Luka

Luka Modrić (Croatian pronunciation: [lûːka
mǒːdritɕ] ; [3][4] born 9 September 1985) is a
Croatian professional footballer who plays as a
midfielder for Spanish club Real Madrid and is
the captain of the Croatia national team. Modrić
plays mainly as a central midfielder but can also
play as an attacking midfielder or as a defensive
midfielder , usually deployed as a deep-lying
playmaker. Modrić is widely regarded as one of
the best midfielders of his generation, [nb 1] and
the greatest Croatian footballer of all-time. [nb 2]
Able to blend traditional and trequartista
playmaking effectively, he is known for his
vision, precision in execution, and tactical
strategy.
Born in Zadar, 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'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.
After the 2011–12 season , Modrić joined Real
Madrid for a £30 million transfer fee, where he
became a key contributor under head coach
Carlo Ancelotti and helped the team win La
Décima during 2013–14 season, being elected
to the 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 would go on to
win the La Liga Award for "Best Midfielder" in
2016 for the second time, UEFA Club Football
Award for "Best Midfielder" in 2017 and 2018. In
2015, he became the first Croatian player ever to
be included in the FIFA World XI , in which he
was included once again between 2016 and
2018, as well in the UEFA Team of the Year in
2016 and 2017. In 2018, Modrić became the
first Croatian and player from the former SFR
Yugoslavia territory ever to be awarded the UEFA
Men's Player of the Year Award , and with
winning The Best FIFA Men's Player award and
the Ballon d'Or he also ended a decade of
triumphant rivalry between Lionel Messi and
Cristiano Ronaldo.
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 since anchored Croatia's
" second Golden Generation", participating in
every major tournament Croatia has qualified for,
including the 2008, 2012, and UEFA Euro 2016,
as well the 2006, 2014, and 2018 FIFA World
Cup . At UEFA Euro 2008, he was selected for
the Team of the Tournament, becoming only the
second Croatian to ever achieve this honor.
Following group stage eliminations in his first
two World Cups, Modrić led Croatia to the 2018
World Cup Final, and he received the Golden Ball
award for Best Player of the Tournament.
Furthermore, he has been named the Croatian
Footballer of the Year six times, tied with Davor
Šuker for most wins.
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 , [5][6] 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. [7][8][9] He is
the oldest child of Stipe Modrić from Modrići
and Radojka Dopuđ from Kruševo near Obrovac,
both of whom initially worked in knitwear
factory. [10][11][12][13] Modrić mostly spent his
early years in the house of his paternal
grandfather after whom he was named, [5][14]
and was shepherding goats as a five-year-
old. [15][16][17] However, his childhood
coincided with the Croatian War of Independence
—in 1991, when the war escalated, his family
were forced to flee the area. [7] 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, [7][9]
[18][19] and after the family fled the house was
burned to the ground. [20][21] 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. [7][22][23] His father
joined the Croatian Army as an aeromechanic. [7]
[24] In those years, thousands of bombs fell on
the city and football was a way to escape the
reality of war. [9] He recalls it as a tough time for
his family and something which shaped him as a
person. [25][26][27] 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. [12] In these difficult
circumstances, Modrić began playing football,
mostly at the hotel parking lot. [9] 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. [7][22][12] As a boy he was
inspired to play football by Zvonimir Boban and
Francesco Totti . [28]
Club career
Early years
Supported by his family, he participated in
representative camps and trained in NK
Zadar. [7][12] He was under tutelage of coach
Domagoj Bašić and the head of the youth
academy, Tomislav Bašić. [7] Tomislav Bašić,
considered by Modrić as his "sporting
father", [19][23] said Modrić's father made him
wooden shin guards because they had little
money. [7][25][27] However, Modrić later denied
the story. [9] 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. [7][12][29] After displaying some
talent, including at youth tournament in Italy, [19]
Tomislav Bašić arranged Modrić's move to
Dinamo Zagreb when Modrić was a 16-year-old
in late 2001. [7][9][30] After a season with
Dinamo Zagreb's youth side, Modrić was loaned
in 2003 to Zrinjski Mostar in the Premier League
of Bosnia and Herzegovina . [7][19] During this
period, he established his versatile style of play
and became Bosnian and Herzegovinian League
Player of the Year at age 18. [31] Modrić later
said, "Someone who can play in the Bosnian
league can play anywhere," referring to its
physical nature. [31] 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 Croatian First Football
League [19][32] and a place in the preliminary
round of the UEFA Cup . He also won the
Croatian Football Hope of the Year award in
2004. [31] He returned to Dinamo Zagreb in
2005. [31]
Dinamo Zagreb
In the 2005–06 season, Modrić signed a ten-
year contract (his first long-term contract) with
Dinamo Zagreb. [31] With the contract's earnings,
he bought a flat in Zadar for his family. [9][19]
He secured a place in Dinamo's first team,
contributing 7 goals in 31 matches to help win
the league. [33] In the 2006–07 season, Dinamo
again won the league, with Modrić making a
similar contribution. [33] He was the main
