*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 21:45, 21 April 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 15:07, 27 March 2024 (UTC)
Modrić began his professional career with Croatian club
Dinamo Zagreb in 2003 before spells on loan to Bosnian side
Zrinjski Mostar and Croatian side
Inter Zaprešić. He made his debut for Dinamo in 2005 and his performances earned him a move to
Premier League club
Tottenham Hotspur in 2008, where he led them to
UEFA Champions League qualification in 2010, their first in almost 50 years. In the summer of 2012, Modrić joined Real Madrid for a £30 million transfer fee. In his second season, he won the
2013–14 Champions League title, being selected for that season's
squad of the season. After
Zinedine Zidane took over Madrid in 2016, Modrić was a key member of the club's three consecutive Champions League titles from
2015–16 to
2017–18, each time being voted into the squad of the season. In total, he has won 24 major trophies at Madrid, including five
UEFA Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, and two
Copa del Rey titles.
Luka Modrić was born on 9 September 1985 and was raised in the hamlet of Modrići, which is a part of
Zaton Obrovački,[8][9] 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.[10][11][12] 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.[13][14][15][16] Modrić mostly spent his early years in the stone house of his paternal grandfather after whom he was named,[8][17] located on the road above the hamlet of Modrići,[18][19][20] and was shepherding goats as a five-year-old.[21][22][23]
However, his childhood coincided with the
Croatian War of Independence—in 1991, when the war escalated, his family were forced to flee the area.[10] 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,[10][12][24][25] and after the family fled, the house was burned to the ground.[26][27] 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.[10][28][29] His father joined the
Croatian Army as an aeromechanic.[10][30] In those years, thousands of bombs
fell on the city and football was a way to escape the reality of war.[12] He recalls it as a tough time for his family and something which shaped him as a person.[31][32][33] 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.[15]
In these difficult circumstances, Modrić began playing football, mostly at the hotel parking lot.[12] 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.[10][28][15] As a boy he was inspired to play football by
Zvonimir Boban and
Francesco Totti.[34]
Club career
Early years
Supported by his family, Modrić participated in representative camps and trained in
NK Zadar.[10][15] He was under tutelage of coach Domagoj Bašić and the head of the youth academy, Tomislav Bašić.[10] Tomislav Bašić, considered by Modrić as his "sporting father",[25][29] said Modrić's father made him wooden shin guards because they had little money.[10][31][33] However, Modrić later denied the story.[12] 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.[10][15][35] After displaying some talent, including at a youth tournament in Italy,[25] Tomislav Bašić arranged Modrić's move to
Dinamo Zagreb when Modrić was a 16-year-old in late 2001.[10][12][36] After a season with Dinamo Zagreb's youth side, Modrić was loaned in 2003 to
Zrinjski Mostar in the
Bosnian Premier League.[10][25] 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.[37] Modrić later said, "Someone who can play in the Bosnian Premier League can play anywhere," referring to its physical nature.[37] 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[25][38] and a place in the preliminary round of the
UEFA Cup. He also won the
Croatian Football Hope of the Year award in 2004.[37] He returned to Dinamo Zagreb in 2005.[37]
Dinamo Zagreb
In the
2005–06 season, Modrić signed a ten-year contract (his first long-term contract) with Dinamo Zagreb.[37] With the contract's earnings, he bought a flat in Zadar for his family.[12][25] He secured a place in Dinamo's first team, contributing 7 goals in 31 matches to help win the league.[39] In the
2006–07 season, Dinamo again won the league, with Modrić making a similar contribution.[39] He was the main provider for striker
Eduardo,[37] which helped Modrić win the
Prva HNL Player of the Year award.[3] The following season, Modrić as a team captain,[40] 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.[41] 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.[42][43] He finished his four-year tenure at Dinamo with a tally of over 31 goals and 29 assists in four league seasons,[25][44] contributing most notably in the
2007–08 season when Dinamo won the second
Croatian Cup and became champions by a 28-point margin.[45] Modrić was courted by
Barcelona,
Arsenal and
Chelsea, but opted to wait leaving the club.[25][46][47]
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,[36][32] as well as Arsenal manager
Arsène Wenger.[54] 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".[36] This coincided with his poor form, leading to concerns both for himself and Croatia national team head coach
Slaven Bilić.[54] Modrić spent his early days at the number 10 position, before being shifted to the left wing to play alongside
Wilson Palacios.[54] 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."[54]
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.[55] 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.[56] 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.[57] Using Modrić in his former position from his Dinamo days made him more effective with performances against
