections of the media,[37][33] as well as Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger.[55] Reflecting on that, Modrić said that such "critics push you forward to show people they are wrong. Maybe I look lightweight but I am a really strong person mentally and physically, and I never had any problems with my size".[37] This coincided with his poor form, leading to concerns both for himself and Croatia national team head coach Slaven Bilić.[55] Modrić spent his early days at the number 10 position, before being shifted to the left wing to play alongside Wilson Palacios.[55] Spurs teammate Tom Huddlestone later said, "[H]is versatility was probably a blessing and a curse, he was that good that he had to play out of position for a bit."[55]

After the appointment of manager Harry Redknapp, Modrić was given a more familiar role as a central or left-sided midfielder, allowing him to have more influence on the team and use his footballing talent more productively, for example in a 4–4 draw with arch-rivals Arsenal on 29 October.[56] Redknapp recognised Modrić's value to his side and planned to shape his new team around the Croatian playmaker. He scored his first competitive goal at Tottenham in a 2–2 draw against Spartak Moscow during the UEFA Cup group stages on 18 December 2008.[57] He scored his first Premier League goals against Newcastle United in an away defeat on 21 December, a home win in the third round of the FA Cup against Wigan Athletic on 2 January 2009, and in an away defeat against Manchester United on 25 April 2009.[58] Using Modrić in his former position from his Dinamo days made him more effective with performances against Stoke City,[59] Hull City,[60] and most notably on 21 March when he scored the only goal in a win against Chelsea.[61]

Before the 2009–10 season, Redknapp said of Modrić, "[He's] a hell of a player and a manager's dream, so I am told. He trains like a demon and never complains, will work with and without the ball on the field and can beat a defender with a trick or with a pass. He could get into any team in the top four".[62] On 29 August 2009, during Tottenham's 2–1 win over Birmingham City, Modrić was taken off injured with a suspected calf injury.[63] The following day, it was confirmed Modrić had sustained a fracture to his right fibula and was expected to be out for six weeks.[64] He returned on 28 December in the London derby against West Ham United, which Spurs won 2–0 with an 11th-minute goal scored by Modrić using the leg he had broken.[65] He again scored in a home win against Everton on 28 February 2010,[66] and in an away defeat against Burnley on 9 May.[67] On 30 May 2010, Modrić signed a new six-year contract that ran until 2016. Upon signing, he said, "Tottenham Hotspur gave me my chance in the Premier League and I want to go on to achieve great success here with them. Yes, there have been enquiries from other big clubs, but I have no interest in going anywhere. Last season's top-four finish was an indication of where we are as a club and I feel I can continue to improve and go on to achieve everything I want to at Spurs."[68]

2010–12: Final seasons in England

 
Modrić playing against Arsenal in November 2010

On 11 September 2010, Modrić scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season in a 1–1 away draw at West Bromwich Albion.[69] On 28 November, in a home match against Liverpool, Modrić scored a goal that was later credited as an own goal by Martin Škrtel. After a draw against Manchester United at White Hart Lane in January 2011, Redknapp praised Modrić, saying, "He was unbelievable. Magnificent. He's an amazing footballer, the little man takes the ball in the tightest areas with people around him, wriggling out of situations. He could play in any team in the world."[70] Modrić also scored in Tottenham's 3–2 victory over Stoke City on 9 April,[71] and converted a penalty at Anfield on 15 May in a 2–0 victory over Liverpool.[72] Modrić helped Tottenham reach their first involvement in the UEFA Champions League. In the first match, against Inter Milan at the San Siro on 20 October, he exited the match early due to injury; Spurs lost 4–3, despite the tremendous efforts of Gareth Bale.[73] On the return match at home, on 2 November, Modrić was given too much space to move and dictate the tempo of the match. He created and assisted for the first goal by Rafael van der Vaart in a 3–1 victory.[74][75] In the next match, against Werder Bremen, Modrić scored the second goal.[76] After a scoreless draw against Milan,[77] Spurs were eliminated from the competition in the quarter-finals by Real Madrid.[78]

Modrić played 32 Premier League matches in the 2010–11 season, scoring three goals, recording two assists and making the highest average number of passes per match for Spurs with 62.5 and an accuracy rate of 87.4%.[79] At the end of the season, Modrić was voted the Tottenham Hotspur Player of the Year. Then-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he would have chosen Modrić as his Player of the Year for that season.[80]

"I spent four great years there with a lot of emotions, with a lot of love from the club and the fans. I enjoyed every moment with Tottenham. But in one moment you feel you need to take a step forward, to go to a higher level. I think it was the right time for me to go, but I will always be thankful to Tottenham for everything they did for me. I became a better player there and they pushed me to this level where I am at the moment."

—Luka Modrić reflecting on the negotiations with Chelsea and the move to Real Madrid in February 2014.[37]

In mid-2011, Modrić was heavily pursued by Tottenham's London rivals Chelsea, who made a first bid of £22 million, which they increased to £27 million, both of which were rejected by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.[81][82] After the failed bids, Modrić announced he would welcome a move across London and that he had a "gentleman's agreement" with Levy the club would entertain offers from a "big club".[83] Speculation continued throughout the summer transfer window, culminating in Modrić refusing to play in Tottenham's opening match of the 2011–12 season against Manchester United, which ended in a 3–0 loss.[84] Modrić said his "head was not in the right place" as he continued to force a move to Chelsea.[85] On the final day of the transfer window, Chelsea made an offer of £40 million that was again rejected.[86]

After failing to secure a transfer, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp told Modrić to focus on his playing and named him as a starter.[87] On 18 September, he scored his first goal of the season for Tottenham with a shot from 25 yd (23 m) in a 4–0 home win against Liverpool.[88] On 14 January 2012, Modrić scored the only goal in a home draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.[89] On 31 January in a 3–1 win against Wigan Athletic, he assisted for the first goal with a crossfield pass and scored the second from 20 yd (18 m).[90] For the third time that season, he was included in "Team of the Week".[91] Modrić scored his last goal for Tottenham on 2 May in a 1–4 away win against Bolton Wanderers with a powerful volley from 25 yd (23 m).[92]

Real Madrid

2012–13: Becoming a starting eleven player in Real Madrid

 
Modrić playing against Sevilla in February 2013

On 27 August 2012, Real Madrid announced they had agreed on a deal with Tottenham for an approximate £30 million transfer fee.[93] Modrić signed a five-year contract with the Spanish club.[93][94] Two days later, he made his Real Madrid debut against Barcelona in the second leg final of the 2012 Supercopa de España at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, replacing Mesut Özil in the 83rd minute. Madrid won the match, giving Modrić his first trophy with the club 36 hours after his signing was announced.[95] Despite his positive debut, Modrić at first struggled to settle into the team under manager José Mourinho because of his lack of pre-season training, which he missed as a result of his ongoing transfer negotiations.[37] The presence of veteran midfielder Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira in defensive midfield, and Özil in offensive midfield, usually kept Modrić out of the starting line-up, limiting him to substitute appearances. He mostly played out-of-position for his first few months at the club. He played his first UEFA Champions League match for Real Madrid in the group stage against Manchester City on 18 September, which Madrid won 3–2. On 3 November, Modrić scored his first goal for Real Madrid in the last minute of their 4–0 victory over Real Zaragoza in La Liga.[96] His most notable match that year was on 4 December, when he assisted for the first two goals of Cristiano Ronaldo and José Callejón with cross-field passes in a 4–1 victory over Ajax in the group stage of the Champions League.[97][98][99] At the end of the year he was voted as the worst signing of the season by Spanish newspaper Marca.[100]

Modrić started in Real Madrid's home match against rivals Barcelona on 2 March 2013. From a corner kick, he assisted Sergio Ramos to score the winning goal in the 82nd minute, giving Real a victory in El Clásico. On 5 March, Modrić came on as a second-half substitute during the decisive Champions League knockout leg against ten-man Manchester United at Old Trafford. With Madrid behind by a goal, Modrić equalised with a long-range shot from 25 yd (23 m) out and played a key role in the rest of the match, which Real Madrid won 2–1, advancing them to the quarter-finals 3–2 on aggregate.[101][102][103] This match is often seen as the turning point in Modrić's career in Real Madrid.[37] On 16 March, he replicated this performance against Mallorca, giving Real Madrid the lead with a long-range volley from 30 yd (27 m); Real Madrid won the match 5–2.[104] Modrić played as a starter in both Champions League semi-final matches against Borussia Dortmund. In the first leg on 24 April, he played in the attacking midfield position where he did not influence the match and the team lost 4–1. On 30 April, in the second leg 2–0 victory, Modrić played as the deep-lying playmaker, making passes to the attackers and creating several chances; he was among the best-rated players that night.[105][106][107] From March 2013, Modrić's form and influence in the midfield continued to improve, distinguishing himself as a player with most passes completed in his team. On 8 May, he assisted from the corner for the first goal and scored the fourth goal in a 6–2 victory over Málaga.[108]

2013–15: Best midfielder in Spain and La Décima

"He's the head of midfield in a complicated environment. Every day in Madrid pressure is coming at you from all sides. Modrić not only withstands the pressure but has grown among it to be Madrid's best player, with [Cristiano] Ronaldo."

—Predrag Mijatović praises Modrić's rising performance and significance for the team in January 2014.[109]

With the arrival of new manager Carlo Ancelotti, Modrić became one of the most frequent starters in the team, being partnered in midfield with Xabi Alonso to provide a balance of defence and attack.[110][111] He was consistently the team's most efficient passer, averaging 90% accuracy in La Liga, and also having the most ball recoveries among the squad.[37][55][110] He scored his first goal of the 2013–14 season in the last Champions League group match against Copenhagen, making it his fifth goal for the club, all five of which were scored from the outside the penalty area.[112] Modrić scored his first goal of the Liga season in a 3–0 away win against Getafe, his sixth goal outside the penalty area.[113] Modrić was on the pitch when Real Madrid won the 2013–14 Copa del Rey after defeating Barcelona 2–1 in the final.[114]

In the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, Modrić intercepted the ball and assisted Cristiano Ronaldo for the third goal in Real Madrid's 3–0 home victory against Borussia Dortmund. The goal was ultimately decisive because Real went on to lose 2–0 in the second leg, but progressed with a marginal aggregate score of 3–2. In his 100th appearance for the club,[115] Modrić assisted for the first goal in the second leg 4–0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final, helping Real Madrid reach the final for the first time in 12 years.[116] He was included in UEFA's Team of the Week for both legs of the semi-final.[117][118] On 24 May in the final, Modrić again assisted from a corner for teammate Sergio Ramos, who scored a 93rd-minute equaliser against local rivals Atlético Madrid. Real won 4–1 in extra time, marking the club's tenth Champions League title, locally known as la Décima ("the tenth").[119] He was included in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season[120] and received the LFP award for the "Best Midfielder" of the Spanish first league of that season.[121]

In August 2014, Modrić signed a new contract to stay at Real Madrid until 2018.[122] With the departure of Alonso he was partnered with newly arrived Toni Kroos.[123] Real Madrid began the 2014–15 season by winning the UEFA Super Cup over Sevilla[124] Modrić assisted twice for Bale, first against Real Sociedad in La Liga,[125] and second against Basel in the Champions League.[126][127] In the 2–0 away win against Villarreal, Modrić scored his seventh goal from outside of the box.[128]

In late November, Modrić sustained a thigh injury during an international match against Italy, because of which he did not play for three months.[129] He returned in early March 2015, starting in seven matches and proving his form.[130] On 21 April, in the 3–1 home win against Málaga, he strained ligaments in his right knee, because of which he did not play until May.[131][132][133] With his injury, Real Madrid's 22-match winning run in the season came to an end. His absence and the lack of a quality substitute were seen as the main cause of Real Madrid's failure to win matches in La Liga and the Champions League.[134] Ancelotti said, "Modrić has missed most of the year and this has hurt us".[135] Modrić's influence was recognised and he was selected by professional players in the FIFA FIFPro World XI.[136]

2015–17: Among best world players and La Undécima and Duodécima

 
Modrić playing against Shakhtar Donetsk during their group stage match in the UEFA Champions League in November 2015

For the 2015–16 season, Carlo Ancelotti was replaced by Rafael Benítez under whom Modrić continued to be a key midfield player.[137][138] He sustained a muscular groin injury during an international match against Bulgaria in October, initially suggesting an absence of two-to-three weeks.[139] However, by 20 October, he had recovered in time for the match against Paris Saint-Germain.[140]

With the arrival of new manager Zinedine Zidane in January 2016,[141] the relationship between them was noted in the media, with Modrić described as "master of the game",[137][142] and the crucial "connector" of the defence and attack.[143] It was seen in the first three matches, wins against Deportivo de La Coruña and Sporting de Gijón and a draw against Real Betis, in which Modrić was praised for creating chances, his positioning and overall performance and influence.[137][143][144] On 7 February, Modrić scored a winning goal from outside the box in a 1–2 away win against Granada.[145] Modrić was a regular in the starting line-up when the team won the 2015–16 Champions League in the final against Atlético.[146] He was included in both Champions League,[147] and La Liga's team of the season.[148] For the second time, he also received the LFP award for the "Best Midfielder" of the Spanish first league.[149] He was for the second time included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI.[150]

On 18 October 2016, Modrić signed a new contract with Real Madrid, keeping him at the club until 2020.[151] Due to injury of a left knee sustained in mid-September, he missed eight matches, returning early November.[152] On 18 December, he won the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup with Real Madrid, receiving the Silver Ball for his performances during the tournament.[153] In January 2017, for the first time was included in the UEFA Team of the Year (2016).[154] On 12 March 2017, in a 2–1 win over Real Betis, Modrić played his 200th match for Real Madrid.[155]

Modrić was a regular starter when Real Madrid won the 2016–17 La Liga,[156][157] as well as the 2016–17 UEFA Champions League, where he provided the assist for Cristiano Ronaldo's second goal in the final against Juventus.[158] Modrić was included in Champions League team of the season[159] and became the first Croatian to win the Champions League three times.[160] He also received the UEFA Club Football award for Best Midfielder of the Champions League season.[161] In the competition for the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award, he came fourth,[162] while for 2017 Ballon d'Or, fifth.[163] For the third time, he was also included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI.[164]

2017–18: Ballon d'Or and third consecutive Champions League title

 
Modrić (left) with Gareth Bale during the 2018 Champions League Final

With the departure of James Rodríguez to Bayern Munich, Modrić inherited the team's coveted number 10 jersey for the new 2017–18 season, replacing his previous number 19 jersey.[165] In December, he won the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup with Real Madrid and received the Golden Ball award as the best player of the competition for his performance.[166] His first goal of the season came in a 7–1 win over Deportivo de La Coruña on 21 January 2018.[167] In the same month was for the second time included in the UEFA Team of the Year (2017).[168] Modrić was a regular starter when Real Madrid won the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League, starting in the final victory against Liverpool which saw Madrid win their third consecutive title.[169] For his performances throughout the campaign, Modrić was included in Champions League team of the season for the third consecutive time.[170] He later received the UEFA Club Football Award for Best Midfielder of the Champions League season for the second consecutive time.[171]

Due to his club, and national team performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where also received the Golden Ball,[172] in August and September Modrić won the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award and The Best FIFA Men's Player Award,[173][174] while in December, he added the Ballon d'Or to his personal tally,[175] marking the first time since 2007 that the award was not won by Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, which polarised the people involved in the sport into two camps about the credibility of the award.[175][176][177] Furthermore, besides becoming the first Croatian player to win these awards,[178] Modrić was the first player to win both the World Cup Golden Ball and the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award in the same year since Ronaldo in 1998,[179] and the World Cup Golden Ball and the Best FIFA Men's Player of the Year Award after Romário in 1994.[180] Additionally, he is the first player to win the awards from the former Yugoslavia territory, the first footballer from Eastern Europe to win a Ballon d'Or after Andriy Shevchenko in 2004,[181][182] and the tenth player from Real Madrid to capture the trophy.[183] Furthermore, winning the trophy triggered a clause in his contract, ensuring his stay at the club until 2021.[184] He was also included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI for the fourth time,[185] and won the IFFHS World's Best Playmaker award.[186]

After receiving the FIFA Men's Player of the Year Award, Modrić stated it "shows that we all can become the best with hard work, dedication, and belief, all dreams can come true".[187] Modrić dedicated the Ballon d'Or to "all the players who probably deserved to win it and didn't" in the past decade, including Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Wesley Sneijder among others.[175]

2018–21: Second time champion of Spain and Golden Foot

The arrival of new manager Julen Lopetegui in August 2018 saw Modrić given a steady return to the first team as a substitute due to his lack of pre-season training after the 2018 World Cup.[188][189] This included a substitute appearance in his team's 2–4 loss after extra time against Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.[190] His first start of the season came on 1 September in a 4–1 home win against Leganés, in which he assisted his side's third goal, scored by Karim Benzema.[191] His 100th appearance in the UEFA club competition came on 19 September in a 3–0 home win against Roma,[22] in which he assisted the second goal, scored by Gareth Bale.[192] On 22 December, Modrić won his third FIFA Club World Cup, scoring the first goal and assisting for the third in the final against Al Ain.[193] On 13 and 19 January 2019, Modrić for the first time scored in two consecutive league games for Real Madrid, in a 1–2 away win against Real Betis and 2–0 home win against Sevilla.[194][195] In the same month was included in the UEFA Team of the Year (2018) for the third time in his career.[196] From 27 February to 5 March, Modrić went through what he described as "the most difficult week of his football life,"[197] with Real Madrid losing to Barcelona twice and Ajax and crashing out of Copa del Rey, title race and the Champions League, respectively.[198][199][200] Despite having had an underwhelming season,[201] for the fifth consecutive time he was included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI.[202]

On 27 August 2019 was the seventh anniversary of Modrić's signing with the club.[203] Although raising doubts due to age of 34 and decision to continue playing with the national team which makes him prone to injuries,[204] Modrić stated that wants to "recapture his best form this season".[201] His first goal of the season came on 5 October in a 4–2 home victory against Granada.[205] On 12 November was awarded with a Golden Foot award.[206] On 23 November he made two assists and scored a goal in a 3–1 home victory against Real Sociedad.[207] On 8 January 2020, Modrić with trivela scored his fifth goal of the season and 100th career goal in a 3–1 victory against Valencia in the semi-finals of 2019–20 Supercopa de España.[208] On 12 January he successfully converted a penalty in a shootout as Real Madrid beat Atlético 4–1 on penalties in the final.[209] Following the continuation of La Liga after a three month suspension due to COVID-19 pandemic, Modrić was praised for being one of Real Madrid's best players despite his age, resulting in numerous media outlets wondering about prolongation of his contract with the club.[210] On 16 July, he assisted Benzema's opening goal in a 2–1 victory over Villarreal, as Real Madrid secured the league title.[211][212]