provider for striker Eduardo ,[31] which helped
Modrić win the Prva HNL Player of the Year
award. [2] The following season, Modrić 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 . [34]
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. [35][36] He finished his four-
year tenure at Dinamo with a tally of over 31
goals and 29 assists in four league seasons, [19]
[37] contributing most notably in the 2007–08
season when Dinamo won the second Croatian
Cup and became champions by a 28-point
margin. [38] Modrić was courted by Barcelona ,
Arsenal and Chelsea, but opted to wait leaving
the club. [19][39][40]
Tottenham Hotspur
2008–09 season
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. [41] Club chairman Daniel Levy
promptly flew to Zagreb when Manchester City
and Newcastle United became interested, [42]
[43] 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. [44] 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 . [45]
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, [30]
[26] as well as Arsenal manager Arsène
Wenger. [46] 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". [30] This coincided with his poor form,
leading to concerns both for himself and Croatia
national team head coach Slaven Bilić . [47]
Modrić spent his early days at a position of
number 10, before being shifted to the left wing
to play alongside Wilson Palacios . [46] 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." [46]
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. [48] Redknapp recognised
Modrić's value to his side and planned to shape
his new team around the Croatian playmaker. [49]
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. [50] 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. [51] Using Modrić in his former position
from Dinamo days made him more effective with
performances against Stoke City, [52] Hull
City, [53] and most notably on 21 March when he
scored the only goal in a win against
Chelsea. [54]
2009–10 season
Before the 2009–10 season , Harry 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". [55] On 29
August 2009, during Tottenham's 2–1 win over
Birmingham City, Modrić was taken off injured
with a suspected calf injury. [56] The following
day, it was confirmed Modrić had sustained a
fracture to his right fibula and was expected to
be out for six weeks. [57] 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
broke. [58] He again scored in a home win
against Everton on 28 February 2010, [59] and in
an away defeat against Burnley on 9 May. [60]
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." [61]
2010–11 season
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. [62] On 28
November, in a home match against Liverpool ,
Modrić scored one goal that was later credited
as an own goal by Liverpool's defender. 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." [63] Modrić also scored in
Tottenham's 3–2 victory over Stoke City on 9
April, [64] and converted a penalty at Anfield on
15 May in a 2–0 victory over Liverpool. [65]
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 . [66] 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. [67][68] In the next match,
against Werder Bremen , Modrić scored the
second goal. [69] After a scoreless draw against
Milan , [70] Spurs were eliminated from the
competition in the quarter-finals by Real
Madrid . [71]
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%. [72] At
the end of the season, Modrić was voted the
Tottenham Hotspur F.C. 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. [73]
2011–12 season
"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 negotiations with
Chelsea and move to Real Madrid in
February 2014. [30]
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. [74][75] 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". [76]
Speculation continued throughout the summer
transfer window, culminating in Modrić refusing
to play in Tottenham's opening match against
Manchester United, which ended in a 3–0
loss. [77] Modrić said his "head was not in the
right place" as he continued to force a move to
Chelsea. [78] On the final day of the transfer
window, Chelsea made an offer of £40 million
that was again rejected. [79]
After failing to secure a transfer, Spurs manager
Harry Redknapp told Modrić to focus on his
playing and named him as a starter. [80] 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. [81]
On 14 January 2012, Modrić scored the only
goal in a home draw with Wolverhampton
Wanderers . [82] 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). [83] For the third
time that season, he was included in "Team of
the Week". [84] 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). [85]
Real Madrid
2012–13 season
On 27 August 2012, Real Madrid announced they
had agreed on a deal with Tottenham for an
approximate £30 million transfer fee. [86] Modrić
signed a five-year contract with the Spanish
club. [86][87] 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. [88]
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. [30] 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 lineup, 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 . [89] On 17
November, Modrić assisted a Karim Benzema
goal, which was eventually ruled an own goal by
Jon Aurtenetxe Borde, with a 50 m (55 yd)
cross-field pass. It was the first goal in a 5–1
victory over Athletic Bilbao . [90] 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 . [91][92]
[93] At the end of the year he was voted as the
worst signing of the season by Spanish
newspaper Marca . [94]
Modrić playing against Sevilla
in February 2013.