Stoke City,[58]Hull City,[59] and most notably on 21 March when he scored the only goal in a win against Chelsea.[60]
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".[61] On 29 August 2009, during Tottenham's 2–1 win over
Birmingham City, Modrić was taken off injured with a suspected calf injury.[62] The following day, it was confirmed Modrić had sustained a fracture to his right
fibula and was expected to be out for six weeks.[63] 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.[64] He again scored in a home win against
Everton on 28 February 2010,[65] and in an away defeat against
Burnley on 9 May.[66] 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."[67]
2010–12: final seasons in England
On 11 September 2010, Modrić scored his first goal of the
2010–11 season in a 1–1 away draw at
West Bromwich Albion.[68] 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."[69] Modrić also scored in Tottenham's 3–2 victory over Stoke City on 9 April,[70] and converted a penalty at
Anfield on 15 May in a 2–0 victory over Liverpool.[71] 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.[72] 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.[73][74] In the next match, against
Werder Bremen, Modrić scored the second goal.[75] After a scoreless draw against
Milan,[76] Spurs were eliminated from the competition in the quarter-finals by
Real Madrid.[77]
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%.[78] 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.[79]
"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.[36]
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.[80][81] 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".[82] 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.[83] Modrić said his "head was not in the right place" as he continued to force a move to Chelsea.[84] On the final day of the transfer window, Chelsea made an offer of £40 million that was again rejected.[85]
After failing to secure a transfer, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp told Modrić to focus on his playing and named him as a starter.[86] 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.[87] On 14 January 2012, Modrić scored the only goal in a home draw with
Wolverhampton Wanderers.[88] 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).[89] For the third time that season, he was included in "Team of the Week".[90] 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).[91]
Real Madrid
2012–13: becoming a starting eleven player in Real Madrid
On 27 August 2012, Real Madrid announced they had agreed on a deal with Tottenham for an approximate £30 million transfer fee.[92] Modrić signed a five-year contract with the Spanish club.[92][93] 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.[94] 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.[36] The presence of veteran midfielders
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.[95] 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.[96][97][98] At the end of the year he was voted as the worst signing of the season by Spanish newspaper Marca.[99]
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.[100][101][102] This match is often seen as the turning point in Modrić's career in Real Madrid.[36] 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.[103] 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.[104][105][106] 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.[107]
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.[108]
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.[109][110] 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.[36][54][109] 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.[111] Modrić scored his first goal of the Liga season in a 3–0 away win against
Getafe, his sixth goal outside the penalty area.[112] Modrić was on the pitch when Real Madrid won the
2013–14 Copa del Rey after defeating Barcelona 2–1 in the
final.[113]
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,[114] 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.[115] He was included in UEFA's Team of the Week for both legs of the semi-final.[116][117] On 24 May in the
final, Modrić again assisted from a corner for teammate Sergio Ramos, who scored a 93rd-minute equaliser against
local rivalsAtlético Madrid. Real won 4–1 in extra time, marking the club's tenth Champions League title, locally known as La Décima (
lit.'the Tenth').[118] He was included in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season[119] and received the
LFP award for the "Best Midfielder" of the Spanish first league of that season.[120]
In late November, Modrić sustained a thigh injury during an international match against
Italy, because of which he did not play for three months.[128] He returned in early March 2015, starting in seven matches and proving his form.[129] 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.[130][131][132] 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.[133] Ancelotti said, "Modrić has missed most of the year and this has hurt us."[134] Modrić's influence was recognised and he was selected by professional players in the
FIFA FIFPro World XI.[135]
2015–17: among best world players and La Undécima and Duodécima
For the
2015–16 season, Carlo Ancelotti was replaced by
Rafael Benítez under whom Modrić continued to be a key midfield player.[136][137] He sustained a muscular groin injury during an international match against
Bulgaria in October, initially suggesting an absence of two-to-three weeks.[138] However, by 20 October, he had recovered in time for the match against
