Everything that you need to know about Real Madrid's midfield wizard Luka Modric!
Luka Modrić is a Croatian professional footballer who has made a name for himself as one of the most talented and versatile midfielders in the world. Born in Zadar, Croatia on 9th September, 1985, Modrić began his career with Dinamo Zagreb before moving on to play for Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid.
Throughout his career, Modrić has established himself as a player with exceptional technical skills and tactical intelligence. He is known for his ability to control the game from midfield, using his vision and passing range to create opportunities for his team. His skill on the ball, combined with his work rate and tenacity, have made him a valuable asset to any team for whom he has played.
At Real Madrid, Modrić has been a key player in the team's success in recent years. He has won numerous titles, including five UEFA Champions Leagues, and has played an instrumental role in the team's dominance of European football. His performances on the pitch have earned him numerous accolades, including the Ballon d'Or in 2018.
Off the pitch, Modrić is known for his humility and dedication to his family and country. He has used his platform as a footballer to raise awareness of social issues in Croatia and has been an ambassador for the Croatian football federation. His leadership on and off the pitch has made him a respected figure in the football world and a role model for young players around the globe.
In conclusion, Modrić is a footballer who has made a significant impact on the game. His talent, work ethic, and leadership have earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike. He is a player who has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level, and he has certainly made a name for himself in the upper echelons of the game as he nears the end of an illustrious career.
Raised in Modrići
When the Croatia and Real Madrid superstar was only six years old, the murder of his cherished granddad by Serbian militants rocked his entire existence, and he was forced to live as a refugee in his war-torn motherland.
However, on December 8, 1991, violent Serbian militia stormed Modrići, a small hamlet in northern Dalmatia close to the Velebit mountain range, and terrorised Croatian families who hadn't already fled. Luka Modrić Snr., who was walking his cattle up an abandoned street when he was cornered by a gang of Serbians, was one of those caught in the crossfire.
"I was six years old. These were really hard times. I remember them vividly but it’s not something you want to remember or think about," the Croatian stated.
AdvertisementGrew up as a refugee
Following the event, his parents were compelled to flee Modrići and took up residence at the Hotel Iz in Zadar. Little Luka and his sister Jasmina had to deal with the sound of grenades and gunfire every day while also avoiding landmines that might be buried around any corner because there was no power or running water.
However, that didn't stop the youngster from kicking a tiny, punctured football around the motel parking lot while he daydreamed of being able to escape his war-torn life someday.
Getty ImagesGodfather of Mateo Kovačić's son, Ivan
Mateo Kovačić and his wife, Izabel, baptised their son Ivan in July 2021 when he turned nine months old, and named Modrić as the godfather.
The Croatian duo are close friends, of course thanks to their time in Madrid, as the Chelsea man played for Real Madrid from 2015 to 2018.
GettyRecord recipient of the Croatian Footballer of the Year award
Between 2007 and 2022, the midfield maestro has been awarded the Croatian Footballer of the Year award a record eleven times.
Modrić is the most-capped player in Croatia history, with 164 appearances to his name at the time of writing.