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. [95][96][97] This match is often seen
as the turning point in Modrić's career in Real
Madrid. [30] 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. [98] 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. [99][100][101]
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 . [102]
2013–14 season
"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. [103]
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. [104][105] 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. [30][46][104]
He scored his first goal of the 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. [106] Modrić scored his first
goal of the Liga season in a 3–0 away win
against Getafe , his sixth goal outside the penalty
area. [107] Modrić was on the pitch when Real
Madrid won the 2013–14 Copa del Rey after
defeating Barcelona 2–1 in the final . [108]
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, [109] 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. [110] He was included in UEFA's Team
of the Week for both legs of the semi-final. [111]
[112] On 24 May in the final , Modrić again
assisted from a corner for teammate Sergio
Ramos, who scored a 93rd-minute equalizer
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"). [113] He was included in
the UEFA Champions League Team of the
Season [114] and received the LFP award for the
"Best Midfielder" of the Spanish first league of
that season. [115]
2014–15 season
In November 2014, Modrić signed a new
contract to stay at Real Madrid until 2018. [116]
With the departure of Alonso he was partnered
with newly arrived Toni Kroos . [117] Real Madrid
began the season by winning the UEFA Super
Cup over Sevilla [118] Modrić assisted twice for
Bale, first against Real Sociedad in La Liga, [119]
and second against Basel in the Champions
League. [120][121] In the 2–0 away win against
Villarreal , Modrić scored his seventh goal from
outside of the box. [122]
In late November, Modrić sustained a thigh
injury during an international match against Italy,
because of which he did not play for three
months. [123] He returned in early March 2015,
starting in seven matches and proving his
form. [124] 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. [125][126][127] 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. [128] Ancelotti
said, "Modrić has missed most of the year and
this has hurt us". [129] Modrić's influence was
recognized and he was selected by professional
players in the FIFA World XI . [130]
2015–16 season
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. [131][132]
Modrić began the season assisting in
September, November and December, and
scoring in the 3–4 away win against Shakhtar
Donetsk in the Champions League group
stage . [133] He sustained a muscular groin injury
during an international match in October, initially
suggesting an absence of two-to-three
weeks. [134] However, by 20 October, he had
recovered in time for the match against Paris
Saint-Germain . [135]
With the arrival of new manager Zinedine Zidane
in January 2016, [136] the relationship between
them was noted in the media, with Modrić
described as "master of the game", [131][137]
and the crucial "connector" of the defence and
attack. [138] 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. [131][138][139] On 7 February,
Modrić scored a winning goal from outside the
box in a 1–2 away win against Granada . [140]
Modrić was a regular in the starting lineup when
the team won the 2015–16 Champions League
in the final against Atlético Madrid. [141] He was
included in both Champions League, [142] and La
Liga's team of the season. [143] For the second
time, he also received the LFP award for the
"Best Midfielder" of the Spanish first
league. [144] He was for the second time
included in the FIFA World XI, and first in the
UEFA Team of the Year . [145][146]
2016–17 season
On 18 October 2016, Modrić signed a new
contract with Real Madrid, keeping him at the
club until 2020. [147] Due to injury of a left knee
sustained in mid-September, he missed eight
matches, returning early November. [148] On 18
December, he won the 2016 FIFA Club World
Cup with Real Madrid, receiving the Silver Ball
for his performances during the
tournament. [149] On 12 March 2017, in a 2–1
win over Real Betis, Modrić played his 200th
match for Real Madrid. [150]
Modrić was a regular starter when Real Madrid
won the 2016–17 La Liga [151][152] 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. [153]
Modrić was included in Champions League team