Paris Saint-Germain.[139]
With the arrival of new manager
Zinedine Zidane in January 2016,[140] the relationship between them was noted in the media, with Modrić described as "master of the game",[136][141] and the crucial "connector" of the defence and attack.[142] 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.[136][142][143] On 7 February, Modrić scored a winning goal from outside the box in a 1–2 away win against
Granada.[144] Modrić was a regular in the starting line-up when the team won the
2015–16 Champions League in the
final against Atlético.[145] He was included in both Champions League,[146] and La Liga's team of the season.[147] For the second time, he also received the
LFP award for the "Best Midfielder" of the Spanish first league.[148] He was for the second time included in the
FIFA FIFPro World XI.[149]
On 18 October 2016, Modrić signed a new contract with Real Madrid, keeping him at the club until 2020.[150] Due to injury of a left knee sustained in mid-September, he missed eight matches, returning early November.[151] On 18 December, he won the
2016 FIFA Club World Cup with Real Madrid, receiving the
Silver Ball for his performances during the tournament.[152] In January 2017, for the first time was included in the
UEFA Team of the Year (2016).[153] On 12 March 2017, in a 2–1 win over Real Betis, Modrić played his 200th match for Real Madrid.[154]
2017–18: Ballon d'Or and third consecutive Champions League title
With the departure of
James Rodríguez to Bayern Munich, Modrić inherited the team's coveted
number 10jersey for the new
2017–18 season, replacing his previous number 19 jersey.[164] 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.[165] His first goal of the season came in a 7–1 win over Deportivo de La Coruña on 21 January 2018.[166] In the same month was for the second time included in the
UEFA Team of the Year (2017).[167] 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.[168] For his performances throughout the campaign, Modrić was included in Champions League team of the season for the third consecutive time.[169] He later received the
UEFA Club Football Award for Best Midfielder of the Champions League season for the second consecutive time.[170]
Due to his club, and national team performance at the
2018 FIFA World Cup, where also received the
Golden Ball,[171] in August and September Modrić won the
UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award and
The Best FIFA Men's Player Award,[172][173] while in December, he added the
Ballon d'Or to his personal tally,[174] 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.[174][175][176] Furthermore, besides becoming the first Croatian player to win these awards,[177] 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,[178] and the World Cup Golden Ball and the Best FIFA Men's Player of the Year Award after
Romário in 1994.[179] 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,[180][181] and the tenth player from Real Madrid to capture the trophy.[182] Furthermore, winning the trophy triggered a clause in his contract, ensuring his stay at the club until 2021.[183] He was also included in the
FIFA FIFPro World XI for the fourth time,[184] and won the
IFFHS World's Best Playmaker award.[185]
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".[186] 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.[174]
2018–21: second time champion of Spain
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.[187][188] This included a substitute appearance in his team's 2–4 loss after extra time against Atlético Madrid in the
UEFA Super Cup.[189] 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.[190] His 100th appearance in the UEFA club competition came on 19 September in a 3–0 home win against
Roma,[21] in which he assisted the second goal, scored by Gareth Bale.[191] 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.[192] 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.[193][194] In the same month was included in the
UEFA Team of the Year (2018) for the third time in his career.[195] From 27 February to 5 March, Modrić went through what he described as "the most difficult week of his football life,"[196] with Real Madrid losing to Barcelona twice and Ajax and crashing out of
Copa del Rey,
title race and the
Champions League, respectively.[197][198][199] Despite having had an underwhelming
season,[200] for the fifth consecutive time he was included in the
FIFA FIFPro World XI.[201]
On 27 August 2019 was the seventh anniversary of Modrić's signing with the club.[202] Although raising doubts due to age of 34 and decision to continue playing with the national team which makes him prone to injuries,[203] Modrić stated that wants to "recapture his best form this
season".[200] His first goal of the season came on 5 October in a 4–2 home victory against Granada.[204] On 12 November was awarded with a
Golden Foot award.[205] On 23 November he made two assists and scored a goal in a 3–1 home victory against Real Sociedad.[206] 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.[207] On 12 January he successfully converted a penalty in a
shootout as Real Madrid beat Atlético 4–1 on penalties in the
final.[208] 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.[209] On 16 July, he assisted Benzema's opening goal in a 2–1 victory over Villarreal, as Real Madrid secured the league title.[210][211]
On 21 October 2020, he scored his first goal of the
2020–21 season in a