On 21 October 2020, he scored his first goal of the 2020–21 season in a Champions League 3–2 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk.[213] The goal made him the fourth player in the history of the club to score in the competition aged 35 or more, alongside Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ferenc Puskás and Francisco Gento.[214] It was named the Goal of the Week by UEFA.[215] Three days later, he came off the bench to score with trivela his first ever Clásico goal, as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 3–1.[216][217] On 25 May 2021, he extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2022.[218][219]

2021–22: 10th season with Real Madrid, third Spanish and fifth Champions League title

On 24 October 2021 of 2021–22 season, Modrić played his 400th game for Real Madrid in a 2–1 Clásico victory.[220] On 30 October, Modrić captained Real Madrid for the first time and assisted for the winning goal, after Marcelo had given him the armband upon being substituted off in the 2–1 victory over Elche.[221][222] On 7 December 2021, he played his 100th Champions League game and was named Man of the Match in a 2–0 victory over Inter Milan.[223] On 16 January 2022, he scored the first goal in the 2022 Supercopa de España Final and was named Man of the Match, as Real Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao 2–0.[224] The goal made him the oldest goalscorer in the history of the competition.[225] On 5 March, Modrić assisted and scored from outside of the box in a 4–1 victory over Real Socidedad.[226] On 6 and 12 April, Modrić assisted in both legs of Champions League quarter-finals 5–4 aggregate victory against Chelsea. Praised for attacking and defensive performances in both games,[227][228][229] because of a long-range trivela assist for Rodrygo in the crucial moment of the second leg was named Man of the Match as well as voted Player of the Week by UEFA.[230][231] He was a regular starter on 30 April when Real Madrid won their 35th and his 3rd Spanish title,[232] on 4 May when Real Madrid won in extra time in the second leg against Manchester City, and on 28 May when he won his 5th title in the final of Champions League.[233][234] For the sixth time in his career, he was included in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season.[235] On 8 June 2022, he renewed his contract until 2023.[236]

On 20 August 2022, Modrić landed his first goal and assist of the season in a 4–1 away victory over Celta Vigo in a La Liga fixture.[237] On 6 September he scored in his first Champions League game of the season in a 3–0 away victory against Celtic, becoming the eighth Real Madrid player with 100 appearances in the competition.[238][239] On 11 September, he became the third Real Madrid player after Puskás and Francisco Buyo to play 100 games while over 35 years of age.[240][241] In February 2023, Modrić was included for the sixth time in the FIFA FIFPro World XI.[242]

International career

 
Modrić at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He is said to anchor Croatia's second Golden Generation.

Modrić began his international career at youth level, playing for the Croatian under-15, under-17, under-18, under-19 and under-21 teams.[38] He debuted in March 2001 for the under-15 team coached by Martin Novoselac, but nevertheless his talent and psychological maturity, he did not become a regular starter and leading player until physically strengthened and debuted for under-18. Novoselac considers him as a model for all young players because is a result of a gradual and continuous work and effort, as well as talent.[243] Modrić made his full international debut for Croatia on 1 March 2006 in a friendly match against Argentina in Basel, which Croatia won 3–2.[38]

2006–2008: 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008

Modrić made two appearances at the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals as a substitute in the group fixtures against Japan[244] and Australia.[245] With the appointment of new manager Slaven Bilić, Modrić earned greater recognition at international level; he scored his first goal in Croatia's 2–0 friendly win over world champions Italy on 16 August 2006 in Livorno.[246]

Modrić's performances ensured a regular place in the international side and he gave a successful showing in Croatia's UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, which included home and away victories against England.[247][248] As a young midfielder, much was expected of Modrić; he was often dubbed "the Croatian Cruyff".[48][249] Modrić scored Croatia's first goal of Euro 2008, converting a penalty in the fourth minute of their 1–0 victory against hosts Austria on 8 June 2008 and becoming the team's youngest ever goalscorer at the European Championships (aged 22 years and 273 days).[250][251] It was also the fastest penalty ever awarded and scored in the European Championships history.[252] He continued to impress at the tournament and was named UEFA Man of the Match in Croatia's next match when they defeated one of the pre-tournament favourites and eventual finalists Germany.[253] In the quarter-final against Turkey, Modrić took advantage of a mistake by veteran Turkish goalkeeper Rüştü Reçber, and crossed to teammate Ivan Klasnić for the first goal of the match with one minute of extra time remaining, but Semih Şentürk almost immediately equalised for Turkey. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Modrić's kick was off-target and he failed to score the first penalty and Turkey won the shootout 3–1.[254] At the end of the competition, Modrić was included in the UEFA Team of the Tournament, becoming only the second Croatian to achieve this honour after Davor Šuker.[255]

2008–2016: Subsequent struggles

In the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Modrić scored three goals, against Kazakhstan,[256] Andorra,[257] and Ukraine;[258] matching Ivica Olić, Ivan Rakitić and Eduardo. The team failed to qualify finishing one point behind second-placed Ukraine. After appearing in all of their UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying matches and scoring a goal against Israel,[259] Modrić started in all three of Croatia group stage matches against the Republic of Ireland, Italy and Spain, but the team failed to progress. His most notable performance was against Spain. The most memorable moment of the match came when Modrić picked the ball on the halfway line skipping Spain's midfield trio, rushing down on the right to reach the penalty area where he evaded a defender and with a trivela crossed from 18 yd (16 m) to Ivan Rakitić, but Iker Casillas saved this attempt.[260][261] Because Croatia did not advance from the group stage, Modrić was not included in the Team of the Tournament, although The Daily Telegraph included him in the best 11 until the semi-finals,[262] and his play was well received by critics.[263][264]

 
Modrić playing against Neymar of Brazil at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

After the playoffs, Modrić with the Croatian team qualified for the 2014 World Cup. They entered Group A with hosts Brazil, Mexico and Cameroon. Croatia played the opening match against Brazil, which they lost 3–1,[265] and Modrić sustained a minor foot injury.[266][267] In the second match, Croatia won 4–0 against Cameroon,[268] but did not progress to the knockout stage after losing 3–1 to Mexico,[269] despite the great expectations from the Croatian press and public.[270]

In the Euro 2016 qualifying rounds, Modrić scored his first goals for Croatia in three years, the first against Malta on his 29th birthday with a long-range shot,[271] then a penalty against Azerbaijan.[272] On 3 March 2015, Modrić captained Croatia for the first time, in an away draw against Azerbaijan.[273] In the tournament proper, Modrić scored the match-winning goal in Croatia's opening group stage match against Turkey, a volley from 25 metres (28 yards).[274] In so doing, he became the first Croatian to score at the finals of two separate European Championships, having previously scored against Austria in 2008.[275] He was named Man of the Match.[274] Modrić was forced to miss the crucial fixture against Spain on 21 June because of a minor muscle injury.[276][277] However, Croatia won and topped the group,[278] but lost to Portugal 0–1 in extra-time in the round of 16.[279]

2016–2018: Golden Ball of the 2018 World Cup

 
Modrić with Croatia during the World Cup
 
Modrić holding his Golden Ball award for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Best Player

For Croatia's 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, Modrić became the new team captain, following Darijo Srna's retirement.[280] Croatia started the campaign well; however, following 1–0 defeats to Iceland[281] and Turkey[282] and a 1–1 draw with Finland (in which Modrić made his 100th appearance for the national team),[283][284] Croatia seriously compromised their qualification for the tournament.[285][286] This caused Modrić to publicly state his lack of confidence in coach Ante Čačić.[287][288][289] Čačić was soon replaced by Zlatko Dalić ahead of Croatia's final qualifier against Ukraine away,[290] which Croatia won 2–0 and won a place in the play-offs.[291] Modrić scored a penalty in the 4–1 victory over Greece in the second qualifying round,[292] enabling his team to qualify for the World Cup.

Croatia were placed in Group D alongside Argentina, Iceland and Nigeria. During the tournament, Modrić—along with Ivan Rakitić and Mario Mandžukić—were referred to as Croatia's second "Golden Generation".[293][294] In Croatia's opening win against Nigeria, Modrić once again successfully executed a penalty kick and was named Man of the Match.[295][296] He also scored in Croatia's subsequent 3–0 win over Argentina with a long-range shot from 25 yards (23 metres),[297] also being named Man of the Match.[298][299] After also featuring in the final group stage match, against Iceland, his performances in the first round of the tournament saw him ranked by FourFourTwo, The Daily Telegraph and ESPN as the best player of the group stage.[300][301][302]

In the round of 16 against Denmark on 1 July, with the score tied at 1–1, Modrić created a goalscoring opportunity for Ante Rebić in the second half of extra-time, who was brought down in the penalty area; Modrić proceeded to take the penalty, but his strike was saved by Kasper Schmeichel. However, Modrić managed to score his spot-kick during the ensuing penalty shoot-out and Croatia advanced to the next round following a 3–2 victory on penalties.[303][304][305] In the quarter-finals against hosts Russia on 7 July, Modrić provided an assist in extra-time for Domagoj Vida from a corner kick, and once again scored in the victorious penalty shoot-out following a 2–2 draw; he was named Man of the Match for the third time in the tournament.[306][307] In the semi-final against England on 11 July, Croatia advanced to the World Cup final for the first time in their history following a 2–1 victory in extra time.[308] It was reported two days before the final match that Modrić ran the most miles out of any player and was third by created chances, as well had most dribbles per match and completed passes in the opponent's half in his team.[309] Although Croatia were beaten 4–2 by France in the final on 15 July,[310] Modrić was awarded the Golden Ball for the best player of the tournament,[172] and was included in the Team of the Tournament.[311][312] After the squad's huge welcome in Zagreb,[313] Modrić and his teammates Danijel Subašić, Šime Vrsaljko and Dominik Livaković were welcomed by tens of thousands of people in their hometown of Zadar.[314]

2018–2022: Bronze Ball of the 2022 World Cup

Modrić took part in all four matches in the inaugural edition of the UEFA Nations League as Croatia finished at the bottom of Group A4 following historical 6–0 away defeat to Spain in September and a 2–1 defeat to England at the Wembley Stadium in November.[315][316]

During the Euro 2020 qualifying rounds, Modrić scored two goals; a penalty in the away 1–1 draw with Azerbaijan and a solo-effort in the home 3–0 victory over Hungary as Croatia topped the group and qualified for the tournament.[317][318] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament was postponed for a year.[319] On 24 March 2021, Modrić made his 134th appearance for the national team in a 1–0 2022 World Cup qualifying defeat to Slovenia, equalling Darijo Srna as the most capped player in the history of the team.[320] Three days later, in a 1–0 World Cup qualifying victory over Cyprus, he surpassed Srna's record.[321][322]

He was selected to the final squad for the UEFA Euro 2020 on 17 May.[323] Despite Croatia's poor showings in their first two group stage games, Modrić was named the Man of the Match in the second one, a 1–1 draw with the Czech Republic on 18 June.[324] Four days later, in the 3–1 victory over Scotland, with a trivela he scored Croatia's second goal and provided Ivan Perišić with an assist for the third goal as Croatia progressed to the round of 16.[325] Modrić's goal made him Croatia's oldest ever goalscorer at the European Championships (aged 35 years and 286 days), while simultaneously holding the record for the youngest goalscorer that he set in 2008.[251]

During the 2022 World Cup qualifying, Modrić scored three times and assisted twice in seven appearances.[326] On 13 June 2022, he scored a penalty in a 1–0 away win over France in the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League A, to be Croatia's first ever win against the latter.[327] On 25 September, he scored opening goal in the last group's game and 3–1 away victory against Austria,[328] helping the team advance to the 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals.[329] On 9 November, Modrić was selected to Croatia's final squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[330] In the first and third group stage games against Morocco and Belgium, he was named the Man of the Match.[331] He became the first player to play in both the European Championship and the World Cup in three different decades.[332] In the round of 16 and quarter-finals, Croatia advanced on penalties against Japan and Brazil, with Modrić scoring in the shoot-out against Brazil,[333][334] and captaining Croatia to a second consecutive World Cup semi-final where they lost 3–0 to Argentina. In the third place play-off,[335] Croatia prevailed 2–1 over Morocco,[336][337] as Modrić won the Bronze Ball.[338]

On 25 March 2023, in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Wales, Modrić became the oldest ever player to play a game for Croatia―aged 37 years, 6 months and 16 days―surpassing Dražen Ladić's record set in 1999.[339]

Player profile

Style of play

"Not only is he a very hard worker, he has a good brain and he provided some calmness and composure to the midfield. His passing was neat and his contribution was outstanding. He was not only winning the ball, he was passing well. We thought that he was very influential. He did not just work hard, he made the other people play well around him".

–Gérard Houllier, UEFA Technical Team[253]

A diminutive and technically gifted midfielder, Modrić is typically deployed as a creative playmaker and sets the tempo of the match by controlling possession from the middle of the pitch. He has been widely applauded by many footballing pundits, managers, and fellow players for his swift passing and long range shots, both often in the style of the trivela technique, as well as his composure and ability to evade tackles under pressure.[340][341][55][342][343][344] He is also noted for his tactical intelligence and versatility in both attack and defence, as well as his vision, interpretation of space, and work rate. A former attacking midfielder, Modrić is considered a veteran of the "pre-assist" or build-up play, often creating space and time for his teammates to shoot or deliver goal-bound passes to other players.[345][346][347][348] He is also effective at taking set pieces, particularly corners or wide free kicks.[349]

Modrić has been integral to the success of both Real Madrid and the Croatia national team, having won numerous individual honours for his contributions to club and country.[135][350] His playstyle has earned him several nicknames as dubbed by the media and fandom, including “the midfield Maestro”, “the magician”, "the puppet master" among others.[351][345][352][353][354]

Position

Modrić's complex game has brought him consistent success in the clubs for which he has played. Initially a trequartista or attacking midfielder at Dinamo Zagreb and in his early career at Tottenham, in the 2010–11 season he flourished in a central midfield role as a deep-lying playmaker (regista) who conducts the attack and creates chances for teammates.[355] Afterwards, Modrić acknowledged the role that Harry Redknapp played in shaping of deep-lying his style, saying that dropping back enabled him "to read the game better" and show his full "creativity".[356] Although a central midfielder, Modrić is also a hard-working player who has been seen to adopt a defensive midfield role in addition to playmaking, tracking back to win the ball from the opposition and prepare for a counter-attack, making him one of the most versatile players in the world, capable of playing in several midfield positions.[357][358] According to Jonathan Wilson, in a 4–2–3–1 system Modrić is a third type of a holding midfielder, being "neither entirely destructive or creative", but a "carrier" who – courtesy of his dribbling ability and attacking drive – is "capable of making late runs or carrying the ball at his feet", but in his case "with a hint of regista".[359][360][361] As such, his role has also been likened to that of a mezzala, in Italian football jargon, namely an offensive–minded box-to-box or central midfielder.[348]

The switch to a more deep-lying position reduced his number of assists and goals, as well as his shot per game count (1.2), although his game was no longer based on being a goal threat; despite this, he had the second-highest count of key passes per game (2.06) in the team, as well as a very high pass accuracy rate (87%), with the highest passes per game count (62.5) in the team, the most long balls per game (5.6), the most successful dribbles (2.2), interceptions (2.5), and the highest tackle (1.9) count per game among others, high statistics which placed him amongst the top midfielders of the Premier League.[355][362] By the 2011–12 season statistically he was among the top-rated central and all-round midfielders across the top five leagues, alongside players like Xabi Alonso, Andrea Pirlo, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Xavi.[363][364]

Upon Modrić's arrival to Real Madrid, his midfield position was described as numbers six (defensive), eight (central) or ten (attacking), depending on the tactics,[365] and his role was described as the second deep-lying pivot alongside Xabi Alonso in the 2012–13 season, a classic deep-lying playmaker whose creativity was needed to dictate his team's play and unlock the opposing defence.[366][367] In the first half of the 2013–14 season, during which he formed an effective central midfield partnership with Alonso and Ángel Di María, Modrić made more tackles (56) than any other Real Madrid player in La Liga with an average number of 2.86 tackles per match, as well as making the most completed passes (878) in the opposition half of the pitch among Real Madrid players, with the highest passing accuracy in La Liga (90%) (also the highest of any midfielder in Europe's top five leagues who have made five or more assists during the season).[37] In the 2014–15 season, with the arrival of Toni Kroos, Real Madrid no longer had an effective and natural ball-winner alongside their playmakers in midfield, while the team possessed many attackers. Therefore, in addition to producing the highest count of passes (60.7–64.7) and key passes per match (0.8–1.2) within the team, both Modrić and Kroos had more defensive responsibility to set the rhythm of the team's gameplay in midfield and orchestrate counterattacks.[123][368] Modrić's average passing accuracy during the season was between 91.6–92%, while his highest completion rate in a single match occurred in October against Barcelona when he completed all 42 attempted passes.[369] For all of 2014, Modrić's dribble attempts (75) at a success rate of 76% were second in Europe's top five leagues.[370] During the 2015–16 season, although he placed only 12th in terms of chances created, almost all players above him were either forwards or attacking midfielders with no defensive responsibilities.[346]

Reception

 
Considered the most versatile and critical member of the national team, Modrić's technical ability has been heralded by both players and coaches.