of the season [154] and became the first
Croatian to win the Champions League three
times. [155] He also received the UEFA Club
Football award for Best Midfielder of the
Champions League season. [156] In the
competition for the UEFA Men's Player of the
Year Award , he came fourth, [157] while for 2017
Ballon d'Or , fifth. [158] For the third time, he was
also included in the FIFA World XI. [159]
2017–18 season
With the departure of James Rodríguez to Bayern
Munich, Modrić inherited the team's coveted
number 10 jersey for the new season, replacing
his previous number 19 jersey. [160] 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. [161] His first goal of the
season came in a 7–1 win over Deportivo de La
Coruña on 21 January 2018. [162] 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. [163] For his
performances throughout the campaign, Modrić
was included in Champions League team of the
season for the third consecutive time. [164] He
later received the UEFA Club Football Award for
Best Midfielder of the Champions League season
for the second consecutive time. [165] In July
2018, it was announced Modrić's Real Madrid
jersey was the most requested jersey of the club
after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to
Juventus. [166]
Due to his club, and national team performance
at the 2018 FIFA World Cup where also received
the Golden Ball, [167] in August and September
Modrić won the UEFA Men's Player of the Year
Award and The Best FIFA Men's Player , [168]
[169] while in December the Ballon d'Or, [170]
making the first time since 2008 and 2014 the
awards were not won by Lionel Messi or
Cristiano Ronaldo. [170][171][172] Furthermore,
besides becoming the first Croatian player to win
the awards, [173] Modrić is the first player to win
in the same year the World Cup Golden Ball and
the UEFA award after Ronaldo in 1998, [174] and
the FIFA award after Romário in 1994. [175]
Additionally, he is the first player to win the
awards from the former Yugoslavia, first to win
the Ballon d'Or from Eastern Europe after Andriy
Shevchenko in 2004 and seventh player from
Real Madrid. [176][177] He also won the IFFHS
World's Best Playmaker ,[178] and for the fourth
time was included in the FIFA World XI . [179]
After receiving the FIFA award, Modrić stated it
"shows that we all can become the best with
hard work, dedication, and belief, all dreams can
come true". [180] The Ballon d'Or award Modrić
dedicated 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. [170]
2018–19 season
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
shortened summer rest after the 2018 World
Cup . [181][182] This included a substitute
appearance in his team's 2–4 loss after extra
time against Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Super
Cup . [183] 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. [184] His 100th
appearance in the UEFA club competition came
on 19 September in a 3–0 home win against
Roma , [15] in which made an assist for the
second goal, scored by Gareth Bale. [185]
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. [31] 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. [186] 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. [31]
2006 World Cup
Modrić made two appearances at the 2006 FIFA
World Cup finals as a substitute in the group
fixtures against Japan, [187] and Australia . [188]
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 Italy on 16
August 2006 in Livorno . [189]
Euro 2008
Modrić's performances ensured a regular place
in the international side; he gave a successful
showing in Croatia's UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
campaign , which included home and away
victories against England . [190][191] As a young
midfielder, much was expected of Modrić; he
was often dubbed "the Croatian Cruyff". [40][192]
Modrić scored Croatia's first goal of Euro 2008 ,
converting a penalty in the fourth minute of their
1–0 victory against Austria on 8 June 2008. [193]
It was the fastest penalty ever awarded and
scored in European Championship history. [194]
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. [195] 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. [196] 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 . [197]
Euro 2012
In the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Modrić scored
three goals, against Kazakhstan, [198]
Andorra , [199] and Ukraine ; [200] matching Ivica
Olić , Ivan Rakitić and Eduardo. The team failed
to qualify by being one point behind Ukraine.