Champions League 3–2 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk.[212] 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.[213] It was named the Goal of the Week by UEFA.[214] Three days later, he came off the bench to score with trivela his first ever Clásico goal, as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 3–1.[215][216] On 25 May 2021, he extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2022.[217][218]
2021–23: third La Liga, fifth Champions League and second Copa del Rey title
On 24 October 2021 of
2021–22 season, Modrić played his 400th game for Real Madrid in a 2–1 Clásico victory.[219] 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.[220][221] 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.[222] 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.[223] The goal made him the oldest goalscorer in the history of
the competition.[224] On 5 March, Modrić assisted and scored from outside of the box in a 4–1 victory over Real Socidedad.[225] 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,[226][227][228] 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.[229][230] His assist to Rodrygo has been called the "pass of the decade" by
Ally McCoist,[231] and as "absolutely perfect, and it was just gorgeous to watch" by
Thierry Henry.[232] He was a regular starter on 30 April when Real Madrid won their 35th and his 3rd Spanish title,[233] 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.[234][235] For the sixth time in his career, he was included in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season.[236] On 8 June 2022, he renewed his contract until 2023.[237]
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.[238] 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.[239][240] 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.[241][242]
In February 2023, Modrić was included for the sixth time in the
FIFA FIFPro World XI.[243] On 6 May, he played as a second-half substitute in a 2–1 win over
Osasuna in the
Copa del Rey final, to achieve his second trophy in that tournament.[244] In June, he extended his contract until 2024.[245]
On 28 October, Modrić came on as a second-half substitute and made his 500th appearance for Real Madrid in all competitions in a 2–1 away win against Barcelona, to which he contributed with an assist to the last-minute winning goal by
Jude Bellingham.[246] On 27 November, in a 3–0 win against
Cádiz, Modrić set the record for most club appearances after 35 years old, with 161 appearances, breaking the previous record he held with
Paco Buyo.[247]
International career
Modrić began his international career at youth level, playing for the Croatian
under-15,
under-17,
under-18,
under-19 and
under-21 teams.[37] 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.[248] 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.[37]
2006–2008: first major tournaments
Modrić made two appearances at the
2006 FIFA World Cup finals as a substitute in the group fixtures against
Japan[249] and
Australia.[250] 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.[251]
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.[252][253] As a young midfielder, much was expected of Modrić; he was often dubbed "the Croatian Cruyff".[47][254] 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).[255][256] It was also the fastest penalty ever awarded and scored in the European Championships history.[257] He continued to impress at the tournament and was named
UEFAMan of the Match in Croatia's next match when they defeated one of the pre-tournament favourites and eventual
finalistsGermany.[258] 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.[259] 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.[260]
2008–2016: subsequent struggles
In the
2010 World Cup qualifiers, Modrić scored three goals, against
Kazakhstan,[261]Andorra,[262] and
Ukraine;[263] 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,[264] 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.[265][266] 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,[267] and his play was well received by critics.[268][269]
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,[270] and Modrić sustained a minor foot injury.[271][272] In the second match, Croatia won 4–0 against Cameroon,[273] but did not progress to the knockout stage after losing 3–1 to Mexico,[274] despite the great expectations from the Croatian press and public.[275]
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,[276] then a penalty against
Azerbaijan.[277] On 3 March 2015, Modrić captained Croatia for the first time, in an away draw against Azerbaijan.[278] 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).[279] 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.[280] He was named Man of the Match.[279] Modrić was forced to miss the crucial fixture against Spain on 21 June because of a minor muscle injury.[281][282] However, Croatia won and topped the group,[283] but lost to
Portugal 0–1 in extra-time in the
round of 16.[284]
2016–2018: Golden Ball of the 2018 World Cup
For Croatia's
2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, Modrić became the new team captain, following
Darijo Srna's retirement.[285] Croatia started the campaign well; however, following 1–0 defeats to
Iceland[286] and Turkey[287] and a 1–1 draw with
Finland (in which Modrić made his
100th appearance for the national team),[288][289] Croatia seriously compromised their qualification for the tournament.[290][291] This caused Modrić to publicly state his lack of confidence in coach
Ante Čačić.[292][293][294] Čačić was soon replaced by