Modrić is widely regarded as one of the best and most well-rounded and effective midfielders of all time.[371][372][373][374][6] According to Jonathan Wilson, what sets Modrić apart from traditional playmakers is his simultaneous focus on defensive and attacking duties.[375][376] Due to his footballing intelligence, skill and fairplay he was compared to Paul Scholes,[377][378] Xavi, Andrés Iniesta,[379] and Andrea Pirlo.[380][381][382] In his youth, he had also been compared to Johan Cruyff,[48][249] while his main influences were compatriot Zvonimir Boban and Italian playmaker Francesco Totti.[35]

He has been consistently praised by some of the sport's most experienced managers, including Johan Cruyff,[383] Alex Ferguson,[377] Pep Guardiola,[384] and Sven-Göran Eriksson among others.[385] From those who managed him, José Mourinho said he wanted Modrić in Real Madrid because of his influence on the game, tactical level and because he has "that artistic sense".[365] Carlo Ancelotti praised Modrić's technique and versatility making him "one of the best midfielders in the world right now, because he can play in more than one position".[386][387] Zinedine Zidane included him in his best XI currently playing the game,[388] and in 2016 predicted that Modrić would win Ballon d'Or.[53] Slaven Bilić said Modrić "is a player who makes others better, they all benefit from him being in the team. He's not selfish, he's playing for the team ... he's a complete player; good in defence, good in offence—it looks like he was born with the ball at his feet".[55]

Modrić is unanimously considered the greatest Croatian footballer of all time by his fellow countrymen, including people like Robert Prosinečki and Davor Šuker.[50][389][390][391] Predrag Mijatović considered him as the best footballer in the history of the Balkans,[392] while Andrés Iniesta, Andriy Shevchenko, Rio Ferdinand, Jan Oblak, and others called him one of the greatest midfielders to ever play the game.[393][394][395][396]

It is considered that his international recognition helped in nation branding of Croatia, place branding of Zadar and further recognition of Croatia national football team under his captaincy.[397][398]

Personal life

Modrić married Vanja Bosnić in May 2010 in the Croatian capital Zagreb in a private ceremony after four years of dating,[399] and a year later in the Catholic Church.[400] Their son, Ivano, was born on 6 June 2010.[401][402] Their daughter, Ema, was born on 25 April 2013.[402][403] Their second daughter, Sofia, was born on 2 October 2017.[404]

Modrić generally maintains a low profile outside of football.[37][405]

Modrić is a cousin of Australian footballer Mark Viduka,[406] and the godfather of Mateo Kovačić's son Ivan.[407]

In late 2019, Modrić released his autobiography Moja igra (My Game), co-written by prominent Croatian-Italian sports journalist Robert Matteoni.[408][409] Particular emphasis in autobiography was placed on Modrić's childhood, growing up in war conditions and development of a football career, with fundamental topics being football, family and friends.[410]

Produced by Fulwell 73, FIFA released Captains in 2022, an eight-part sports docuseries following six national team captains in their respective 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns.[411] Modrić, representing Croatia, starred in the first season alongside five other international footballers. It was released by Netflix and also shown on FIFA's own streaming platform, FIFA+.[412]

Legal issues

In March 2018, in an embezzlement and tax evasion trial against the former Dinamo Zagreb executive, Zdravko Mamić, Modrić was called as a witness.[413] Throughout the mid-late 2000s, Modrić signed multiple contracts with Mamić to play at Dinamo Zagreb.[414][415] Modrić annexed most of his Tottenham transfer fee to Mamić because he was the broker of the move and gave Modrić financial backing early on in his career.[416][417] Despite stating in 2017 that he signed the annexe clause of the contract ten years earlier, in his testimony he stated that he signed it in 2004, the year of his first contract. Modrić was charged with perjury for stating that he annexed his fee at an earlier date than he allegedly had.[413] Facing the judge, he said, "I came here to state my defence and tell the truth, like every time so far. My conscience is clear".[415][418] The Croatian Football Federation stood behind Modrić,[415] but a part of the Croatian public, frustrated with the corruption in Croatian football, perceived the alleged perjury as a defence of Mamić and became critical of Modrić.[419][420][421] Some international news outlets praised him for dealing with the stress of his legal situation while performing with the Croatian team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.[422] In October and December 2018, the perjury charge was rejected by the Croatian courts.[423][424]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 22 April 2023[425]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Dinamo Zagreb 2003–04 Prva HNL 0 0 0 0 – – – 0 0
2004–05 Prva HNL 7 0 1 0 – – – 8 0
2005–06 Prva HNL 32 7 1 0 – – – 33 7
2006–07 Prva HNL 30 6 7 1 – 6[c] 0 1[d] 1 44 8
2007–08 Prva HNL 25 13 8 1 – 12[e] 3 – 45 17
Total 94 26 17 2 – 18 3 1 1 130 32
Zrinjski Mostar (loan) 2003–04 Bosnian Premier League 25 8 – – – – 25 8
Inter Zaprešić (loan) 2004–05 Prva HNL 18 4 – – – – 18 4
Tottenham Hotspur 2008–09 Premier League 34 3 2 1 4 0 4[f] 1 – 44 5
2009–10 Premier League 25 3 7 0 0 0 — – 32 3
2010–11 Premier League 32 3 2 0 0 0 9[g] 1 – 43 4
2011–12 Premier League 36 4 3 0 0 0 2[h] 1 – 41 5
Total 127 13 14 1 4 0 15 3 – 160 17
Real Madrid 2012–13 La Liga 33 3 8 0 – 11[g] 1 1[i] 0 53 4
2013–14 La Liga 34 1 6 0 – 11[g] 1 – 51 2
2014–15 La Liga 16 1 0 0 – 6[g] 0 3[j] 0 25 1
2015–16 La Liga 32 2 0 0 – 12[g] 1 – 44 3
2016–17 La Liga 25 1 2 0 – 11[g] 0 3[k] 0 41 1
2017–18 La Liga 26 1 2 0 – 11[g] 1 4[l] 0 43 2
2018–19 La Liga 34 3 3 0 – 6[g] 0 3[m] 1 46 4
2019–20 La Liga 31 3 1 0 – 6[g] 1 2[i] 1 40 5
2020–21 La Liga 35 5 0 0 – 12[g] 1 1[i] 0 48 6
2021–22 La Liga 28 2 2 0 – 13[g] 0 2[i] 1 45 3
2022–23 La Liga 27 4 3 0 – 8[g] 2 5[n] 0 43 6
Total 321 26 27 0 – 107 8 24 3 479 37
Career total 585 77 58 3 4 0 140 14 25 4 812 98
  1. ^ Includes Croatian Cup, FA Cup, Copa del Rey
  2. ^ Includes Football League Cup
  3. ^ Four appearances in UEFA Champions League, two appearances in UEFA Cup
  4. ^ Appearance in Croatian Football Super Cup
  5. ^ Six appearances and two goals in UEFA Champions League, six appearances and one goal in UEFA Cup
  6. ^ Appearances in UEFA Cup
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  8. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  9. ^ a b c d Appearance(s) in Supercopa de España
  10. ^ Two appearances in Supercopa de España, one appearance in UEFA Super Cup
  11. ^ One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup
  12. ^ One appearance in Supercopa de España, one appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup
  13. ^ One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances and one goal in FIFA Club World Cup
  14. ^ Two appearances in Supercopa de España, one appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup

International

As of match played 28 March 2023[40]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Croatia 2006 12 2
2007 10 1
2008 11 3
2009 3 1
2010 8 0
2011 9 1
2012 9 0
2013 10 0
2014 11 2
2015 4 0
2016 8 1
2017 8 1
2018 15 2
2019 9 2
2020 6 0
2021 13 4
2022 16 3
2023 2 0
Total 164 23
As of match played 28 March 2023
Croatia score listed first, score column indicates score after each Modrić goal.[425]
List of international goals scored by Luka Modrić
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 16 August 2006 Stadio Armando Picchi, Livorno, Italy 8   Italy 2–0 2–0 Friendly
2 7 October 2006 Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia 10   Andorra 7–0 7–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
3 7 February 2007 Stadion Kantrida, Rijeka, Croatia 13   Norway 2–0 2–1 Friendly
4 8 June 2008 Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna, Austria 27   Austria 1–0 1–0 UEFA Euro 2008
5 6 September 2008 Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia 30   Kazakhstan 2–0 3–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
6 15 October 2008 Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia 33   Andorra 3–0 4–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
7 6 June 2009 Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia 35   Ukraine 2–2 2–2 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
8 6 September 2011 Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia 49   Israel 1–1 3–1 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
9 9 September 2014 Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia 80   Malta 1–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying
10 13 October 2014 Stadion Gradski vrt, Osijek, Croatia 82   Azerbaijan 5–0 6–0 UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying
11 12 June 2016 Parc des Princes, Paris, France 91   Turkey 1–0 1–0 UEFA Euro 2016
12 9 November 2017 Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia 102   Greece 1–0 4–1 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
13 16 June 2018 Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad, Russia 107   Nigeria 2–0 2–0 2018 FIFA World Cup
14 21 June 2018 Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia 108   Argentina 2–0 3–0 2018 FIFA World Cup
15 9 September 2019 Bakcell Arena, Baku, Azerbaijan 124   Azerbaijan 1–0 1–1 UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying
16 10 October 2019 Stadion Poljud, Split, Croatia 125   Hungary 1–0 3–0 UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying
17 30 March 2021 Stadion Rujevica, Rijeka, Croatia 136   Malta 2–0 3–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
18 22 June 2021 Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland 141   Scotland 2–1 3–1 UEFA Euro 2020
19 11 October 2021 Stadion Gradski vrt, Osijek, Croatia 144   Slovakia 2–2 2–2 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
20 11 November 2021 National Stadium, Ta' Qali, Malta 145   Malta 4–1 7–1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
21 29 March 2022 Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar 148   Bulgaria 1–1 2–1 Friendly
22 13 June 2022 Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France 152   France 1–0 1–0 2022–23 UEFA Nations League A
23 25 September 2022 Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna, Austria 154   Austria 1–0 3–1 2022–23 UEFA Nations League A

Honours

 
Modrić congratulated by bishops of Almudena Cathedral after winning the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League.
 
Modrić accepting the Golden Ball award at the hands of Vladimir Putin after the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final

Dinamo Zagreb[3]

Real Madrid[3]

Croatia

Individual

Orders

Namings:

See also

References

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April 24, 2023
luka, modrić, croatian, pronunciation, lûːka, mǒːdritɕ, born, september, 1985, croatian, professional, footballer, plays, midfielder, liga, club, real, madrid, captains, croatia, national, team, plays, mainly, central, midfielder, also, play, attacking, midfie. Luka Modric Croatian pronunciation luːka mǒːdritɕ 4 5 born 9 September 1985 is a Croatian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for La Liga club Real Madrid and captains the Croatia national team He plays mainly as a central midfielder but can also play as an attacking midfielder or as a defensive midfielder He is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time 6 and as the greatest ever Croatian footballer 7 Luka ModricModric in 2021Personal informationFull nameLuka Modric 1 Date of birth 1985 09 09 9 September 1985 age 37 2 Place of birthZadar SR Croatia SFR YugoslaviaHeight1 72 m 5 ft 8 in 3 Position s MidfielderTeam informationCurrent teamReal MadridNumber10Youth career1996 2000Zadar2000 2003Dinamo ZagrebSenior career YearsTeamApps Gls 2003 2008Dinamo Zagreb94 26 2003 2004 Zrinjski Mostar loan 25 8 2004 2005 Inter Zapresic loan 18 4 2008 2012Tottenham Hotspur127 13 2012 Real Madrid321 26 International career 2001Croatia U152 0 2001Croatia U172 0 2003Croatia U187 0 2003 2004Croatia U1911 1 2004 2005Croatia U2115 2 2006 Croatia164 23 Honours Men s footballRepresenting CroatiaFIFA World CupRunner up 2018 Russia2022 QatarSignature Club domestic league appearances and goals correct as of 20 58 22 April 2023 UTC National team caps and goals correct as of 22 50 28 March 2023 UTC Born in Zadar 8 Modric s childhood coincided with the Croatian War of Independence which displaced his family In 2002 he was signed by Dinamo Zagreb at age 16 after showing promise with his hometown club NK Zadar s youth team He continued his development in Zagreb before spells on loan to Zrinjski Mostar and Inter Zapresic He made his debut for Dinamo in 2005 and won three consecutive league titles and domestic cups being named the Prva HNL Player of the Year in 2007 In 2008 he moved to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur for a club record transfer fee of 16 5 million where he led Spurs to their first UEFA Champions League appearance in almost 50 years reaching the quarter finals of the 2010 11 tournament In the summer of 2012 Modric joined Real Madrid for a 30 million transfer fee There he became a key contributor and helped the team win La Decima and was selected for the 2013 14 Champions League squad of the season After Zinedine Zidane took over Madrid Modric was critical to three consecutive Champions League titles from 2015 16 to 2017 18 each time being voted into the squad of the season He has won twenty two major trophies at Real Madrid including five UEFA Champions League titles three La Liga titles one Copa del Rey four Supercopa de Espana titles four UEFA Super Cup titles and five FIFA Club World Cup titles He won the La Liga Award for Best Midfielder in 2016 for the second time and the UEFA Club Football Award for Best Midfielder in 2017 and 2018 In 2015 he became the first Croatian player to be included in the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 in which he was regularly included until 2019 and then again in 2022 as well in the UEFA Team of the Year between 2016 and 2018 In 2018 Modric became the first Croatian player to win the UEFA Men s Player of the Year Award and by winning The Best FIFA Men s Player and Ballon d Or awards he became the first player other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to claim the awards in more than a decade In 2019 he was awarded the Golden Foot award for career results and personality Modric made his international debut for Croatia against Argentina in March 2006 and scored his first international goal in a friendly match against Italy Modric has anchored Croatia s second Golden Generation participating in every major tournament Croatia has qualified for including the UEFA Euro 2008 2012 2016 and 2020 as well as the 2006 2014 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup At the Euro 2008 he was selected for the Team of the Tournament becoming only the second Croatian to ever achieve this honour Following group stage eliminations in his first two World Cups Modric led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup Final winning the Golden Ball in process At the following tournament he led the team to a third place finish winning the Bronze Ball in process In March 2021 he went on to become the country s most capped player in history Furthermore he has been named Croatian Footballer of the Year a record eleven times between 2007 and 2022 Contents 1 Early life 2 Club career 2 1 Early years 2 2 Dinamo Zagreb 2 3 Tottenham Hotspur 2 3 1 2008 10 Struggle and success in England 2 3 2 2010 12 Final seasons in England 2 4 Real Madrid 2 4 1 2012 13 Becoming a starting eleven player in Real Madrid 2 4 2 2013 15 Best midfielder in Spain and La Decima 2 4 3 2015 17 Among best world players and La Undecima and Duodecima 2 4 4 2017 18 Ballon d Or and third consecutive Champions League title 2 4 5 2018 21 Second time champion of Spain and Golden Foot 2 4 6 2021 22 10th season with Real Madrid third Spanish and fifth Champions League title 3 International career 3 1 2006 2008 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008 3 2 2008 2016 Subsequent struggles 3 3 2016 2018 Golden Ball of the 2018 World Cup 3 4 2018 2022 Bronze Ball of the 2022 World Cup 4 Player profile 4 1 Style of play 4 2 Position 4 3 Reception 5 Personal life 5 1 Legal issues 6 Career statistics 6 1 Club 6 2 International 7 Honours 8 See also 9 References 10 Further reading 11 External linksEarly life Edit Modric was born in Zadar Croatia where he began his youth career at NK Zadar Luka Modric was born on 9 September 1985 and was raised in the hamlet of Modrici which is a part of Zaton Obrovacki 9 10 a village situated on the southern slopes of the mountain Velebit north of the city of Zadar in SR Croatia then a republic within SFR Yugoslavia 11 12 13 He is the oldest child of Stipe Modric from Modrici and Radojka Dopuđ from Krusevo near Obrovac both of whom initially worked in a knitwear factory 14 15 16 17 Modric mostly spent his early years in the stone house of his paternal grandfather after whom he was named 9 18 located on the road above the hamlet of Modrici 19 20 21 and was shepherding goats as a five year old 22 23 24 However his childhood coincided with the Croatian War of Independence in 1991 when the war escalated his family were forced to flee the area 11 Modric s grandfather Luka was executed by Serb rebels who were part of the police of SAO Krajina in December 1991 near his house in Modrici 11 13 25 26 and after the family fled the house was burned to the ground 27 28 Modric became a refugee and lived with his family in the Hotel Kolovare for seven years he later moved to the Hotel Iz both in Zadar 11 29 30 His father joined the Croatian Army as an aeromechanic 11 31 In those years thousands of bombs fell on the city and football was a way to escape the reality of war 13 He recalls it as a tough time for his family and something which shaped him as a person 32 33 34 He also said he was mostly unaware of the war because he befriended many other children and their parents did not let it affect their childhood 16 In these difficult circumstances Modric began playing football mostly at the hotel parking lot 13 In 1992 he simultaneously entered the primary school and a sporting academy the latter paid for with the little money the family had sometimes helped by Modric s uncle 11 29 16 As a boy he was inspired to play football by Zvonimir Boban and Francesco Totti 35 Club career EditEarly years Edit Supported by his family he participated in representative camps and trained in NK Zadar 11 16 He was under tutelage of coach Domagoj Basic and the head of the youth academy Tomislav Basic 11 Tomislav Basic considered by Modric as his sporting father 26 30 said Modric s father made him wooden shin guards because they had little money 11 32 34 However Modric later denied the story 13 Due to being considered too young and light he was not signed by Croatian powerhouse Hajduk Split the most representative football club in the region of Dalmatia 11 16 36 After displaying some talent including at a youth tournament in Italy 26 Tomislav Basic arranged Modric s move to Dinamo Zagreb when Modric was a 16 year old in late 2001 11 13 37 After a season with Dinamo Zagreb s youth side Modric was loaned in 2003 to Zrinjski Mostar in the Bosnian Premier League 11 26 During this period he established his versatile style of play and became the Bosnian Premier League Player of the Year at only the age of 18 38 Modric later said Someone who can play in the Bosnian Premier League can play anywhere referring to its physical nature 38 The following year he was loaned to Croatian side Inter Zapresic He spent one season there helping the team to achieve second position in the Prva HNL 26 39 and a place in the preliminary round of the UEFA Cup He also won the Croatian Football Hope of the Year award in 2004 38 He returned to Dinamo Zagreb in 2005 38 Dinamo Zagreb Edit In the 2005 06 season Modric signed a ten year contract his first long term contract with Dinamo Zagreb 38 With the contract s earnings he bought a flat in Zadar for his family 13 26 He secured a place in Dinamo s first team contributing 7 goals in 31 matches to help win the league 40 In the 2006 07 season Dinamo again won the league with Modric making a similar contribution 40 He was the main provider for striker Eduardo 38 which helped Modric win the Prva HNL Player of the Year award 3 The following season Modric as a team captain 41 led Dinamo s attempt to qualify for the 2007 08 UEFA Cup In the final play off stage Modric converted a penalty in the second and away fixture against Ajax the match finished 1 1 after regular time Dinamo won the match and play off with a score of 3 2 after extra time with two goals from teammate Mario Mandzukic 42 However Dinamo Zagreb failed to advance beyond the group stage In his last home match with the club at Maksimir Stadium Modric was given a standing ovation and fans held up supportive banners 43 44 He finished his four year tenure at Dinamo with a tally of over 31 goals and 29 assists in four league seasons 26 45 contributing most notably in the 2007 08 season when Dinamo won the second Croatian Cup and became champions by a 28 point margin 46 Modric was courted by Barcelona Arsenal and Chelsea but opted to wait leaving the club 26 47 48 Tottenham Hotspur Edit 2008 10 Struggle and success in England Edit Modric far left No 14 preparing for a match kick off for Tottenham against Arsenal in November 2010 Modric agreed to transfer terms with Tottenham Hotspur on 26 April 2008 He was the first of many summer signings for manager Juande Ramos and was also the Premier League s first summer transfer 49 Club chairman Daniel Levy promptly flew to Zagreb when Manchester City and Newcastle United became interested 50 51 and after signing a six year contract Tottenham confirmed the transfer fee paid was 16 5 million equalling the club s record fee set by Darren Bent s move in 2007 52 He got the number 14 jersey later recalling that he wore it in honour of Johan Cruyff 53 Modric made his competitive Premier League debut on 16 August in a 2 1 defeat to Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium in Spurs first match of the 2008 09 season 54 Modric had a slow start at Tottenham He suffered from a knee injury early in his tenure and was labelled as a light weight for the Premier League by sections of the media 37 33 as well as Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger 55 Reflecting on that Modric said that such critics push you forward to show people they are wrong Maybe I look lightweight but I am a really strong person mentally and physically and I never had any problems with my size 37 This coincided with his poor form leading to concerns both for himself and Croatia national team head coach Slaven Bilic 55 Modric spent his early days at the number 10 position before being shifted to the left wing to play alongside Wilson Palacios 55 Spurs teammate Tom Huddlestone later said H is versatility was probably a blessing and a curse he was that good that he had to play out of position for a bit 55 After the appointment of manager Harry Redknapp Modric was given a more familiar role as a central or left sided midfielder allowing him to have more influence on the team and use his footballing talent more productively for example in a 4 4 draw with arch rivals Arsenal on 29 October 56 Redknapp recognised Modric s value to his side and planned to shape his new team around the Croatian playmaker He scored his first competitive goal at Tottenham in a 2 2 draw against Spartak Moscow during the UEFA Cup group stages on 18 December 2008 57 He scored his first Premier League goals against Newcastle United in an away defeat on 21 December a home win in the third round of the FA Cup against Wigan Athletic on 2 January 2009 and in an away defeat against Manchester United on 25 April 2009 58 Using Modric in his former position from his Dinamo days made him more effective with performances against Stoke City 59 Hull City 60 and most notably on 21 March when he scored the only goal in a win against Chelsea 61 Before the 2009 10 season Redknapp said of Modric He s a hell of a player and a manager s dream so I am told He trains like a demon and never complains will work with and without the ball on the field and can beat a defender with a trick or with a pass He could get into any team in the top four 62 On 29 August 2009 during Tottenham s 2 1 win over Birmingham City Modric was taken off injured with a suspected calf injury 63 The following day it was confirmed Modric had sustained a fracture to his right fibula and was expected to be out for six weeks 64 He returned on 28 December in the London derby against West Ham United which Spurs won 2 0 with an 11th minute goal scored by Modric using the leg he had broken 65 He again scored in a home win against Everton on 28 February 2010 66 and in an away defeat against Burnley on 9 May 67 On 30 May 2010 Modric signed a new six year contract that ran until 2016 Upon signing he said Tottenham Hotspur gave me my chance in the Premier League and I want to go on to achieve great success here with them Yes there have been enquiries from other big clubs but I have no interest in going anywhere Last season s top four finish was an indication of where we are as a club and I feel I can continue to improve and go on to achieve everything I want to at Spurs 68 2010 12 Final seasons in England Edit Modric playing against Arsenal in November 2010 On 11 September 2010 Modric scored his first goal of the 2010 11 season in a 1 1 away draw at West Bromwich Albion 69 On 28 November in a home match against Liverpool Modric scored a goal that was later credited as an own goal by Martin Skrtel After a draw against Manchester United at White Hart Lane in January 2011 Redknapp praised Modric saying He was unbelievable Magnificent He s an amazing footballer the little man takes the ball in the tightest areas with people around him wriggling out of situations He could play in any team in the world 70 Modric also scored in Tottenham s 3 2 victory over Stoke City on 9 April 71 and converted a penalty at Anfield on 15 May in a 2 0 victory over Liverpool 72 Modric helped Tottenham reach their first involvement in the UEFA Champions League In the first match against Inter Milan at the San Siro on 20 October he exited the match early due to injury Spurs lost 4 3 despite the tremendous efforts of Gareth Bale 73 On the return match at home on 2 November Modric was given too much space to move and dictate the tempo of the match He created and assisted for the first goal by Rafael van der Vaart in a 3 1 victory 74 75 In the next match against Werder Bremen Modric scored the second goal 76 After a scoreless draw against Milan 77 Spurs were eliminated from the competition in the quarter finals by Real Madrid 78 Modric played 32 Premier League matches in the 2010 11 season scoring three goals recording two assists and making the highest average number of passes per match for Spurs with 62 5 and an accuracy rate of 87 4 79 At the end of the season Modric was voted the Tottenham Hotspur Player of the Year Then Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he would have chosen Modric as his Player of the Year for that season 80 I spent four great years there with a lot of emotions with a lot of love from the club and the fans I enjoyed every moment with Tottenham But in one moment you feel you need to take a step forward to go to a higher level I think it was the right time for me to go but I will always be thankful to Tottenham for everything they did for me I became a better player there and they pushed me to this level where I am at the moment Luka Modric reflecting on the negotiations with Chelsea and the move to Real Madrid in February 2014 37 In mid 2011 Modric was heavily pursued by Tottenham s London rivals Chelsea who made a first bid of 22 million which they increased to 27 million both of which were rejected by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy 81 82 After the failed bids Modric announced he would welcome a move across London and that he had a gentleman s agreement with Levy the club would entertain offers from a big club 83 Speculation continued throughout the summer transfer window culminating in Modric refusing to play in Tottenham s opening match of the 2011 12 season against Manchester United which ended in a 3 0 loss 84 Modric said his head was not in the right place as he continued to force a move to Chelsea 85 On the final day of the transfer window Chelsea made an offer of 40 million that was again rejected 86 After failing to secure a transfer Spurs manager Harry Redknapp told Modric to focus on his playing and named him as a starter 87 On 18 September he scored his first goal of the season for Tottenham with a shot from 25 yd 23 m in a 4 0 home win against Liverpool 88 On 14 January 2012 Modric scored the only goal in a home draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers 89 On 31 January in a 3 1 win against Wigan Athletic he assisted for the first goal with a crossfield pass and scored the second from 20 yd 18 m 90 For the third time that season he was included in Team of the Week 91 Modric scored his last goal for Tottenham on 2 May in a 1 4 away win against Bolton Wanderers with a powerful volley from 25 yd 23 m 92 Real Madrid Edit 2012 13 Becoming a starting eleven player in Real Madrid Edit Modric playing against Sevilla in February 2013 On 27 August 2012 Real Madrid announced they had agreed on a deal with Tottenham for an approximate 30 million transfer fee 93 Modric signed a five year contract with the Spanish club 93 94 Two days later he made his Real Madrid debut against Barcelona in the second leg final of the 2012 Supercopa de Espana at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium replacing Mesut Ozil in the 83rd minute Madrid won the match giving Modric his first trophy with the club 36 hours after his signing was announced 95 Despite his positive debut Modric at first struggled to settle into the team under manager Jose Mourinho because of his lack of pre season training which he missed as a result of his ongoing transfer negotiations 37 The presence of veteran midfielder Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira in defensive midfield and Ozil in offensive midfield usually kept Modric out of the starting line up limiting him to substitute appearances He mostly played out of position for his first few months at the club He played his first UEFA Champions League match for Real Madrid in the group stage against Manchester City on 18 September which Madrid won 3 2 On 3 November Modric scored his first goal for Real Madrid in the last minute of their 4 0 victory over Real Zaragoza in La Liga 96 His most notable match that year was on 4 December when he assisted for the first two goals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Callejon with cross field passes in a 4 1 victory over Ajax in the group stage of the Champions League 97 98 99 At the end of the year he was voted as the worst signing of the season by Spanish newspaper Marca 100 Modric started in Real Madrid s home match against rivals Barcelona on 2 March 2013 From a corner kick he assisted Sergio Ramos to score the winning goal in the 82nd minute giving Real a victory in El Clasico On 5 March Modric came on as a second half substitute during the decisive Champions League knockout leg against ten man Manchester United at Old Trafford With Madrid behind by a goal Modric equalised with a long range shot from 25 yd 23 m out and played a key role in the rest of the match which Real Madrid won 2 1 advancing them to the quarter finals 3 2 on aggregate 101 102 103 This match is often seen as the