After appearing in all of their UEFA Euro 2012
qualifier matches and scoring a goal against
Israel, [201] 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 crossed
from 18 yd (16 m) to Ivan Rakitić, but Iker
Casillas saved this attempt. [202][203] 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, [204] and his play was well received by
critics. [205][206]
2014 World Cup
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 Brazil , Mexico and Cameroon .
Croatia played the opening match against Brazil,
which they lost 3–1, [207] and Modrić sustained
a minor foot injury. [208][209] In the second
match, Croatia won 4–0 against Cameroon, [210]
but did not progress to the knockout stage after
losing 3–1 to Mexico, [211] despite the great
expectations from the Croatian press and
public. [212]
Euro 2016
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, [213] then a penalty against
Azerbaijan. [214] On 3 March 2015, Modrić
captained Croatia for the first time, in an away
draw against Azerbaijan. [215] 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). [216]
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. [217] He was named Man of the
Match. [216] Modrić was forced to miss the
crucial fixture against Spain on 21 June because
of a minor muscle injury. [218][219]
2018 World Cup
Modrić attempting a shot
during the World Cup.
In Croatia's 2018 World Cup qualifying
campaign , Modrić scored a penalty against
Greece in the second qualifying round, 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". [220][221] In Croatia's
opening win against Nigeria, Modrić once again
successfully executed a penalty kick and was
named Man of the Match. [222][223] He also
scored in Croatia's subsequent 3–0 win over
Argentina with a long-range shot from 25 yards
(23 metres), [224] also being named Man of the
Match. [225][226] 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. [227][228][229]
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. [230][231]
[232] 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. [233][234] 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. [235] 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. [236] Although
Croatia was beaten 4–2 by France in the final on
15 July, [237] Modrić was awarded the Golden
Ball as the best player of the tournament, [167]
and was included in the team of the
tournament. [238][239] After the squad's huge
welcome in Zagreb, [240] Modrić and his
teammates were welcomed by tens of thousands
of people in his hometown of Zadar. [241]
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[195]
A diminutive midfielder, Modrić is described as
a quick and creative playmaker, with great vision,
who is able to change the course of the game
with a deft pass, or with a solo, long-range
effort. [242] He is able to play with both feet and
combines this with his swift, offensive
positioning off the ball. [243] He is noted for his
ability to pass the ball accurately across long or
short distances, even with the outside of his
boot, as well as his ball control, first touch,
positional play, [244] and his ability to retain
possession [46] and set the tempo of the
game. [245][246][247] A former attacking
midfielder ,[248] he is also noted for his passing
range and dribbling skills, [249] and is
considered as a master of the "pre- assist". [46]
He is often referred to as the Midfield Maestro
("Midfield Master") [250][251] for his mastery of
footballing fundamentals, tactical strategy, and
precision in execution. [245][252] His tactical
vision and strategic planning has had him
compared to a conductor of an orchestra ,[129]
[253] a "puppet master", [254] and a "midfield
magician". [255] When arrived at Real Madrid he
was nicknamed by the Spanish media as El
Pájaro ("the bird"), [256] while in the dressing
room was simply called "Lukita". [257]
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. [258]
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". [259] 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. [243][248]
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 is "capable of
making late runs or carrying the ball at his feet",
but in his case "with a hint of regista". [260]
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. [258][261] 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 . [262][263]
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, [264] 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. [265][266] 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). [30] 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. [267][268] 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. [269] For all of 2014,
Modrić's dribble attempts (75) at a success rate
of 76% were second in Europe's top five
leagues. [270]
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 most well-
rounded and effective midfielders in the
world. [267][271][272][273][274][275] According
to Jonathan Wilson , what sets apart Modrić from
old-school playmakers (number ten) like Juan
Román Riquelme is the universality due to
increased defensive responsibility, a quality
which was insisted by Valeriy Lobanovskyi and
Arrigo Sacchi that should make a modern
footballer. [276][277]
Modrić's skill in the game was recognized early
by Dragan Stojković (Piksi), who stated, "I saw a
small blond boy who played exactly like I would.