Zlatko Dalić ahead of Croatia's final qualifier against Ukraine away,[295] which Croatia won 2–0 and won a place in the
play-offs.[296] Modrić scored a penalty in the 4–1 victory over
Greece in the second qualifying round,[297] 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".[298][299] In Croatia's opening win against Nigeria, Modrić once again successfully executed a penalty kick and was named Man of the Match.[300][301] He also scored in Croatia's subsequent 3–0 win over Argentina with a long-range shot from 25 yards (23 metres),[302] also being named Man of the Match.[303][304] 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.[305][306][307]
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.[308][309][310] 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.[311][312] 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.[313] 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.[314] Although Croatia were beaten 4–2 by
France in the final on 15 July,[315] Modrić was awarded the
Golden Ball for the best player of the tournament,[171] and was included in the
Team of the Tournament.[316][317] After the squad's huge welcome in Zagreb,[318] Modrić and his teammates
Danijel Subašić,
Šime Vrsaljko and
Dominik Livaković were welcomed by tens of thousands of people in their hometown of Zadar.[319]
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.[322][323] However, due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament was postponed for a year.[324] 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.[325] Three days later, in a 1–0 World Cup qualifying victory over
Cyprus, he surpassed Srna's record.[326][327]
He was selected to the
final squad for the UEFA Euro 2020 on 17 May.[328] 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.[329] 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.[330] 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.[256]
During the 2022 World Cup qualifying, Modrić scored three times and assisted twice in seven appearances.[331] 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.[332] On 25 September, he scored opening goal in the last group's game and 3–1 away victory against Austria,[333] helping the team advance to the
2023 UEFA Nations League Finals.[334] On 9 November, Modrić was selected to Croatia's
final squad for the
2022 FIFA World Cup.[335] In the first and third
group stage games against
Morocco and
Belgium, he was named the Man of the Match.[336] He became the first player to play in both the European Championship and the World Cup in three different decades.[337] 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,[338][339] and captaining Croatia to a second consecutive World Cup
semi-final where they lost 3–0 to Argentina. In the
third place play-off,[340] Croatia prevailed 2–1 over Morocco,[341][342] as Modrić won the
Bronze Ball.[343]
2023–present: Euro 2024 qualifying and Nations League finals
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.[344]
On 14 June 2023, Modrić was widely praised for his performance as he led Croatia to victory over Netherlands (4–2, a.e.t.) at the
De Kuip in
Rotterdam, in the semi-finals of the
2023 UEFA Nations League Finals.[345] In the match, Modrić won a
penalty being brought down by
Cody Gakpo, which was converted by
Andrej Kramarić. As the game went to
extra time, he assisted
Bruno Petković for the winner and closed the win scoring a penalty himself. Modrić was subsequently named Man of the match.[346][347][348][349] Modrić finished second place as Croatia eventually lost to Spain 5–4 on penalties in the
final, one of which he scored, following a 0–0 draw after extra time.[350]
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".
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.[351][352][54][353][354][355] 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.[356] 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.[357][358][359][360] He is also effective at taking
set pieces, particularly
corners or wide
free kicks.[361]
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.[134][362] 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.[363][357][364][365][366][367]
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.[368] 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".[369] 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.[370][371] 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".[372][373][374] 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.[360]
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.[368][375] 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.[376][377]
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,[378] 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.[379][380] 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).[36] 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.[122][381] Modrić's average passing accuracy during the season was between 91.6 and 92%, while his highest completion rate in a single match occurred in October against Barcelona when he completed all 42 attempted passes.[382] For all of 2014, Modrić's dribble attempts (75) at a success rate of 76% were second in Europe's top five leagues.[383] 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.[358]
Reception
Modrić is widely regarded as one of the best and most well-rounded and effective midfielders of all time.[384][385][386][387][6] According to Jonathan Wilson, what sets Modrić apart from traditional playmakers is his simultaneous focus on defensive and attacking duties.[388][389] Due to his footballing intelligence, skill and fairplay he was compared to