turning point in Modric s career in Real Madrid 37 On 16 March he replicated this performance against Mallorca giving Real Madrid the lead with a long range volley from 30 yd 27 m Real Madrid won the match 5 2 104 Modric played as a starter in both Champions League semi final matches against Borussia Dortmund In the first leg on 24 April he played in the attacking midfield position where he did not influence the match and the team lost 4 1 On 30 April in the second leg 2 0 victory Modric played as the deep lying playmaker making passes to the attackers and creating several chances he was among the best rated players that night 105 106 107 From March 2013 Modric s form and influence in the midfield continued to improve distinguishing himself as a player with most passes completed in his team On 8 May he assisted from the corner for the first goal and scored the fourth goal in a 6 2 victory over Malaga 108 2013 15 Best midfielder in Spain and La Decima Edit He s the head of midfield in a complicated environment Every day in Madrid pressure is coming at you from all sides Modric not only withstands the pressure but has grown among it to be Madrid s best player with Cristiano Ronaldo Predrag Mijatovic praises Modric s rising performance and significance for the team in January 2014 109 With the arrival of new manager Carlo Ancelotti Modric became one of the most frequent starters in the team being partnered in midfield with Xabi Alonso to provide a balance of defence and attack 110 111 He was consistently the team s most efficient passer averaging 90 accuracy in La Liga and also having the most ball recoveries among the squad 37 55 110 He scored his first goal of the 2013 14 season in the last Champions League group match against Copenhagen making it his fifth goal for the club all five of which were scored from the outside the penalty area 112 Modric scored his first goal of the Liga season in a 3 0 away win against Getafe his sixth goal outside the penalty area 113 Modric was on the pitch when Real Madrid won the 2013 14 Copa del Rey after defeating Barcelona 2 1 in the final 114 In the first leg of the Champions League quarter finals Modric intercepted the ball and assisted Cristiano Ronaldo for the third goal in Real Madrid s 3 0 home victory against Borussia Dortmund The goal was ultimately decisive because Real went on to lose 2 0 in the second leg but progressed with a marginal aggregate score of 3 2 In his 100th appearance for the club 115 Modric assisted for the first goal in the second leg 4 0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi final helping Real Madrid reach the final for the first time in 12 years 116 He was included in UEFA s Team of the Week for both legs of the semi final 117 118 On 24 May in the final Modric again assisted from a corner for teammate Sergio Ramos who scored a 93rd minute equaliser against local rivals Atletico Madrid Real won 4 1 in extra time marking the club s tenth Champions League title locally known as la Decima the tenth 119 He was included in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season 120 and received the LFP award for the Best Midfielder of the Spanish first league of that season 121 In August 2014 Modric signed a new contract to stay at Real Madrid until 2018 122 With the departure of Alonso he was partnered with newly arrived Toni Kroos 123 Real Madrid began the 2014 15 season by winning the UEFA Super Cup over Sevilla 124 Modric assisted twice for Bale first against Real Sociedad in La Liga 125 and second against Basel in the Champions League 126 127 In the 2 0 away win against Villarreal Modric scored his seventh goal from outside of the box 128 In late November Modric sustained a thigh injury during an international match against Italy because of which he did not play for three months 129 He returned in early March 2015 starting in seven matches and proving his form 130 On 21 April in the 3 1 home win against Malaga he strained ligaments in his right knee because of which he did not play until May 131 132 133 With his injury Real Madrid s 22 match winning run in the season came to an end His absence and the lack of a quality substitute were seen as the main cause of Real Madrid s failure to win matches in La Liga and the Champions League 134 Ancelotti said Modric has missed most of the year and this has hurt us 135 Modric s influence was recognised and he was selected by professional players in the FIFA FIFPro World XI 136 2015 17 Among best world players and La Undecima and Duodecima Edit Modric playing against Shakhtar Donetsk during their group stage match in the UEFA Champions League in November 2015 For the 2015 16 season Carlo Ancelotti was replaced by Rafael Benitez under whom Modric continued to be a key midfield player 137 138 He sustained a muscular groin injury during an international match against Bulgaria in October initially suggesting an absence of two to three weeks 139 However by 20 October he had recovered in time for the match against Paris Saint Germain 140 With the arrival of new manager Zinedine Zidane in January 2016 141 the relationship between them was noted in the media with Modric described as master of the game 137 142 and the crucial connector of the defence and attack 143 It was seen in the first three matches wins against Deportivo de La Coruna and Sporting de Gijon and a draw against Real Betis in which Modric was praised for creating chances his positioning and overall performance and influence 137 143 144 On 7 February Modric scored a winning goal from outside the box in a 1 2 away win against Granada 145 Modric was a regular in the starting line up when the team won the 2015 16 Champions League in the final against Atletico 146 He was included in both Champions League 147 and La Liga s team of the season 148 For the second time he also received the LFP award for the Best Midfielder of the Spanish first league 149 He was for the second time included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI 150 On 18 October 2016 Modric signed a new contract with Real Madrid keeping him at the club until 2020 151 Due to injury of a left knee sustained in mid September he missed eight matches returning early November 152 On 18 December he won the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup with Real Madrid receiving the Silver Ball for his performances during the tournament 153 In January 2017 for the first time was included in the UEFA Team of the Year 2016 154 On 12 March 2017 in a 2 1 win over Real Betis Modric played his 200th match for Real Madrid 155 Modric was a regular starter when Real Madrid won the 2016 17 La Liga 156 157 as well as the 2016 17 UEFA Champions League where he provided the assist for Cristiano Ronaldo s second goal in the final against Juventus 158 Modric was included in Champions League team of the season 159 and became the first Croatian to win the Champions League three times 160 He also received the UEFA Club Football award for Best Midfielder of the Champions League season 161 In the competition for the UEFA Men s Player of the Year Award he came fourth 162 while for 2017 Ballon d Or fifth 163 For the third time he was also included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI 164 2017 18 Ballon d Or and third consecutive Champions League title Edit Modric left with Gareth Bale during the 2018 Champions League Final With the departure of James Rodriguez to Bayern Munich Modric inherited the team s coveted number 10 jersey for the new 2017 18 season replacing his previous number 19 jersey 165 In December he won the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup with Real Madrid and received the Golden Ball award as the best player of the competition for his performance 166 His first goal of the season came in a 7 1 win over Deportivo de La Coruna on 21 January 2018 167 In the same month was for the second time included in the UEFA Team of the Year 2017 168 Modric was a regular starter when Real Madrid won the 2017 18 UEFA Champions League starting in the final victory against Liverpool which saw Madrid win their third consecutive title 169 For his performances throughout the campaign Modric was included in Champions League team of the season for the third consecutive time 170 He later received the UEFA Club Football Award for Best Midfielder of the Champions League season for the second consecutive time 171 Due to his club and national team performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup where also received the Golden Ball 172 in August and September Modric won the UEFA Men s Player of the Year Award and The Best FIFA Men s Player Award 173 174 while in December he added the Ballon d Or to his personal tally 175 marking the first time since 2007 that the award was not won by Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo which polarised the people involved in the sport into two camps about the credibility of the award 175 176 177 Furthermore besides becoming the first Croatian player to win these awards 178 Modric was the first player to win both the World Cup Golden Ball and the UEFA Men s Player of the Year Award in the same year since Ronaldo in 1998 179 and the World Cup Golden Ball and the Best FIFA Men s Player of the Year Award after Romario in 1994 180 Additionally he is the first player to win the awards from the former Yugoslavia territory the first footballer from Eastern Europe to win a Ballon d Or after Andriy Shevchenko in 2004 181 182 and the tenth player from Real Madrid to capture the trophy 183 Furthermore winning the trophy triggered a clause in his contract ensuring his stay at the club until 2021 184 He was also included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI for the fourth time 185 and won the IFFHS World s Best Playmaker award 186 After receiving the FIFA Men s Player of the Year Award Modric stated it shows that we all can become the best with hard work dedication and belief all dreams can come true 187 Modric dedicated the Ballon d Or to all the players who probably deserved to win it and didn t in the past decade including Xavi Andres Iniesta and Wesley Sneijder among others 175 2018 21 Second time champion of Spain and Golden Foot Edit The arrival of new manager Julen Lopetegui in August 2018 saw Modric given a steady return to the first team as a substitute due to his lack of pre season training after the 2018 World Cup 188 189 This included a substitute appearance in his team s 2 4 loss after extra time against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup 190 His first start of the season came on 1 September in a 4 1 home win against Leganes in which he assisted his side s third goal scored by Karim Benzema 191 His 100th appearance in the UEFA club competition came on 19 September in a 3 0 home win against Roma 22 in which he assisted the second goal scored by Gareth Bale 192 On 22 December Modric won his third FIFA Club World Cup scoring the first goal and assisting for the third in the final against Al Ain 193 On 13 and 19 January 2019 Modric for the first time scored in two consecutive league games for Real Madrid in a 1 2 away win against Real Betis and 2 0 home win against Sevilla 194 195 In the same month was included in the UEFA Team of the Year 2018 for the third time in his career 196 From 27 February to 5 March Modric went through what he described as the most difficult week of his football life 197 with Real Madrid losing to Barcelona twice and Ajax and crashing out of Copa del Rey title race and the Champions League respectively 198 199 200 Despite having had an underwhelming season 201 for the fifth consecutive time he was included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI 202 On 27 August 2019 was the seventh anniversary of Modric s signing with the club 203 Although raising doubts due to age of 34 and decision to continue playing with the national team which makes him prone to injuries 204 Modric stated that wants to recapture his best form this season 201 His first goal of the season came on 5 October in a 4 2 home victory against Granada 205 On 12 November was awarded with a Golden Foot award 206 On 23 November he made two assists and scored a goal in a 3 1 home victory against Real Sociedad 207 On 8 January 2020 Modric with trivela scored his fifth goal of the season and 100th career goal in a 3 1 victory against Valencia in the semi finals of 2019 20 Supercopa de Espana 208 On 12 January he successfully converted a penalty in a shootout as Real Madrid beat Atletico 4 1 on penalties in the final 209 Following the continuation of La Liga after a three month suspension due to COVID 19 pandemic Modric was praised for being one of Real Madrid s best players despite his age resulting in numerous media outlets wondering about prolongation of his contract with the club 210 On 16 July he assisted Benzema s opening goal in a 2 1 victory over Villarreal as Real Madrid secured the league title 211 212 On 21 October 2020 he scored his first goal of the 2020 21 season in a Champions League 3 2 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk 213 The goal made him the fourth player in the history of the club to score in the competition aged 35 or more alongside Alfredo Di Stefano Ferenc Puskas and Francisco Gento 214 It was named the Goal of the Week by UEFA 215 Three days later he came off the bench to score with trivela his first ever Clasico goal as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 3 1 216 217 On 25 May 2021 he extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2022 218 219 2021 22 10th season with Real Madrid third Spanish and fifth Champions League title Edit On 24 October 2021 of 2021 22 season Modric played his 400th game for Real Madrid in a 2 1 Clasico victory 220 On 30 October Modric captained Real Madrid for the first time and assisted for the winning goal after Marcelo had given him the armband upon being substituted off in the 2 1 victory over Elche 221 222 On 7 December 2021 he played his 100th Champions League game and was named Man of the Match in a 2 0 victory over Inter Milan 223 On 16 January 2022 he scored the first goal in the 2022 Supercopa de Espana Final and was named Man of the Match as Real Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao 2 0 224 The goal made him the oldest goalscorer in the history of the competition 225 On 5 March Modric assisted and scored from outside of the box in a 4 1 victory over Real Socidedad 226 On 6 and 12 April Modric assisted in both legs of Champions League quarter finals 5 4 aggregate victory against Chelsea Praised for attacking and defensive performances in both games 227 228 229 because of a long range trivela assist for Rodrygo in the crucial moment of the second leg was named Man of the Match as well as voted Player of the Week by UEFA 230 231 He was a regular starter on 30 April when Real Madrid won their 35th and his 3rd Spanish title 232 on 4 May when Real Madrid won in extra time in the second leg against Manchester City and on 28 May when he won his 5th title in the final of Champions League 233 234 For the sixth time in his career he was included in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season 235 On 8 June 2022 he renewed his contract until 2023 236 On 20 August 2022 Modric landed his first goal and assist of the season in a 4 1 away victory over Celta Vigo in a La Liga fixture 237 On 6 September he scored in his first Champions League game of the season in a 3 0 away victory against Celtic becoming the eighth Real Madrid player with 100 appearances in the competition 238 239 On 11 September he became the third Real Madrid player after Puskas and Francisco Buyo to play 100 games while over 35 years of age 240 241 In February 2023 Modric was included for the sixth time in the FIFA FIFPro World XI 242 International career Edit Modric at the 2018 FIFA World Cup He is said to anchor Croatia s second Golden Generation Modric began his international career at youth level playing for the Croatian under 15 under 17 under 18 under 19 and under 21 teams 38 He debuted in March 2001 for the under 15 team coached by Martin Novoselac but nevertheless his talent and psychological maturity he did not become a regular starter and leading player until physically strengthened and debuted for under 18 Novoselac considers him as a model for all young players because is a result of a gradual and continuous work and effort as well as talent 243 Modric made his full international debut for Croatia on 1 March 2006 in a friendly match against Argentina in Basel which Croatia won 3 2 38 2006 2008 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008 Edit Modric made two appearances at the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals as a substitute in the group fixtures against Japan 244 and Australia 245 With the appointment of new manager Slaven Bilic Modric earned greater recognition at international level he scored his first goal in Croatia s 2 0 friendly win over world champions Italy on 16 August 2006 in Livorno 246 Modric s performances ensured a regular place in the international side and he gave a successful showing in Croatia s UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying campaign which included home and away victories against England 247 248 As a young midfielder much was expected of Modric he was often dubbed the Croatian Cruyff 48 249 Modric scored Croatia s first goal of Euro 2008 converting a penalty in the fourth minute of their 1 0 victory against hosts Austria on 8 June 2008 and becoming the team s youngest ever goalscorer at the European Championships aged 22 years and 273 days 250 251 It was also the fastest penalty ever awarded and scored in the European Championships history 252 He continued to impress at the tournament and was named UEFA Man of the Match in Croatia s next match when they defeated one of the pre tournament favourites and eventual finalists Germany 253 In the quarter final against Turkey Modric took advantage of a mistake by veteran Turkish goalkeeper Rustu Recber and crossed to teammate Ivan Klasnic for the first goal of the match with one minute of extra time remaining but Semih Senturk almost immediately equalised for Turkey In the ensuing penalty shootout Modric s kick was off target and he failed to score the first penalty and Turkey won the shootout 3 1 254 At the end of the competition Modric was included in the UEFA Team of the Tournament becoming only the second Croatian to achieve this honour after Davor Suker 255 2008 2016 Subsequent struggles Edit In the 2010 World Cup qualifiers Modric scored three goals against Kazakhstan 256 Andorra 257 and Ukraine 258 matching Ivica Olic Ivan Rakitic and Eduardo The team failed to qualify finishing one point behind second placed Ukraine After appearing in all of their UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying matches and scoring a goal against Israel 259 Modric started in all three of Croatia group stage matches against the Republic of Ireland Italy and Spain but the team failed to progress His most notable performance was against Spain The most memorable moment of the match came when Modric picked the ball on the halfway line skipping Spain s midfield trio rushing down on the right to reach the penalty area where he evaded a defender and with a trivela crossed from 18 yd 16 m to Ivan Rakitic but Iker Casillas saved this attempt 260 261 Because Croatia did not advance from the group stage Modric was not included in the Team of the Tournament although The Daily Telegraph included him in the best 11 until the semi finals 262 and his play was well received by critics 263 264 Modric playing against Neymar of Brazil at the 2014 FIFA World Cup After the playoffs Modric with the Croatian team qualified for the 2014 World Cup They entered Group A with hosts Brazil Mexico and Cameroon Croatia played the opening match against Brazil which they lost 3 1 265 and Modric sustained a minor foot injury 266 267 In the second match Croatia won 4 0 against Cameroon 268 but did not progress to the knockout stage after losing 3 1 to Mexico 269 despite the great expectations from the Croatian press and public 270 In the Euro 2016 qualifying rounds Modric scored his first goals for Croatia in three years the first against Malta on his 29th birthday with a long range shot 271 then a penalty against Azerbaijan 272 On 3 March 2015 Modric captained Croatia for the first time in an away draw against Azerbaijan 273 In the tournament proper Modric scored the match winning goal in Croatia s opening group stage match against Turkey a volley from 25 metres 28 yards 274 In so doing he became the first Croatian to score at the finals of two separate European Championships having previously scored against Austria in 2008 275 He was named Man of the Match 274 Modric was forced to miss the crucial fixture against Spain on 21 June because of a minor muscle injury 276 277 However Croatia won and topped the group 278 but lost to Portugal 0 1 in extra time in the round of 16 279 2016 2018 Golden Ball of the 2018 World Cup Edit Modric with Croatia during the World Cup Modric holding his Golden Ball award