Ideas he was showing then on the terrain were
fascinating". [278] Piksi considered him, along
with Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, as the most
intelligent player. [278] Johan Cruyff said
Modrić's quality and influence on the game
depend on the freedom he gets. [279] Paul
Scholes, who played several times against
Modrić, said in an interview with the Manchester
Evening News in 2011, "Of the three ( Samir Nasri
and Wesley Sneijder ), Modrić, has been the one
I have been most impressed with, [and]
whenever we played Tottenham, he was the one
who stood out". [280] In 2014, Zinedine Zidane
included Modrić in his best XI currently playing
the game. [281] Andriy Shevchenko has stated
that he considers Modrić to be one of the
greatest midfielders to ever play. [282] In 2018,
Robert Prosinečki, with whom Ivan Rakitić
agreed, considered Modrić as the best Croatian
player in the history. [42][283][284] Davor Šuker
also considered him as the greatest Croatian
footballer of all time. [285] Predrag Mijatović
considered him as the best footballer in the
history of the region of Balkans. [286]
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". [264] In 2012, Carlo Ancelotti praised
Modrić's technique and versatility as a midfield
player, stating, "Modric is an outstanding player
and in my opinion one of the best midfielders in
the world right now, because he can play in
more than one position". [287][288] Alex
Ferguson regarded him highly as a player while
he played in the Premier League, saying it is fair
to compare him to Paul Scholes because both
are intelligent footballers with good passing
consistencies, control of the game, fairplay, [289]
and wanted to sign him. [42][290] 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". [46] Others managers who
have praised Modrić's game include Pep
Guardiola , [291] and Sven-Göran Eriksson. [292]
Personal life
Modrić married Vanja Bosnić in May 2010 in the
Croatian capital Zagreb in a private ceremony
after four years of dating, [293] and a year later
in church. [294] Their son, Ivano, was born on 6
June 2010. [295][296] Their daughter, Ema, was
born on 25 April 2013. [296][297] Their second
daughter, Sofia, was born on 2 October
2017. [298] Modrić generally maintains a low
profile outside of football. [30][299]
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. [300] Throughout the mid-late 2000s,
Modrić signed multiple contracts with Mamić to
play at Dinamo Zagreb. [301][302] 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. [303][304] Despite stating in 2017 that he
signed the annex 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. [300] 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". [302][305] The Croatian Football
Federation stood behind Modrić, [302] 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. [306][307][308] 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. [309] In October 2018, the
perjury charge was rejected by the Croatian
court. [310]
Career statistics
Club
As of 1 December 2018
Club Season League C
Division Apps Goals App
Zrinjski
Mostar
(loan)
2003–
04
Bosnian
Premier
League
22 8 0
Inter
Zaprešić
(loan)
2004–
05
Prva
HNL
18 4 0
Dinamo
Zagreb
2004–
05 7 0 1
2005–
06 32 7 1
2006–
07 30 6 8
2007–
08 25 13 8
Total 94 26 18
Tottenham
Hotspur
2008–
09
Premier
League
34 3 6
2009–
10 25 3 7
2010–
11 32 3 2
2011–
12 36 4 2
Total 127 13 17
Real
Madrid
2012–
13
La Liga
33 3 9
2013–
14 34 1 6
2014–
15 16 1 2
2015–
16 32 2 0
2016–
17 25 1 2
2017–
18 26 1 3
2018–
19 14 0 0
Total 180 9 22
Career total 441 60 57
International
As of 18 November 2018
Croatia [33]
Year Apps Goals
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
Total 118 14
International goals
As of match played on 15 July 2018. Croatia
score listed first, score column indicates
score after each Modrić goal. [311]
International goals by date, venue, cap,
opponent, score, result and competition
No. Date Venue Opponent
1 16 August
2006