Paul Scholes,[390][391] Xavi,
Andrés Iniesta,[392] and Andrea Pirlo.[393][394][395] In his youth, he had also been compared to
Johan Cruyff,[47][254] while his main influences were compatriot Zvonimir Boban and Italian playmaker Francesco Totti.[34]
He has been praised for being an essential part of his team's wins, especially in the most important tournaments. For example, his performance against
PSG in leg two of the round of 16 in the
UCL in 2022 was called one of the "most imperious midfielder performances".[396] He was praised for his touch, playmaking skills, passing, defense and vision, with his efforts being essential to Real Madrid's win.[396] Another match in which he gained praise, was in the
2022 FIFA World Cup, where Modrić provided another standout performance to help
Croatia beat favorites
Brazil in the quarterfinals.[397][398]
He has been consistently praised by some of the sport's most experienced managers, including Johan Cruyff,[399]Alex Ferguson,[390]Pep Guardiola,[400] and
Sven-Göran Eriksson among others.[401] 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".[378]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".[402][403]Zinedine Zidane included him in his best XI currently playing the game,[404] and in 2016 predicted that Modrić would win Ballon d'Or.[52]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".[54]
Modrić married Vanja Bosnić in May 2010 in the Croatian capital
Zagreb in a private ceremony after four years of dating,[415] and a year later in the
Catholic Church.[416] Their son, Ivano, was born on 6 June 2010.[417][418] Their daughter, Ema, was born on 25 April 2013.[418][419] Their second daughter, Sofia, was born on 2 October 2017.[420] Modrić is a cousin of Australian footballer
Mark Viduka,[421] and the godfather of
Mateo Kovačić's son Ivan.[422] Modrić generally maintains a low profile outside of football.[36][423]
In late 2019, Modrić released his
autobiographyMoja igra (My Game), co-written by prominent Croatian-Italian sports journalist Robert Matteoni.[424][425] 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.[426]
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.[427] 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+.[428]
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.[429] Throughout the mid-late 2000s, Modrić signed multiple contracts with Mamić to play at Dinamo Zagreb.[430][431] 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.[432][433] 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.[429] 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".[431][434] The
Croatian Football Federation stood behind Modrić,[431] 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.[435][436][437] 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.[438] In October and December 2018, the perjury charge was rejected by the Croatian courts.[439][440]
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 Fàbregas 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."
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."
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".
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".
^
abcdefghijkl"Kako je stvaran Luka Modrić" [Development of Luka Modrić] (in Croatian). Nogometni-magazin. 30 December 2007.
Archived from the original on 18 September 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
^"Otac Luke Modrića serviser zrakoplova HRZ-a" [Father of Luka Modrić 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.
^Radoš, Ivica (9 March 2013).
"Luka Modrić, odrastanje i karijera" [Luka Modrić, rising up and career]. Večernji list (in Croatian).
Archived from the original on 23 June 2018. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
^Modrić & Matteoni 2020, p. 5–6:Kvartirić, 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 Obrovački. 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.
^
abElvir Islamović (18 September 2018).
"How brilliant is Madrid and Croatia's Luka Modrić?". UEFA.
Archived from the original on 24 September 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2018. Ahead of the 2018 World Cup final, video footage emerged of the five-year-old Modrić shepherding goats in Croatia's Velebit mountains.
^Karlo Ledinski (3 June 2017).
"Četnici su Luki Modriću ubili djeda i zapalili kuću" [Chetniks killed grandfather of Luka Modrić and burned his house] (in Croatian). Večernji list.
Archived from the original on 25 June 2018. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
^Jiméenez, Rubén (5 December 2012).
"Modric ya tiene galones". Marca (in Spanish). Spain.
Archived from the original on 3 May 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2013.
^
abTweedale, Alistair (17 September 2014).
"Player Focus: Modest Modric Madrid's Superstar in the Shadows". WhoScored.com.
Archived from the original on 14 September 2017. 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 Fàbregas 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.
^Cerezo, Hugo (13 January 2016).
"Luka y Zidane, conexión total". Marca (in Spanish). Spain.
Archived from the original on 2 July 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
^Medina, David G. (26 January 2016).
"Modric de 10". Marca (in Spanish). Spain.
Archived from the original on 28 January 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
^Jacob Steinberg; Niall McVeigh (3 December 2018).
"Ballon d'Or 2018: Luka Modric and Ada Hegerberg win awards – as it happened". The Guardian.
Archived from the original on 3 December 2018. 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.