for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Best Player For Croatia s 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign Modric became the new team captain following Darijo Srna s retirement 280 Croatia started the campaign well however following 1 0 defeats to Iceland 281 and Turkey 282 and a 1 1 draw with Finland in which Modric made his 100th appearance for the national team 283 284 Croatia seriously compromised their qualification for the tournament 285 286 This caused Modric to publicly state his lack of confidence in coach Ante Cacic 287 288 289 Cacic was soon replaced by Zlatko Dalic ahead of Croatia s final qualifier against Ukraine away 290 which Croatia won 2 0 and won a place in the play offs 291 Modric scored a penalty in the 4 1 victory over Greece in the second qualifying round 292 enabling his team to qualify for the World Cup Croatia were placed in Group D alongside Argentina Iceland and Nigeria During the tournament Modric along with Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic were referred to as Croatia s second Golden Generation 293 294 In Croatia s opening win against Nigeria Modric once again successfully executed a penalty kick and was named Man of the Match 295 296 He also scored in Croatia s subsequent 3 0 win over Argentina with a long range shot from 25 yards 23 metres 297 also being named Man of the Match 298 299 After also featuring in the final group stage match against Iceland his performances in the first round of the tournament saw him ranked by FourFourTwo The Daily Telegraph and ESPN as the best player of the group stage 300 301 302 In the round of 16 against Denmark on 1 July with the score tied at 1 1 Modric created a goalscoring opportunity for Ante Rebic in the second half of extra time who was brought down in the penalty area Modric proceeded to take the penalty but his strike was saved by Kasper Schmeichel However Modric managed to score his spot kick during the ensuing penalty shoot out and Croatia advanced to the next round following a 3 2 victory on penalties 303 304 305 In the quarter finals against hosts Russia on 7 July Modric provided an assist in extra time for Domagoj Vida from a corner kick and once again scored in the victorious penalty shoot out following a 2 2 draw he was named Man of the Match for the third time in the tournament 306 307 In the semi final against England on 11 July Croatia advanced to the World Cup final for the first time in their history following a 2 1 victory in extra time 308 It was reported two days before the final match that Modric ran the most miles out of any player and was third by created chances as well had most dribbles per match and completed passes in the opponent s half in his team 309 Although Croatia were beaten 4 2 by France in the final on 15 July 310 Modric was awarded the Golden Ball for the best player of the tournament 172 and was included in the Team of the Tournament 311 312 After the squad s huge welcome in Zagreb 313 Modric and his teammates Danijel Subasic Sime Vrsaljko and Dominik Livakovic were welcomed by tens of thousands of people in their hometown of Zadar 314 2018 2022 Bronze Ball of the 2022 World Cup Edit Modric took part in all four matches in the inaugural edition of the UEFA Nations League as Croatia finished at the bottom of Group A4 following historical 6 0 away defeat to Spain in September and a 2 1 defeat to England at the Wembley Stadium in November 315 316 During the Euro 2020 qualifying rounds Modric scored two goals a penalty in the away 1 1 draw with Azerbaijan and a solo effort in the home 3 0 victory over Hungary as Croatia topped the group and qualified for the tournament 317 318 However due to the COVID 19 pandemic the tournament was postponed for a year 319 On 24 March 2021 Modric made his 134th appearance for the national team in a 1 0 2022 World Cup qualifying defeat to Slovenia equalling Darijo Srna as the most capped player in the history of the team 320 Three days later in a 1 0 World Cup qualifying victory over Cyprus he surpassed Srna s record 321 322 He was selected to the final squad for the UEFA Euro 2020 on 17 May 323 Despite Croatia s poor showings in their first two group stage games Modric was named the Man of the Match in the second one a 1 1 draw with the Czech Republic on 18 June 324 Four days later in the 3 1 victory over Scotland with a trivela he scored Croatia s second goal and provided Ivan Perisic with an assist for the third goal as Croatia progressed to the round of 16 325 Modric s goal made him Croatia s oldest ever goalscorer at the European Championships aged 35 years and 286 days while simultaneously holding the record for the youngest goalscorer that he set in 2008 251 During the 2022 World Cup qualifying Modric scored three times and assisted twice in seven appearances 326 On 13 June 2022 he scored a penalty in a 1 0 away win over France in the 2022 23 UEFA Nations League A to be Croatia s first ever win against the latter 327 On 25 September he scored opening goal in the last group s game and 3 1 away victory against Austria 328 helping the team advance to the 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals 329 On 9 November Modric was selected to Croatia s final squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup 330 In the first and third group stage games against Morocco and Belgium he was named the Man of the Match 331 He became the first player to play in both the European Championship and the World Cup in three different decades 332 In the round of 16 and quarter finals Croatia advanced on penalties against Japan and Brazil with Modric scoring in the shoot out against Brazil 333 334 and captaining Croatia to a second consecutive World Cup semi final where they lost 3 0 to Argentina In the third place play off 335 Croatia prevailed 2 1 over Morocco 336 337 as Modric won the Bronze Ball 338 On 25 March 2023 in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Wales Modric became the oldest ever player to play a game for Croatia aged 37 years 6 months and 16 days surpassing Drazen Ladic s record set in 1999 339 Player profile EditStyle of play Edit Not only is he a very hard worker he has a good brain and he provided some calmness and composure to the midfield His passing was neat and his contribution was outstanding He was not only winning the ball he was passing well We thought that he was very influential He did not just work hard he made the other people play well around him Gerard Houllier UEFA Technical Team 253 A diminutive and technically gifted midfielder Modric is typically deployed as a creative playmaker and sets the tempo of the match by controlling possession from the middle of the pitch He has been widely applauded by many footballing pundits managers and fellow players for his swift passing and long range shots both often in the style of the trivela technique as well as his composure and ability to evade tackles under pressure 340 341 55 342 343 344 He is also noted for his tactical intelligence and versatility in both attack and defence as well as his vision interpretation of space and work rate A former attacking midfielder Modric is considered a veteran of the pre assist or build up play often creating space and time for his teammates to shoot or deliver goal bound passes to other players 345 346 347 348 He is also effective at taking set pieces particularly corners or wide free kicks 349 Modric has been integral to the success of both Real Madrid and the Croatia national team having won numerous individual honours for his contributions to club and country 135 350 His playstyle has earned him several nicknames as dubbed by the media and fandom including the midfield Maestro the magician the puppet master among others 351 345 352 353 354 Position Edit Modric s complex game has brought him consistent success in the clubs for which he has played Initially a trequartista or attacking midfielder at Dinamo Zagreb and in his early career at Tottenham in the 2010 11 season he flourished in a central midfield role as a deep lying playmaker regista who conducts the attack and creates chances for teammates 355 Afterwards Modric acknowledged the role that Harry Redknapp played in shaping of deep lying his style saying that dropping back enabled him to read the game better and show his full creativity 356 Although a central midfielder Modric is also a hard working player who has been seen to adopt a defensive midfield role in addition to playmaking tracking back to win the ball from the opposition and prepare for a counter attack making him one of the most versatile players in the world capable of playing in several midfield positions 357 358 According to Jonathan Wilson in a 4 2 3 1 system Modric is a third type of a holding midfielder being neither entirely destructive or creative but a carrier who courtesy of his dribbling ability and attacking drive is capable of making late runs or carrying the ball at his feet but in his case with a hint of regista 359 360 361 As such his role has also been likened to that of a mezzala in Italian football jargon namely an offensive minded box to box or central midfielder 348 The switch to a more deep lying position reduced his number of assists and goals as well as his shot per game count 1 2 although his game was no longer based on being a goal threat despite this he had the second highest count of key passes per game 2 06 in the team as well as a very high pass accuracy rate 87 with the highest passes per game count 62 5 in the team the most long balls per game 5 6 the most successful dribbles 2 2 interceptions 2 5 and the highest tackle 1 9 count per game among others high statistics which placed him amongst the top midfielders of the Premier League 355 362 By the 2011 12 season statistically he was among the top rated central and all round midfielders across the top five leagues alongside players like Xabi Alonso Andrea Pirlo Bastian Schweinsteiger and Xavi 363 364 Upon Modric s arrival to Real Madrid his midfield position was described as numbers six defensive eight central or ten attacking depending on the tactics 365 and his role was described as the second deep lying pivot alongside Xabi Alonso in the 2012 13 season a classic deep lying playmaker whose creativity was needed to dictate his team s play and unlock the opposing defence 366 367 In the first half of the 2013 14 season during which he formed an effective central midfield partnership with Alonso and Angel Di Maria Modric made more tackles 56 than any other Real Madrid player in La Liga with an average number of 2 86 tackles per match as well as making the most completed passes 878 in the opposition half of the pitch among Real Madrid players with the highest passing accuracy in La Liga 90 also the highest of any midfielder in Europe s top five leagues who have made five or more assists during the season 37 In the 2014 15 season with the arrival of Toni Kroos Real Madrid no longer had an effective and natural ball winner alongside their playmakers in midfield while the team possessed many attackers Therefore in addition to producing the highest count of passes 60 7 64 7 and key passes per match 0 8 1 2 within the team both Modric and Kroos had more defensive responsibility to set the rhythm of the team s gameplay in midfield and orchestrate counterattacks 123 368 Modric s average passing accuracy during the season was between 91 6 92 while his highest completion rate in a single match occurred in October against Barcelona when he completed all 42 attempted passes 369 For all of 2014 Modric s dribble attempts 75 at a success rate of 76 were second in Europe s top five leagues 370 During the 2015 16 season although he placed only 12th in terms of chances created almost all players above him were either forwards or attacking midfielders with no defensive responsibilities 346 Reception Edit Considered the most versatile and critical member of the national team Modric s technical ability has been heralded by both players and coaches Modric is widely regarded as one of the best and most well rounded and effective midfielders of all time 371 372 373 374 6 According to Jonathan Wilson what sets Modric apart from traditional playmakers is his simultaneous focus on defensive and attacking duties 375 376 Due to his footballing intelligence skill and fairplay he was compared to Paul Scholes 377 378 Xavi Andres Iniesta 379 and Andrea Pirlo 380 381 382 In his youth he had also been compared to Johan Cruyff 48 249 while his main influences were compatriot Zvonimir Boban and Italian playmaker Francesco Totti 35 He has been consistently praised by some of the sport s most experienced managers including Johan Cruyff 383 Alex Ferguson 377 Pep Guardiola 384 and Sven Goran Eriksson among others 385 From those who managed him Jose Mourinho said he wanted Modric in Real Madrid because of his influence on the game tactical level and because he has that artistic sense 365 Carlo Ancelotti praised Modric s technique and versatility making him one of the best midfielders in the world right now because he can play in more than one position 386 387 Zinedine Zidane included him in his best XI currently playing the game 388 and in 2016 predicted that Modric would win Ballon d Or 53 Slaven Bilic said Modric is a player who makes others better they all benefit from him being in the team He s not selfish he s playing for the team he s a complete player good in defence good in offence it looks like he was born with the ball at his feet 55 Modric is unanimously considered the greatest Croatian footballer of all time by his fellow countrymen including people like Robert Prosinecki and Davor Suker 50 389 390 391 Predrag Mijatovic considered him as the best footballer in the history of the Balkans 392 while Andres Iniesta Andriy Shevchenko Rio Ferdinand Jan Oblak and others called him one of the greatest midfielders to ever play the game 393 394 395 396 It is considered that his international recognition helped in nation branding of Croatia place branding of Zadar and further recognition of Croatia national football team under his captaincy 397 398 Personal life EditModric married Vanja Bosnic in May 2010 in the Croatian capital Zagreb in a private ceremony after four years of dating 399 and a year later in the Catholic Church 400 Their son Ivano was born on 6 June 2010 401 402 Their daughter Ema was born on 25 April 2013 402 403 Their second daughter Sofia was born on 2 October 2017 404 Modric generally maintains a low profile outside of football 37 405 Modric is a cousin of Australian footballer Mark Viduka 406 and the godfather of Mateo Kovacic s son Ivan 407 In late 2019 Modric released his autobiography Moja igra My Game co written by prominent Croatian Italian sports journalist Robert Matteoni 408 409 Particular emphasis in autobiography was placed on Modric s childhood growing up in war conditions and development of a football career with fundamental topics being football family and friends 410 Produced by Fulwell 73 FIFA released Captains in 2022 an eight part sports docuseries following six national team captains in their respective 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns 411 Modric representing Croatia starred in the first season alongside five other international footballers It was released by Netflix and also shown on FIFA s own streaming platform FIFA 412 Legal issues Edit In March 2018 in an embezzlement and tax evasion trial against the former Dinamo Zagreb executive Zdravko Mamic Modric was called as a witness 413 Throughout the mid late 2000s Modric signed multiple contracts with Mamic to play at Dinamo Zagreb 414 415 Modric annexed most of his Tottenham transfer fee to Mamic because he was the broker of the move and gave Modric financial backing early on in his career 416 417 Despite stating in 2017 that he signed the annexe clause of the contract ten years earlier in his testimony he stated that he signed it in 2004 the year of his first contract Modric was charged with perjury for stating that he annexed his fee at an earlier date than he allegedly had 413 Facing the judge he said I came here to state my defence and tell the truth like every time so far My conscience is clear 415 418 The Croatian Football Federation stood behind Modric 415 but a part of the Croatian public frustrated with the corruption in Croatian football perceived the alleged perjury as a defence of Mamic and became critical of Modric 419 420 421 Some international news outlets praised him for dealing with the stress of his legal situation while performing with the Croatian team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup 422 In October and December 2018 the perjury charge was rejected by the Croatian courts 423 424 Career statistics EditClub Edit As of match played 22 April 2023 425 Appearances and goals by club season and competition Club Season League National cup a League cup b Continental Other TotalDivision Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps GoalsDinamo Zagreb 2003 04 Prva HNL 0 0 0 0 0 02004 05 Prva HNL 7 0 1 0 8 02005 06 Prva HNL 32 7 1 0 33 72006 07 Prva HNL 30 6 7 1 6 c 0 1 d 1 44 82007 08 Prva HNL 25 13 8 1 12 e 3 45 17Total 94 26 17 2 18 3 1 1 130 32Zrinjski Mostar loan 2003 04 Bosnian Premier League 25 8 25 8Inter Zapresic loan 2004 05 Prva HNL 18 4 18 4Tottenham Hotspur 2008 09 Premier League 34 3 2 1 4 0 4 f 1 44 52009 10 Premier League 25 3 7 0 0 0 32 32010 11 Premier League 32 3 2 0 0 0 9 g 1 43 42011 12 Premier League 36 4 3 0 0 0 2 h 1 41 5Total 127 13 14 1 4 0 15 3 160 17Real Madrid 2012 13 La Liga 33 3 8 0 11 g 1 1 i 0 53 42013 14 La Liga 34 1 6 0 11 g 1 51 22014 15 La Liga 16 1 0 0 6 g 0 3 j 0 25 12015 16 La Liga 32 2 0 0 12 g 1 44 32016 17 La Liga 25 1 2 0 11 g 0 3 k 0 41 12017 18 La Liga 26 1 2 0 11 g 1 4 l 0 43 22018 19 La Liga 34 3 3 0 6 g 0 3 m 1 46 42019 20 La Liga 31 3 1 0 6 g 1 2 i 1 40 52020 21 La Liga 35 5 0 0 12 g 1 1 i 0 48 62021 22 La Liga 28 2 2 0 13 g 0 2 i 1 45 32022 23 La Liga 27 4 3 0 8 g 2 5 n 0 43 6Total 321 26 27 0 107 8 24 3 479 37Career total 585 77 58 3 4 0 140 14 25 4 812 98 Includes Croatian Cup FA Cup Copa del Rey Includes Football League Cup Four appearances in UEFA Champions League two appearances in UEFA Cup Appearance in Croatian Football Super Cup Six appearances and two goals in UEFA Champions League six appearances and one goal in UEFA Cup Appearances in UEFA Cup a b c d e f g h i j k l Appearances in UEFA Champions League Appearances in UEFA Europa League a b c d Appearance s in Supercopa de Espana Two appearances in Supercopa de Espana one appearance in UEFA Super Cup One appearance in UEFA Super Cup two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup One appearance in Supercopa de Espana one appearance in UEFA Super Cup two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup One appearance in UEFA Super Cup two appearances and one goal in FIFA Club World Cup Two appearances in Supercopa de Espana one appearance in UEFA Super Cup two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup International Edit As of match played 28 March 2023 40 Appearances and goals by national team and year National team Year Apps GoalsCroatia 2006 12 22007 10 12008 11 32009 3 12010 8 02011 9 12012 9 02013 10 02014 11 22015 4 02016 8 12017 8 12018 15 22019 9 22020 6 02021 13 42022 16 32023 2 0Total 164 23As of match played 28 March 2023 Croatia score listed first score column indicates score after each Modric goal 425 List of international goals scored by Luka Modric No Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition1 16 August 2006 Stadio Armando Picchi Livorno Italy 8 Italy 2 0 2 0 Friendly2 7 October 2006 Stadion Maksimir Zagreb Croatia 10 Andorra 7 0 7 0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying3 7 February 2007 Stadion Kantrida Rijeka Croatia 13 Norway 2 0 2 1 Friendly4 8 June 2008 Ernst Happel Stadion Vienna Austria 27 Austria 1 0 1 0 UEFA Euro 20085 6 September 2008 Stadion Maksimir Zagreb Croatia 30 Kazakhstan 2 0 3 0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification6 15 October 2008 Stadion Maksimir Zagreb Croatia 33 Andorra 3 0 4 0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification7 6 June 2009 Stadion Maksimir Zagreb Croatia 35 Ukraine 2 2 2 2 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification8 6 September 2011 Stadion Maksimir Zagreb Croatia 49 Israel 1 1 3 1 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying9 9 September 2014 Stadion Maksimir Zagreb Croatia 80 Malta 1 0 2 0 UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying10 13 October 2014 Stadion Gradski vrt Osijek Croatia 82 Azerbaijan 5 0 6 0 UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying11 12 June 2016 Parc des Princes Paris France 91 Turkey 1 0 1 0 UEFA Euro 201612 9 November 2017 Stadion Maksimir Zagreb Croatia 102 Greece 1 0 4 1 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification13 16 June 2018 Kaliningrad Stadium Kaliningrad Russia 107 Nigeria 2 0 2 0 2018 FIFA World Cup14 21 June 2018 Nizhny Novgorod Stadium Nizhny Novgorod Russia 108 Argentina 2 0 3 0 2018 FIFA World Cup15 9 September 2019 Bakcell Arena Baku