Stadio
Armando
Picchi ,
Livorno,
Italy
Italy
2 7 October
2006
Stadion
Maksimir,
Zagreb,
Croatia
Andorra
3 7 February
2007
Stadion
Kantrida,
Rijeka ,
Croatia
Norway
4 8 June
2008
Ernst-
Happel-
Stadion ,
Vienna,
Austria
Austria
5
6
September
2008
Stadion
Maksimir,
Zagreb,
Croatia
Kazakhstan
6 15
October
2008
Andorra
7 6 June
2009 Ukraine
8
6
September
2011
Israel
9 9
September
2014
Malta
10 13
October
2014
Stadion
Gradski vrt ,
Osijek ,
Croatia
Azerbaijan
11 12 June
2016
Parc des
Princes ,
Paris,
France
Turkey
12
9
November
2017
Stadion
Maksimir,
Zagreb,
Croatia
Greece
13 16 June
2018
Kaliningrad
Stadium,
Kaliningrad ,
Russia
Nigeria
14 21 June
2018
Nizhny
Novgorod
Stadium ,
Nizhny
Novgorod ,
Russia
Argentina
Honours
Club
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 [2]
Croatian First League : 2005–06 , 2006–07 ,
2007–08
Croatian Cup: 2006–07 , 2007–08
Croatian Super Cup : 2006
Real Madrid [2]
La Liga : 2016–17
Copa del Rey : 2013–14
Supercopa de España : 2012 , 2017
UEFA Champions League : 2013–14 , 2015–
16, 2016–17 , 2017–18
UEFA Super Cup : 2014 , 2016 , 2017
FIFA Club World Cup: 2014 , 2016 , 2017
International
Croatia
FIFA World Cup runner-up: 2018 [237]
Individual
National and regional
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
Football Oscar for Best Croatian Player:
2013, [312] 2014, [313] 2015, [314] 2016, [315]
2017, [316] 2018 [317]
HNS Trophy for Best Croatian Player:
2018 [318]
International
UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament : 2008
Tottenham Hotspur Player of the Year : 2010–
11
UEFA Champions League Team of the
Season: 2013–14 , [114] 2015–16 ,[142]
2016–17 , [154] 2017–18 [164]
La Liga's Best Midfielder : 2013–14 ,[319]
2015–16 [144]
FIFA FIFPro World XI 2nd team: 2014 [320]
FIFA FIFPro World XI: 2015, [130] 2016 , [145]
2017 ,[159] 2018 [179]
La Liga's Team of the Season: 2015–16 [143]
UEFA La Liga Team of the Season: 2015–
16[321]
Facebook FA La Liga Best Midfielder:
2016 [322]
FIFA Club World Cup Silver Ball: 2016 [149]
UEFA Team of the Year : 2016 ,[146]
2017 [323]
ESPN Midfielder of the Year : 2016, [324]
2017 [325]
UEFA Midfielder of the Season: 2016–
17[156] , 2017–18 [165]
IFFHS World's Best Playmaker Bronze Award:
2017 [326]
IFFHS Men's World Team: 2017[327]
FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 2017[161]
FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 2018 [167]
FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2018 [238]
FIFA World Cup Fantasy McDonald’s Overall
XI: 2018 [239]
UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award : 2017–
18[168]
The Best FIFA Men's Player: 2018 [169]
IFFHS World's Best Playmaker: 2018 [178]
Ballon d'Or: 2018 [328]
Other
Franjo Bučar State Award for Sport - Yearly
Award: 2018 [329]
Honorary citizen of the city of Zadar:
2018 [330]
Orders
Order of Duke Branimir with
Ribbon: 2018 [331]
See also
List of footballers with 100 or more caps
Notes
1. ^ Includes the Croatian Cup, Croatian
Supercup , FA Cup, Football League Cup , Copa
del Rey and Supercopa de España.
2. ^ Includes the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club
World Cup.
1. ^
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."
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 Modrić
was the most important player in Real
Madrid's run to back-to-back Champions
League titles ". SB Nation. 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.
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
Abayomi, Tosin (21 June 2018). " Modric
score stunner against Argentina ". Pulse
Nigeria. Retrieved 1 July 2018. "Luka
Modrić is one of the greatest midfielders
in the history of football, and deserves to
be treated as such."
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
2. ^
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".
Redžić, Dea (11 July 2018). "Exclusive:
Peđa Mijatović bowed to Croatia and
Modrić: "Luka is the best footballer in the
history of Balkans" " (in Croatian).