Lara, Miguel Ángel; Clancy, Conor (13 July 2020).
"Modric imposes himself again". Marca. Spain.
Archived from the original on 4 September 2020. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
Siguero, Santiago; Munday, Billy (20 June 2020).
"Modric keeps his word". Marca. Spain.
Archived from the original on 4 September 2020. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
Cortegana, Mario (15 July 2020).
"Modric rejuvenece". AS.com (in Spanish).
Archived from the original on 4 September 2020. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
Villar, Álvaro Benito (14 July 2020).
"La enésima juventud de Modric". AS.com (in Spanish).
Archived from the original on 4 September 2020. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
^Callaghan, Joe (30 June 2018).
"Modric magic at heart of Croatian soccer's golden generation". Toronto Star.
Archived from the original on 7 July 2018. Retrieved 5 July 2018. The golden generation – with Modric, Rakitic and striker Mario Mandzukic as its pillars – have more often watched such efforts go up in flames.
^Phil McNulty (11 July 2018).
"Croatia 2–1 England". BBC Sport.
Archived from the original on 16 July 2018. Retrieved 11 July 2018.
^O'Hanlon, Ryan (13 July 2018).
"Who Is the Defining Player of the 2018 World Cup?". The Ringer.
Archived from the original on 14 July 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2018. The most impressive thing about Modric's World Cup might be how much of him there's been. Despite declining club usage, he's played 40 more minutes than anyone else in Russia—goalkeepers, who never get subbed, included. He's created more chances than all but three players, he's leading his team in dribbles per game and completed passes in the final third, and he's tied with Kane for the most Man of the Match awards.
^"Modrić treba Realu za plan C" [Modric needs to Real for plan C]. Sportske Novosti (in Croatian). 27 September 2012. Archived from
the original on 5 October 2012. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
^"Modric From 'Different Planet', Says Rakitic". The New York Times. 29 June 2018. 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."
^ Duvnjak, Katarina (2020).
Brendiranje nogometaša - studija slučaja Luke Modrića [Branding of Football Players: The Case of Luka Modrić] (Thesis) (in Croatian). Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Zagreb. pp. 26–33.
^ Džakmić, Vehmir (2020).
Narativ djetinjstva u autobiografiji Luke Modrića [The Narrative of Childhood in the Autobiography of Luka Modrić] (Thesis) (in Croatian). Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Zagreb.
^
abDe Launey, Guy (14 July 2018).
"Croatia's Luka Modric: Chequered past haunts World Cup star". BBC News. Retrieved 14 July 2018. Modric was supposed to be the star witness at the trial. He had told anti-corruption investigators that Mamic had altered paperwork in order to divert millions of euros of the transfer fee to his own pocket, swindling both Dinamo and Croatia's tax authorities. Many football fans had been longing for Mamic to be brought to justice for years. Dinamo supporters accused him of carrying out a "silent privatisation" of their club, which is supposed to be a non-profit organisation owned by its members.
^"Modrić konačno progovorio o suđenju Zdravku Mamiću: To je velika nepravda!" [Modric finally spoke about the trial of Zdravko Mamic: It is a great injustice!] (in Croatian). Večernji list. 28 May 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2018. I svojim igrama u kvalifikacijama i u Real Madridu pokazao sam da me to ništa ne ometa. Znam da mi je savjest čista, to je meni najbitnije. Mislim da je sve ovo što mi se događa velika nepravda, ali što je tu je, vjerojatno tu ima i neke moje krivice, no dobro... Ponavljam, najbitnije je da mi je savjest čista i da mi te stvari ne smetaju i ne utječu na moju izvedbu na terenu
^Williams, Aidan (23 August 2018).
"The controversy that has damaged Luka Modrić's reputation for many in his homeland". These Football Times. Retrieved 30 August 2018. That he went on to play with such style and success in the World Cup is simply extraordinary. As one Guardian journalist put it, "To plays as well as he has would be remarkable under normal circumstances, but to do so with the looming prospect of a trial on his mind has been astounding."
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the original on 5 June 2014. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
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the original on 17 August 2016. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
^"Trofej Nogometaš 2017" (in Croatian). Hrvatska udruga "Nogometni sindikat". Archived from
the original on 12 August 2017. Retrieved 8 July 2017.