Azerbaijan 124 Azerbaijan 1 0 1 1 UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying16 10 October 2019 Stadion Poljud Split Croatia 125 Hungary 1 0 3 0 UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying17 30 March 2021 Stadion Rujevica Rijeka Croatia 136 Malta 2 0 3 0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification18 22 June 2021 Hampden Park Glasgow Scotland 141 Scotland 2 1 3 1 UEFA Euro 202019 11 October 2021 Stadion Gradski vrt Osijek Croatia 144 Slovakia 2 2 2 2 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification20 11 November 2021 National Stadium Ta Qali Malta 145 Malta 4 1 7 1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification21 29 March 2022 Education City Stadium Al Rayyan Qatar 148 Bulgaria 1 1 2 1 Friendly22 13 June 2022 Stade de France Saint Denis France 152 France 1 0 1 0 2022 23 UEFA Nations League A23 25 September 2022 Ernst Happel Stadion Vienna Austria 154 Austria 1 0 3 1 2022 23 UEFA Nations League AHonours Edit Modric congratulated by bishops of Almudena Cathedral after winning the 2017 18 UEFA Champions League Modric accepting the Golden Ball award at the hands of Vladimir Putin after the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final Dinamo Zagreb 3 Prva HNL 2005 06 2006 07 2007 08 Croatian Cup 2006 07 2007 08 Croatian Super Cup 2006Real Madrid 3 La Liga 2016 17 2019 20 426 2021 22 427 Copa del Rey 2013 14 Supercopa de Espana 2012 2017 2019 20 428 2021 22 429 UEFA Champions League 2013 14 2015 16 2016 17 2017 18 2021 22 430 UEFA Super Cup 2014 2016 2017 2022 431 FIFA Club World Cup 2014 432 2016 2017 2018 2022 433 Croatia FIFA World Cup Runner up 2018 310 Third place 2022 336 Individual Best Croatian U 21 player 2004 434 UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament 2008 Tottenham Hotspur Player of the Year 2010 11 UEFA Champions League Team of the Season 2013 14 120 2015 16 147 2016 17 159 2017 18 170 2020 21 435 2021 22 235 La Liga s Best Midfielder 2013 14 436 2015 16 149 FIFA FIFPRO World 11 2015 136 2016 150 2017 164 2018 185 2019 202 2022 242 La Liga Team of the Season 2015 16 148 2021 22 437 UEFA La Liga Team of the Season 2015 16 438 FIFA Club World Cup Silver Ball 2016 153 ESPN Midfielder of the Year 2016 439 2017 440 2018 441 UEFA Team of the Year 2016 154 2017 168 2018 196 UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season 2016 17 161 2017 18 171 IFFHS Men s World Team 2017 442 2018 443 2022 444 ESM Team of the Year 2021 22 445 FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball 2017 166 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball 2018 172 FIFA World Cup Fantasy Team 2018 312 FIFA World Cup Dream Team 2018 311 FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball 2022 338 UEFA Men s Player of the Year Award 2017 18 173 The Best FIFA Men s Player 2018 174 IFFHS World s Best Playmaker 2018 186 Ballon d Or 2018 175 Goal 50 2017 18 446 World Soccer Player of the Year 2018 447 AIPS Athlete of the Year 2018 448 Golden Foot 2019 206 IFFHS World Team of the Decade 2011 2020 449 IFFHS UEFA Team of the Decade 2011 2020 450 Real Madrid Player of the Season 2020 21 451 Marca Leyenda Award 2022 452 Bosnian Premier League Player of the Year 2003 Croatian Football Hope of the Year 2004 HNL s Footballer of the Year 2007 Prva HNL Player of the Year 2007 SN Yellow Shirt Award 2007 08 Croatian Footballer of the Year 2007 2008 2011 2014 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 453 2022 454 Football Oscar for Best Croatian Player 2013 455 2014 456 2015 457 2016 458 2017 459 2018 460 2019 461 2020 462 2021 463 2022 464 HNS Trophy for Best Croatian Player 2018 465 HOO Sportsman of the Year 2018 466 SN Sportsman of the Year 2018 467 2022 468 Franjo Bucar State Award for Sport Yearly Award 2018 469 Honorary citizen of the city of Zadar 2018 470 Orders Order of Duke Branimir 2018 471 Namings One or the training grounds of the Maksimir stadium in Zagreb bears Modric s name by the choice of GNK Dinamo Zagreb fans and club members 472 See also EditList of men s footballers with 100 or more international caps List of men s footballers with the most official appearancesReferences Edit FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 List of Players Croatia PDF FIFA 15 July 2018 p 7 Archived from the original PDF on 11 June 2019 Hugman Barry J ed 2010 The PFA Footballers Who s Who 2010 11 Mainstream Publishing p 290 ISBN 978 1 84596 601 0 a b c d Player Profile Real Madrid CF Retrieved 18 November 2017 Lȗka Hrvatski jezicni portal in Serbo Croatian Retrieved 17 March 2018 Lȗka mȍdar Hrvatski jezicni portal in Serbo Croatian Retrieved 17 March 2018 Modric a b Tweedale Alistair 17 September 2014 Modest Modric Madrid s Superstar in the Shadows WhoScored Com Retrieved 16 June 2018 It is fair to say with Xavi s decline Modric is now ahead of him in the pecking order and he Kroos Cesc Fabregas and Andrea Pirlo are now arguably the best technical central midfielders on the planet at present and some might even say that Modric is or could soon be leading the pack Maw James 2 December 2014 Ice cold Luka Modric now Real Madrid s second most important Galactico FourFourTwo Retrieved 15 December 2021 Balseiro Jesus 29 May 2016 Madrid season player review Diario AS Retrieved 14 July 2017 Marcotti Gabriele 14 November 2016 Real Madrid star Luka Modric is ranked as the best central midfielder ESPN FC Retrieved 16 June 2018 Bidwell Nick 11 March 2017 Europe s best midfielder Luka Modric biography World Soccer Retrieved 16 June 2018 Ronay Barney 12 May 2017 All hail Luka Modric the maestro who makes Real Madrid s superstars tick The Guardian Retrieved 16 June 2018 Madu Zito 3 June 2017 Luka Modric was the most important player in Real Madrid s run to back to back Champions League titles SB Nation Retrieved 16 June 2018 Kalvapalle Rahul 4 June 2017 Magisterial Modric leaves Juventus chasing shadows Marca Retrieved 15 July 2017 Burton Chris 6 October 2017 Luka Modric one of the best midfielder ever Goal com Retrieved 16 June 2018 Croatian playmaker Modric is yet to earn similar acclaim amid a Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi duopoly of top individual awards but his undoubted quality is not lost on those in Madrid and around the world Sherman Justin 19 October 2017 The making of Luka Modric from war torn Croatia to the world s best midfielder The Football Times Retrieved 16 June 2018 Buskulic Ante Tironi Hrvoje Tironi 18 November 2017 How Luka Modric went from rejected youth player to the best midfielder in the world Goal com Retrieved 16 June 2018 Cartlidge David 15 December 2017 FourFourTwo s 100 Best Football Players in the World 2017 No 6 Luka Modric FourFourTwo Retrieved 15 December 2021 Brown Euan 22 June 2018 Luka Modric It s time to give him a seat at the elite table UK Blasting News Retrieved 1 July 2018 It s about time Luka Modric was recognised as one of the game s all time greats Nakrani Sachin 30 June 2018 Luka Modric the unassuming genius driving Croatia s tilt at the World Cup The Observer Retrieved 1 July 2018 Lea Greg 13 June 2019 Ranked The 15 best central midfielders in the world FourFourTwo Retrieved 13 April 2022 N A 26 July 2019 Ranked The 101 greatest football players of the last 25 years full list FourFourTwo Retrieved 13 April 2022 90min Staff 20 January 2020 Luka Modric The Most Dominant Midfielder of His Generation 90min com Retrieved 13 April 2022 HS Shreyas 12 February 2021 10 greatest midfielders of all time Sportskeeda Retrieved 15 13 April 2022 Doyle Mark Garganese Carlo 13 November 2021 Modric Xavi Pirlo and the top 20 central midfielders in history Goal com Retrieved 13 April 2022 Mackenzie Alasdair 8 April 2022 Ranked The 100 best players of the 21st Century FourFourTwo Retrieved 13 April 2022 Grim David 22 November 2011 The 10 Most Important Croatian Soccer Players of All Time Bleacher Report Retrieved 1 July 2018 Moallim Mohamed 29 December 2017 Luka Modric is the best Croatian player in history Squawka Retrieved 1 July 2018 There is no way of looking at this in which he Modric doesn t deserve the title as the best Croatian in history Douglas Steve 29 June 2018 Modric the best Croatian player ever The Fresno Bee Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic says teammate Luka Modric plays football from a different planet and is the best to have ever played for their national team Associated Press 29 June 2018 Modric From Different Planet Says Rakitic The New York Times Retrieved 29 June 2018 The technically gifted Prosinecki has long been seen as Croatia s all time best player but even he has recently said Modric surpasses him If Robert Prosinecki said that it has to be true because nobody knows about football more than Prosinecki And I would agree with him completely Rakitic said Not only that Luka is the best player ever but he is a great person a leader and we are following him Delac Hrvoje 11 July 2018 The Real Madrid legend talks to Modric every day He is the best in the history of the Balkans in Croatian Vecenji list Retrieved 24 December 2022 13 July 2018 Didulica hails Luka Modric as Croatia s greatest player He s like your little kid brother Diario AS Retrieved 13 April 2022 Cvijanovic Marko 24 August 2018 Suker Luka Modric is the greatest Croatian footballer of all time in Croatian Zadarski list Retrieved 2 September 2018 Luka Modric will do anything to stay at Real Madrid MARCA 7 October 2020 Retrieved 5 July 2021 a b Azpitarte amp Puertas 2016 p 20 Cop 2014 p 15 a b c d e f g h i j k l Kako je stvaran Luka Modric Development of Luka Modric in Croatian Nogometni magazin 30 December 2007 Retrieved 20 January 2016 Orlic Alen 26 May 2014 Filmska Prica Put od Zatona Obrovackog do europskog trona Modric je dokaz da je sve moguce Film story path from Zaton Obrovacki to the European throne Modric is proof that anything is possible in Croatian Jutarnji list Retrieved 1 September 2014 a b c d e f g Holiga Aleksandar 4 October 2012 Real Madrid s Luka Modric from Balkan warzone to the Bernabeu The Guardian Retrieved 14 July 2017 Azpitarte amp Puertas 2016 p 17 20 22 Otac Luke Modrica serviser zrakoplova HRZ a Father of Luka Modric service aircraft of the Croatian Air Force in Croatian Jutarnji list 14 August 2007 Archived from the original on 23 September 2013 Retrieved 30 March 2013 a b c d e Sinovcic Dean 14 August 2006 Nogometna zvijezda iz obitelji prognanika Football star from family of exiles Nacional in Croatian Retrieved 30 March 2013 Rados Ivica 9 March 2013 Luka Modric odrastanje i karijera Luka Modric rising up and career Vecernji list in Croatian Retrieved 23 June 2018 Cop 2014 p 16 Modric amp Matteoni 2020 p 5 6 Kvartiric Croatia A small stone house by the side of the road the last one before the rocky slopes of the Velebit mountains Six and a half kilometres from my parents home in Zaton Obrovacki This house was the centre of my little world until 1991 when we had to run away This is where my father s parents lived Grandpa Luka and Grandma Jela My grandfather was a road mender who maintained the old state road that connected Dalmatia and Lika the coast and the mountains of Croatia My grandmother was a housekeeper a hardworking and modest woman The house they lived in was owned by the road maintenance company but back then I knew it only as my grandparents home We called it the upper house I never met my other grandfather Petar my mothers s father He died before I was born His wife Grandma Manda still lives in Obrovac My parents worked at Trio Clothes Factory in Obrovac four kilometres from our house That s where they met Lowe Sid 9 September 2020 Luka Modric Things that aren t nice happen in war but I don t have hate The Guardian Retrieved 10 December 2020 Z N 26 January 2020 Luka Modric To bi moral biti najsrecnejsi trenutek v moji karieri a ni bil Metropolitan in Slovenian Ljubljana Slovenia Retrieved 10 December 2020 a b Elvir Islamovic 18 September 2018 How brilliant is Madrid and Croatia s Luka Modric UEFA Retrieved 24 September 2018 Ahead of the 2018 World Cup final video footage emerged of the five year old Modric shepherding goats in Croatia s Velebit mountains Hugo Cerezo 24 September 2018 Luka Modric Miracle of the shepherd boy who rose to the top of the world Marca Spain Retrieved 24 September 2018 Mark Taylor 14 July 2018 Incredible Footage Emerges Of Croatia Star Luka Modric As A Six Year Old Herding Goats With A Stick The Scotsman Retrieved 24 September 2018 Ivana Jakelic Frane Saric 30 June 2014 Bivse milicajce u Srbiji ce ispitati i o likvidaciji djeda Luke Modrica Former policemen in Serbia will be examined for the liquidation of grandfather of the Luka Modric in Croatian Vecernji list Retrieved 18 January 2014 a b c d e f g h Justin Sherman 9 October 2017 The making of Luka Modric from war torn Croatia to the world s best midfielder These Football Times Retrieved 20 October 2017 Azpitarte amp Puertas 2016 p 21 22 Karlo Ledinski 3 June 2017 Cetnici su Luki Modricu ubili djeda i zapalili kucu Chetniks killed grandfather of Luka Modric and burned his house in Croatian Vecernji list Retrieved 25 June 2018 a b Modric ce nositi broj 19 donosimo biografiju djecaka iz Obrovca Modric will wear number 19 we bring the biography of a boy from Obrovac in Croatian Portal Boboska 28 August 2012 Archived from the original on 25 September 2013 Retrieved 30 March 2013 a b Cerezo Hugo 9 July 2017 Luka Modric s Beverly Hills Marca Retrieved 14 July 2017 Azpitarte amp Puertas 2016 p 22 a b Nathanson Patrick 6 November 2008 Luka Modric s return to Dinamo Zagreb with Tottenham revives tough childhood memories The Daily Telegraph Archived from the original on 11 January 2022 Retrieved 9 July 2018 a b Smith Alan 19 December 2008 Luka Modric puts war years behind him at Spurs The Daily Telegraph Archived from the original on 10 February 2009 Retrieved 11 May 2011 a b Castro Juan 29 June 2012 The boy with the wooden shin pads Marca Spain Retrieved 9 July 2017 a b Redondo Alba 27 August 2012 Modric I m ready to play against Barcelona Marca Spain Retrieved 13 July 2017 Zura Drazen 28 August 2012 Modrica je u Hajduk doveo Dzoni ali bio im je fizicki slabasan Modric was brought to Hajduk by Dzoni but for them physically weak Slobodna Dalmacija in Croatian Retrieved 20 January 2016 a b c d e f g h i Ornstein David 21 February 2014 Luka Modric Real Madrid midfielder outshining the rest BBC Sport Retrieved 20 January 2016 a b c d e f g h Modric in demand The World Game 2 January 2008 Archived from the original on 12 January 2009 Retrieved 23 July 2008 Brunislav Matasovic Croatia 2002 03 RSSSF Retrieved 12 August 2008 a b c Luka Modric National Football Teams Benjamin Strack Zimmermann Retrieved 14 August 2008 Luka Modric ostaje u Dinamu in Croatian Jutarnji list 29 December 2007 Retrieved 25 November 2019 Live Ajax Dinamo 2 3 Jutarnji list 4 October 2007 Archived from the original on 13 February 2016 Retrieved 20 January 2006 Modric s Last Dance at Maksimir Stadium Javno 6 December 2007 Archived from the original on 15 January 2009 Retrieved 14 August 2008 Mario 11 May 2008 Dinamo Dominate Modric Bids Farewell World Cup blog Archived from the original on 9 November 2013 Retrieved 12 August 2008 Luka Modric statistika in Croatian Hrvatska Nogometna Liga Archived from the original on 13 February 2012 Retrieved 12 June 2008 Rekordni Dinamo S 28 bodova razlike najuvjerljiviji prvak A record high Dinamo With 28 points difference most convincing champion in Croatian ezadar hr 19 May 2008 Retrieved 18 March 2013 Wilson Jonathan 27 May 2016 Luka Modric The elegant maestro dictating from deep Eurosport Retrieved 15 July 2017 a b c Islamovic Elvir 7 February 2008 Dutch test for the Croatian Cruyff UEFA Retrieved 19 January 2015 Spurs sign Croatian star Modric BBC Sport 26 April 2008 Retrieved 26 April 2008 a b Wilson Jeremy 30 June 2018 Luka Modric is having a stand out World Cup but it is no surprise to his former coaches The Daily Telegraph Archived from the original on 11 January 2022 Retrieved 3 July 2018 Martyn Ziegler 25 September 2018 Luka Modric is named best player in the world Mo Salah wins Puskas award for Everton goal The Times Retrieved 25 September 2018 ten years after Newcastle United spurned a chance to sign him on the grounds he was not good enough for the Premier League Spurs equal record fee for Modric BBC Sport 29 April 2008 Retrieved 29 April 2008 a b Modric I m happy that somebody normal can win the Ballon d Or Marca Spain 4 December 2018 Retrieved 4 December 2018 Lyon Sam 16 August 2008 Middlesbrough 2 1 Tottenham BBC Sport Retrieved 19 August 2008 a b c d e f g Maw James 2 December 2014 Ice cold Luka Modric now Real Madrid s second most important Galactico FourFourTwo Retrieved 20 January 2016 McNulty Phil 29 October 2008 Arsenal 4 4 Tottenham BBC Sport Retrieved 11 May 2011 Hughes Ian 18 December 2008 Tottenham 2 2 Spartak Moscow BBC Sport Retrieved 21 December 2008 Chowdhury Saj 21 December 2008 Newcastle 2 1 Tottenham BBC Sport Retrieved 21 December 2008 Spurs prove troubles lie in their minds not their boots The Independent 29 January 2009 Retrieved 11 July 2018 Lillywhite Jamie 23 February 2009 Hull 1 2 Tottenham BBC Sport Retrieved 30 August 2009 Lyon Sam 21 March 2009 Tottenham 1 0 Chelsea BBC Sport Retrieved 30 August 2009 Hover Ashley 12 June 2016 Why Croatia maestro Luka Modric is the most underrated star at Euro 2016 Squawka Retrieved 12 July 2018 Lyon Sam 29 August 2009 Tottenham 2 1 Birmingham BBC Sport Retrieved 30 August 2009 Spurs suffer Modric injury blow BBC Sport 30 August 2009 Retrieved 30 August 2009 Ornstein David 28 December 2009 Tottenham 2 0 West Ham BBC Sport Retrieved 20 January 2016 Dawkes Phil 28 February 2010 Tottenham 2 1 Everton BBC Sport Retrieved 20 January 2016 Roach Stuart 9 May 2010 Burnley 4 2 Tottenham BBC Sport Retrieved 20 January 2016 Luka signs new six year contract Tottenham Hotspur F C Retrieved 11 July 2018 Lillywhite Jamie 11 September 2010 West Brom 1 1 Tottenham BBC Sport Retrieved 20 January 2016 Redknapp praises magnificent Modric ESPN 17 January 2011 Retrieved 31 March 2013 Dawkes Phil 9 April 2011 Tottenham 3 2 Stoke BBC Sport Retrieved 20 January 2016 Sanghera Mandeep 15 May 2011 Liverpool 0 2 Tottenham BBC Sport Retrieved 20 January 2016 Chowdhury Saj 20 October 2010 Inter Milan 4 3 Tottenham BBC Sport Retrieved 20 January 2016 McNulty Phil 2 November 2010 Tottenham 3 1 Inter Milan BBC Sport Retrieved 14 August 2013 Tottenham 3 1 Inter Inter fail to deal with Bale Zonal Marking 2 November 2010 Archived from the original on 21 June 2018 Retrieved 14 August 2013 McNulty Phil 24 November 2010 Tottenham 3 0 Werder Bremen BBC Sport Retrieved 14 August 2013 McNulty Phil 9 March 2011 Tottenham 0 0 AC Milan agg 1 0 BBC Sport Retrieved 20 January 2016 McNulty Phil 13 April 2011 Tottenham 0 1 Real Madrid agg 0 5 BBC Sport Retrieved 20 January 2016 Tottenham Squad Summary Premier League 2010 11 WhoScored Papers Top man Modric Manchester United F C 29 April 2011 Retrieved 7 December 2011 Jackson Jamie 18 June 2011 Luka Modric reveals he wants to leave Tottenham for Chelsea The Guardian Retrieved 20 January 2016 Chelsea cautious over Luka Modric deal BBC Sport 14 August 2011 Retrieved 20 January 2016 James Stuart 10 July 2011 Luka Modric accuses Tottenham Hotspur of playing dirty in transfer row The Guardian Retrieved 20 January 2016 McNulty Phil 22 August 2011 Man Utd 3 0 Tottenham BBC Sport Retrieved 20 January 2016 Luka Modric s head is not right to face Man Utd says Harry Redknapp BBC Sport 21 August 2011 Retrieved 20 January 2016 Tottenham reject 40m Luka Modric bid from Chelsea The Independent 31 August 2011 Retrieved 16 August 2012 Hirst Paul 1 September 2011 Harry Redknapp urges Luka Modric to focus on Tottenham The Independent Retrieved 20 January 2016 Wilkinson Kerry 18 September 2011 Tottenham 4 0 Liverpool BBC Sport Retrieved 14 April 2013 Darling Kevin 14 January 2012 Tottenham missed the chance to go level on points with the Premier League leaders as they were held by Wolves BBC Sport Retrieved 14 August 2013 Lillywhite Jamie 31 January 2012 Tottenham 3 1 Wigan BBC Sport Retrieved 14 April 2013 EA Sports PPI Team of the Week Premier League Retrieved 14 April 2013 Magowan Alistair 2 May 2012 Bolton 1 4 Tottenham BBC Sport Retrieved 14 April 2013 a b Luka Modric Real Madrid sign midfielder from Tottenham BBC Sport 27 August 2012 Retrieved 27 August 2012 Modric completes move to Madrid UEFA 27 August 2012 Retrieved 27 August 2012 Modric delighted with first Madrid title insidespanishfootball com Archived from the original on 27 December 2014 Retrieved 30 August 2012 Modric thrilled to score first Real Madrid goal tribalfootball com 3 November 2012 Retrieved 17 February 2013 Real Madrid Ajax resumen goles y resultado Marca Spain 4 December 2012 Retrieved 14 May 2013 Jimeenez Ruben 5 December 2012 Modric ya tiene galones Marca in Spanish Spain Retrieved 14 May 2013 Real Madrid Ajax Live WhoScored 5 December 2012 Retrieved 14 May 2013 Sachin Nakrani 1 July 2018 Modric set to receive the recognition he deserves Irish Independent Retrieved 4 December 2018 Mourinho Modric made the difference FIFA 6 March 2013 Archived from the original on 9 March 2013 Retrieved 18 March 2013 Burt Jason 5 March 2013 Manchester United v Real Madrid five things we learnt from the Champions League tie at Old Trafford The Daily Telegraph Archived from the original on 11 January 2022 Retrieved 18 March 2013 J I Garcia Ochoa 6 March 2013 Luka Modric ya no tiene precio Marca Spain Retrieved 14 May 2013 Real Madrid recover against Real Mallorca with Luka Modric screamer The Guardian 17 March 2013 Retrieved 18 March 2013 Cox Michael 1 May 2013 How Mourinho s subs helped Real score two and almost scrape through The Guardian Retrieved 14 May 2013 El uno a uno del Real Madrid Marca Spain 1 May 2013 Retrieved 14 May 2013 Real Madrid Borussia Dortmund Live WhoScored 1 May 2013 Retrieved 14 May 2013 Jabalquinto Diego 9 May 2013 Real Madrid surpassed 5 500 goals in La Liga against Malaga Real Madrid CF Archived from the original on 7 June 2013 Retrieved 14 May 2013 Modric as important as Ronaldo Football Espana 30 January 2014 Retrieved 20 January 2016 a b McAleer Ben 24 September 2013 Player Focus How Luka Modric Won Over The Real Madrid Fans WhoScored Retrieved 20 January 2016 Cerezo H 12 December 2013 Modric is Carlo s fifth most used player Marca Spain Retrieved 21 December 2013 Modric Shades of Old Trafford Marca Spain 11 December 2013 Retrieved 21 December 2013 Real keep firing against Getafe Marca Spain 16 February 2014 Retrieved 17 February 2014 Matchett Karl 10 Games That Proved Why Luka Modric Is the Midfield Maestro Bleacher Report Retrieved 11 July 2018 Tottenham ace Modric happy to mark 100 games with amazing win tribalfootball com 29 April 2014 Retrieved 29 April 2014 Bayern Munich 0 4 Real Madrid BBC Sport 29 April 2014 Retrieved 29 April 2014 Team of the week Matchday 11 UEFA Archived from the original on 27 April 2014 Retrieved 2 May 2014 Team of the week Matchday 12 UEFA Archived from the original on 2 May 2014 Retrieved 2 May 2014 Real Madrid 4 1 Atletico Madrid UEFA Retrieved 24 May 2014 a b UEFA Champions League squad of the season UEFA 2 June 2014 Retrieved 2 June 2014 Luka Modric Best Midfielder in the 2013 14 Liga BBVA Liga de Futbol Profesional 27 December 2014 Retrieved 31 October 2014 Luka Modric signs Real Madrid deal until 2018 BBC Sport 20 August 2014 Retrieved 27 November 2014 a b Tweedale Alistair 17 September 2014 Player Focus Modest Modric Madrid s Superstar in the Shadows WhoScored com Retrieved 14 July 2017 It is fair to say with Xavi s decline Modric is now ahead of him in the pecking order and he Kroos Cesc Fabregas and Andrea Pirlo are now arguably the best technical central midfielders on the planet at present and some might even say that Modric is or could soon be leading the pack Phillips Rob 12 August 2014 Super Cup Cristiano Ronaldo scores twice in Real Madrid win BBC Sport Retrieved 28 September 2014 Real Sociedad s David Zurutuza scores twice to defeat Real Madrid The Guardian 31 August 2014 Retrieved 28 September 2014 Gareth Bale on the mark as Basel suffer Champions League blitz at Real Madrid The Guardian 16 September 2014 Retrieved 28 September 2014 Walker Joseph 16 September 2014 Rampant Madrid ease Basel aside UEFA Retrieved 28 September 2014 First half goals from Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo helped Real Madrid continue their La Liga resurgence with a hard fought victory over Villarreal BBC Sport 27 September 2014 Retrieved 28 September 2014 Luka Modric Real Madrid star ruled out for over three months BBC Sport 18 November 2014 Retrieved 27 November 2014 Modric the midfielder with most passes since his return Real Madrid CF 3 April 2015 Retrieved 19 January 2016 Luka Modric Injury Updates on Real Madrid Star s Knee and Return Bleacher Report 19 April 2015 Retrieved 19 January 2016 Luka Modric hopes to play for Real Madrid again this season ESPN 21 April 2015 Retrieved 19 January 2016 No row with Real Madrid over Luka Modric says Croatia coach Kovac ESPN 29 April 2015 Retrieved 19 January 2016 Modric Real Madrid s image of maturity Marca Spain 9 September 2015 Retrieved 19 January 2016 a b Collins Tim 2 July 2015 Why Luka Modric Is Absolutely Vital to Real Madrid s Midfield Fluency Bleacher Report Retrieved 6 July 2018 a b 2015 FIFA FIFPro World XI revealed FIFA 11 January 2016 Archived from the original on 11 November 2016 Retrieved 10 January 2017 a b c Modric now master of the game Marca Spain 18 January 2016 Retrieved 20 January 2016 Polo Pablo 16 July 2015 Super Luka Marca Spain Retrieved 7 February 2016 Modric out for 2 3 weeks Marca Spain 14 October 2015 Retrieved 20 January 2016 Ramos and Modric make the trip to PSG Marca Spain 20 October 2015 Retrieved 20 January 2016 Luka Modric backs new Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane Sky Sports 10 January 2016 Retrieved 20 January 2016 Cerezo Hugo 13 January 2016 Luka y Zidane conexion total Marca in Spanish Spain Retrieved 20 January 2016 a b Peters Jerrad 18 January 2016 Modric flourishing under Zidane at Real Madrid SportsNet Retrieved 20 January 2016 Medina David G 26 January 2016 Modric de 10 Marca in Spanish Spain Retrieved 7 February 2016 Modric earns Real Madrid late win BBC Sport 7 February 2016 Retrieved 7 February 2016 Spot on Real Madrid defeat Atletico in final again UEFA 28 May 2016 a b UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season UEFA 30 May 2016 a b The Liga BBVA 2015 16 Team of the Season Liga de Futbol Profesional 1 June 2016 Archived from the original on 18 November 2018 Retrieved 4 June 2016 a b Luka Modric named Best Midfielder of LaLiga Santander 2015 16 LFP 24 October 2016 Archived from the original on 7 July 2018 Retrieved 24 October 2016 a b The Best named at FIFA Football Awards FIFA 9 January 2017 Archived from the original on 9 January 2017 Retrieved 9 January 2016 Official Announcement Modric Real Madrid CF 18 October 2016 Retrieved 18 October 2016 Corrigan Dermot 7 November 2016 Real Madrid s Luka Modric happy to be back after injury layoff ESPN FC Retrieved 15 July 2017 a b 2016 FIFA Club World Cup awards FIFA Archived from the original on 12 January 2016 Retrieved 18 December 2016 a b Team of the Year 2016 UEFA 5 January 2017 Retrieved 10 January 2017 Florentino Perez presented Modric with a shirt for his 200 matches Real Madrid CF 12 March 2017 El Real Madrid campeon de LaLiga Santander 2016 17 laliga es 21 May 2017 Real Madrid win La Liga title with victory at Malaga BBC Sport 21 May 2017 Majestic Real Madrid win Champions League in Cardiff UEFA 3 June 2017 a b UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season UEFA 5 June 2017 Sharma Rik 4 June 2017 Majestic Modric the key to Madrid s Champions League final turnaround Reuters Retrieved 15 July 2017 a b Luka Modric named UCL midfielder of the season UEFA 24 August 2017 Retrieved 24 August 2017 Luka Modric the best midfielder of 2016 17 Champions League Croatian Football Federation 24 October 2017 Retrieved 16 December 2017 Luka Modric est dans le top 5 du Ballon d Or France Football 2017 France Football 7 December 2017 Retrieved 16 December 2017 a b Cristiano Ronaldo and Lieke Martens cap dream season at The Best FIFA Football Awards FIFA 23 October 2017 Archived from the original on 24 October 2017 Retrieved 23 October 2017 Modric takes No 10 shirt at Real Madrid following James Rodriguez departure Goal com 22 July 2017 Retrieved 22 July 2017 a b Juan Ignacio Garcia Ochoa 16 December 2017 Modric claims 2017 Club World Cup golden ball Marca Spain Retrieved 16 December 2017 Real Madrid 7 1 Deportivo La Coruna BBC Sport 2018 Retrieved 6 July 2018 a b UEFA com Fans Team of the Year 2017 announced UEFA 11 January 2018 Retrieved 11 January 2018 Madrid beat Liverpool to complete hat trick UEFA 26 May 2018 Retrieved 27 May 2018 a b UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season UEFA 27 May 2018 Retrieved 27 May 2018 a b Luka Modric Champions League Midfielder of the Season UEFA 30 August 2018 a b c Golden consolation for magical Modric FIFA 15 July 2018 Retrieved 15 July 2018 a b Luka Modric wins UEFA Men s Player of the Year award UEFAs 30 August 2018 Retrieved 30 August 2018 a b The Best FIFA Men s Player FIFA 24 September 2018 Archived from the original on 7 November 2016 Retrieved 24 September 2018 a b c d Ballon d Or Luka Modric ends dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo BBC Sport 3 December 2018 Retrieved 3 December 2018 Rob Harris Modric wins world player of year ends Ronaldo Messi duopoly AP News Retrieved 24 September 2018 Kilpelainen Juuso 29 August 2020 When Everything s Right Looking Back on Luka Modric s Ballon D or Victory Football Paradise Retrieved 15 December 2020 Luka Modric wins FIFA The Best award ends Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi duopoly ESPN 24 September 2018 Retrieved 25 September 2018 Modric Poput Pravog Ronalda Ne Cristiana Na momcadskoj razini nize trofeje na osobnoj priznanja ovo nije viđeno 20 godina Modric Like Real Ronaldo Not Cristiano At the team level run trophies on a personal recognition this has not been seen 20 years in Croatian Net hr 31 August 2018 Retrieved 25 September 2018 Modric Napravio Ono Sto Nije Viđeno 24 Godine Samo je jedan velikan prije Luke uspio u ovome Modric did what has not been seen for 24 years Just one giant before Luka succeeded in this in Croatian Net hr 24 September 2018 Retrieved 25 September 2018 Jacob Steinberg Niall McVeigh 3 December 2018 Ballon d Or 2018 Luka Modric and Ada Hegerberg win awards as it happened The Guardian Retrieved 3 December 2018 He s the first Croatian to win the first man from what was once Yugoslavia to win and the first from Eastern Europe since Andriy Shevchenko in 2004 Andrew Das 3 December 2018 Luka Modric Wins Ballon d Or Ending Decade of Ronaldo and Messi Triumphs The New York Times Retrieved 3 December 2018 Real Madrid s Ballon d Or winners Real Madrid CF 3 December 2018 Retrieved 3 December 2018 Modric will be the next to sign thanks to the Ballon D Or BeSoccer 23 May 2019 Retrieved 1 September 2020 a b FIFA FIFPro World11 FIFA 24 September 2018 Archived from the original on 12 January 2017 Retrieved 24 September 2018 a b IFFHS AWARDS THE WORLD S BEST PLAYMAKER 2018 LUKA MODRIC ON THE TOP iffhs de 29 November 2018 Retrieved 29 November 2018 Ben Hayward 25 September 2018 Luka Modric Fifa Best Player 2018 How Real Madrid star broke the Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi duopoly London Evening Standard Modric Three matches and he has started all on the bench Marca Spain 26 August 2018 Retrieved 2 September 2018 Arch Bell 27 August 2018 Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui praises team mentality after Girona win Sky Sports Retrieved 2 September 2018 Emma Sanders 15 August 2018 Real Madrid 2 4 Atletico Madrid BBC Sport Retrieved 16 August 2018 Arch Bell 1 September 2018 Real Madrid rocket past Leganes Marca Spain Retrieved 2 September 2018 Jose Felix Diaz 20 September 2018 Modric justifies the entrance fee and gives meaning to football Marca Spain Retrieved 24 September 2018 Real Madrid 4 1 Al Ain Spanish giants win Club World Cup again BBC Sport 22 December 2018 Retrieved 22 December 2018 J L Calderon 20 January 2019 The midfielders carry the goalscoring burden at Real Madrid Marca Spain Retrieved 20 January 2019 Margarita Khaymina 20 January 2019 Modric has never scored in two consecutive La Liga games before Tribuna com Retrieved 20 January 2019 a b UEFA com fans Team of the Year 2018 revealed UEFA 11 January 2019 Retrieved 11 January 2019 Whelan Padraig 7 March 2019 Modric This has been the most difficult week of my career Marca Spain Retrieved 17 July 2020 Hayward Ben 17 February 2019 Real Madrid 0 Barcelona 3 Luis Suarez humiliates El Clasico rivals to seal Copa del Rey final spot London Evening Standard Retrieved 17 July 2020 Real Madrid 0 1 Barcelona Rakitic sends Barca 10 points clear in La Liga BBC Sport 2 March 2019 Retrieved 2 March 2020 Poole Harry 5 March 2019 Real Madrid 1 4 Ajax Brilliant visitors knock out Champions League holders BBC Sport Retrieved 17 July 2020 a b Santi Siguero 1 September 2019 Modric returns Zidane s midfield metronome Marca Spain Retrieved 25 November 2019 a b VAN DIJK AMONG FOUR DEBUTANTS IN MEN S WORLD 11 FIFPro World Players Union 23 September 2019 Real Madrid and Modric celebrate seven years together It s been an incredible trip with the best club in the world Marca Spain 27 September 2019 Retrieved 25 November 2019 Jose Felix Diaz 2 November 2019 Doubts over Modric and footballing ignorance Marca Spain Retrieved 25 November 2019 Modric nets his first goal since Zidane s return and does so in style Marca Spain 5 October 2019 Retrieved 25 November 2019 a b Modric wins the 2019 Golden Foot award Marca Spain 12 November 2019 Retrieved 12 November 2019 Those who wanted Modric s exit will have to wait Marca Spain 23 November 2019 Retrieved 25 November 2019 Modric scores his 100th career goal in style Marca Spain 8 January 2020 Retrieved 9 January 2020 Real Madrid need penalties to beat Atletico win Spanish Supercopa ESPN 12 January 2020 Retrieved 24 June 2020 Hina 15 July 2020 Zidane usporedio sebe i Modrica i dao veliki kompliment Hrvatu Pa ja sam se sa 34 ostavio nogometa Sportske novosti in Croatian Retrieved 16 July 2020 Marca opet hvali Modrica koji vuce Real do titule Zidane mu je vjerovao i kad je igrao lose Sportske novosti in Croatian 15 July 2020 Retrieved 16 July 2020 Lara Miguel Angel Clancy Conor 13 July 2020 Modric imposes himself again Marca Spain Retrieved 16 July 2020 Siguero Santiago Munday Billy 20 June 2020 Modric keeps his word Marca Spain Retrieved 16 July 2020 Garcia Ochoa Juan Ignacio Munday Billy 13 July 2020 Someone needs to get Modric a new contract and fast Marca Spain Retrieved 16 July 2020 Cortegana Mario 15 July 2020 Modric rejuvenece AS com in Spanish Retrieved 16 July 2020 Villar Alvaro Benito 14 July 2020 La enesima juventud de Modric AS com in Spanish Retrieved 16 July 2020 Dzindo Edi 18 July 2020 AS Realov komandos dirigent najzasluzniji je za naslov Corluka Ma igraj do 40 Vecernji list in Croatian Retrieved 19 July 2020 Real je prvak Spanjolske Sjajni Modric asistirao Barcelona izgubila Gol hr in Croatian 16 July 2020 Santos Sergio 16 July 2020 1x1 del Real Madrid nuevo recital de Modric y Benzema AS com in Spanish Video Pogledajte cudesnu golcinu Modrica Real je bio na rubu ponora a onda se ukazao hrvatski Maestro Sportske novosti in Croatian 21 October 2020 Hina 21 October 2020 Blamaza Reala i senzacija u Madridu Novi poraz Kraljeva Modric zabio jedan od najljepsih golova godine Sportske novosti in Croatian Video UEFA je proglasila Modricev gol najljepsim pogledajte majstoriju kapetana jos jednom Sportske novosti in Croatian 23 October 2020 Arch Bell 24 October 2020 Real Madrid rise up in Clasico Marca Spain Retrieved 24 October 2020 Modric prvi po ocjenama protiv Barcelone Njegova uloga i vaznost u ovoj momcadi je neupitna Sportske novosti in Croatian 24 October 2020 Official Announcement Luka Modric Real Madrid CF 25 May 2021 Retrieved 25 May 2021 Modric There s nothing better than playing for Real Madrid Real Madrid CF 25 May 2021 Retrieved 13 April 2022 Luka proslavio veliki jubilej u Madridu protiv najljuceg rivala Zahvalan sam Realu na svemu ali jos nismo gotovi Gol hr in Croatian 26 October 2021 Retrieved 26 October 2021 Zobec Petar 30 October 2021 Video Ma to moze samo maestro Luka Pogledajte nestvarnu asistenciju kapetana za pobjedu Reala Sportske novosti in Croatian Retrieved 30 October 2021 Luka Modric prvi put u karijeri bio je kapetan Real Madrida iako su mnogi tvrdili da to nikad nece uspjeti Net hr in Croatian 30 October 2021 Retrieved 30 October 2021 Modric claims Man of the Match award on 100th Champions League appearance Real Madrid CF 7 December 2021 Retrieved 13 April 2022 Modric named man of the match in the Spanish Super Cup final Real Madrid CF 16 January 2022 Retrieved 13 April 2022 Real je pobijedio Bilbao i osvojio Superkup a Modric je golcinom okrunio sjajnu utakmicu Telesport in Croatian 16 January 2022 Retrieved 16 January 2022 Hincks Michael 9 March 2022 Champions League All eyes on Luka Modric Real Madrid s vital cog for PSG clash amid suspensions and injuries Eurosport Retrieved 13 April 2022 Steinberg Jacob 6 April 2022 Karim Benzema hat trick for Real Madrid puts Chelsea on brink of exit The Guardian Retrieved 13 April 2022 May Sam 12 April 2022 Assist King Luka Modric provides outrageous assist with outside of the boot as Real Madrid man celebrates 100th Champions League appearance Talksport Retrieved 13 April 2022 Modric je zaludio svijet govore mu da je najbolji u povijesti a on poslao kratku ali jaku poruku Gol hr in Croatian 13 April 2022 Retrieved 13 April 2022 Real Madrid 2 3 Chelsea aet agg 5 4 Benzema takes hosts through after holders mount stunning comeback UEFA 12 April 2022 Retrieved 13 April 2022 Modric voted Champions League player of the week realmadrid com 14 April 2022 Retrieved 11 May 2022 Real Madrid 4 0 Espanyol BBC Sport 30 April 2022 Real Madrid in final after Rodrygo and Karim Benzema stun Manchester City The Guardian 4 May 2022 Champions League agony for Liverpool as Real win BBC 28 May 2022 Retrieved 28 May 2022 a b 2021 22 UEFA Champions League Team of the Season UEFA 31 May 2022 Retrieved 31 May 2022 Official Announcement Modric Real Madrid CF Retrieved 8 June 2022 Mario Cortegana 21 August 2022 Modric The eternal legend Marca Retrieved 13 September 2022 S Siguero 5 September 2022 Modric centenario y el espejo de Gento Marca in Spanish Retrieved 13 September 2022 Real Madrid sink Celtic with dominant second half display Marca 6 September 2022 Retrieved 13 September 2022 J L Calderon 11 September 2022 El centenario mas increible de Modric Marca in Spanish Retrieved 13 September 2022 Real Madrid come from behind against Mallorca to make it five wins on the trot Marca 11 September 2022 Retrieved 13 September 2022 a b Messi makes World 11 history as Benzema earns maiden inclusion FIFA com Federation Internationale de Football Association 27 February 2023 Retrieved 27 February 2023 Azpitarte amp Puertas 2016 p 44 45 Miladin Neven 18 June 2006 Japan 0 0 Hrvatska Neiskoristeni penal Srne i manjak srece u zavrsnici Japan 0 0 Croatia Unconverted penalty by Srna and lack of luck in the final in Croatian Nogometni magazin Retrieved 20 January 2016 Miladin Neven 22 June 2006 Hrvatska 2 2 Australija Dvaput vodili i ispali sa SP a Croatia 2 2 Australia Twice led and dropped from the World Cup in Croatian Nogometni magazin Retrieved 20 January 2016 Italija Hrvatska 0 2 Slaven Bilic startao pobjedom Italy Croatia 0 2 Slaven Bilic started with win in Croatian Jutarnji list 16 August 2006 Archived from the original on 22 February 2016 Retrieved 20 January 2016 McNulty Phil 11 October 2006 Croatia 2 0 England BBC Sport Retrieved 20 January 2016 Stevenson Jonathan 21 November 2007 England 2 3 Croatia BBC Sport Retrieved 20 January 2016 a b Cerezo Hugo 1 April 2016 Modric aiming to emulate Barcelona legend Cruyff MARCA English Retrieved 6 July 2018 Ian Hughes 8 June 2008 Austria 0 1 Croatia BBC Sport Retrieved 8 June 2008 a b HINA 23 June 2021 Modric je sinoc dosao do rekorda koji vjerojatno nitko nece vise srusiti Gol hr in Croatian Retrieved 23 June 2021 Haylett Trevor 8 June 2012 Modric penalty undoes gutsy Austria UEFA Archived from the original on 30 May 2008 Retrieved 10 June 2008 a b Croatia 2 1 Germany UEFA 12 June 2008 Retrieved 20 January 2016 Harrold Michael 21 June 2008 Turkey triumph in Vienna shoot out UEFA Retrieved 20 January 2016 Luka Modric In EURO s Best Team Xavi Best Player dalje com Kontineo oglasavanje 30 June 2008 Archived from the original on 22 May 2011 Retrieved 1 July 2009 Croatia cruise to Kazakhstan victory UEFA 7 September 2008 Retrieved 20 January 2016 Croatia 4 0 Andorra FIFA 15 October 2008 Archived from the original on 22 February 2016 Retrieved 20 January 2016 Croatia 2 2 Ukraine FIFA 6 June 2009 Archived from the original on 22 February 2016 Retrieved 20 January 2016 Islamovic Elvir 6 September 2011 Eduardo double against Israel sends Croatia top UEFA Retrieved 20 January 2016 Smith Ben 18 June 2012 Croatia 0 1 Spain BBC Sport Retrieved 14 August 2013 Euro 2012 day 11 analysis Ivan Rakitic miss leaves Croatia short BBC Sport 19 June 2012 Retrieved 14 August 2013 Walsh Kristian 26 June 2012 Euro 2012 the best eleven so far The Daily Telegraph Archived from the original on 11 January 2022 Retrieved 14 August 2013 Harry Redknapp My Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament betting betfair com Bet Fair 29 June 2012 Retrieved 14 August 2013 Analysis Modric s Euros prove his suitability for Madrid move FourFourTwo Haymarket Consumer Media amp FourFour Two 20 June 2012 Retrieved 14 August 2013 Brazil 3 Croatia 1 BBC Sport 12 June 2014 Retrieved 19 June 2014 Stojanovic Dusan 13 June 2013 Modric injury in loss against Brazil not serious Yahoo News Retrieved 27 November 2014 World Cup 2014 Luka Modric hoping to be fit to face Cameroon BBC Sport 14 June 2014 Retrieved 19 January 2016 span, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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