Index.hr . Retrieved 22 November 2018.
Cvijanović, Marko (24 August 2018).
" Šuker: Luka Modrić is the greatest
Croatian footballer of all time! " (in
Croatian). Zadarski list . Retrieved 2
September 2018.
References
1. ^ a b Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA
Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11 . Mainstream
Publishing. p. 290. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0 .
2. ^ a b c d "Player Profile" . realmadrid.com.
Retrieved 18 November 2017.
3. ^ "Lȗka" . Hrvatski jezični portal (in Serbo-
Croatian). Retrieved 17 March 2018. "Lȗka"
4. ^ "mȍdar" . Hrvatski jezični portal (in Serbo-
Croatian). Retrieved 17 March 2018. "Módrić"
5. ^ a b Azpitarte & Puertas 2016 , p. 20.
6. ^ Čop 2014, p. 15.
7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Kako je stvaran Luka
Modrić" [Development of Luka Modrić] (in
Croatian). Nogometni-magazin. 30 December
2007. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
8. ^ Orlić, Alen (26 May 2014). "Filmska Priča
Put od Zatona Obrovačkog do europskog trona...
Modrić je dokaz da je sve moguće" [Film
story path from Zaton Obrovački to the European
throne... Modrić is proof that anything is
possible] (in Croatian). Jutarnji list . Retrieved 1
September 2014.
9. ^ a b c d e f g Holiga, Aleksandar (4 October
2012). "Real Madrid's Luka Modric: from Balkan
warzone to the Bernabéu" . The Guardian.
Retrieved 14 July 2017.
10. ^ Azpitarte & Puertas 2016 , p. 17, 20, 22.
11. ^ "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.
12. ^ a b c d e Sinovčić, Dean (14 August
2006). "Nogometna zvijezda iz obitelji
prognanika" [Football star from family of
exiles]. Nacional (in Croatian). Retrieved 30
March 2013.
13. ^ Radoš, Ivica (9 March 2013). "Luka
Modrić, odrastanje i karijera" [Luka Modrić,
rising up and career]. Večernji list (in Croatian).
Retrieved 23 June 2018.
14. ^ Čop 2014 , p. 16.
15. ^ a b Elvir Islamović (18 September 2018).
"How brilliant is Madrid and Croatia's Luka
Modrić?" . UEFA. 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."
16. ^ Hugo Cerezo (24 September 2018). "Luka
Modric: Miracle of the shepherd boy who rose to
the top of the world" . Marca. Retrieved 24
September 2018.
17. ^ 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.
18. ^ Ivana Jakelić, Frane Šarić (30 June 2014).
"Bivše milicajce u Srbiji će ispitati i o likvidaciji
djeda Luke Modrića" [Former policemen in
Serbia will be examined for the liquidation of
grandfather of the Luka Modrić] (in Croatian).
Večernji list. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
19. ^ a b c d e f g h Justin Sherman (9 October
2017). "The making of Luka Modrić from war-
torn Croatia to the world's best midfielder" .
These Football Times. Retrieved 20 October
2017.
20. ^ Azpitarte & Puertas 2016 , p. 21–22.
21. ^ 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. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
22. ^ a b "Modrić će nositi broj 19, donosimo
biografiju dječaka iz Obrovca" [Modrić will
wear number 19, we bring the biography of a boy
from Obrovac] (in Croatian). Portal Boboska. 28
August 2012. Retrieved 30 March 2013.
23. ^ a b Cerezo, Hugo (9 July 2017). "Luka
Modric's Beverly Hills" . Marca . Retrieved 14
July 2017.
24. ^ Azpitarte & Puertas 2016 , p. 22.
25. ^ a b Nathanson, Patrick (6 November
2008). "Luka Modric's return to Dinamo Zagreb
with Tottenham revives tough childhood
memories" . The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 9
July 2018.
26. ^ a b Smith, Alan (19 December 2008).
"Luka Modric puts war years behind him at
Spurs" . The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 11 May
2011.
27. ^ a b Castro, Juan (29 June 2012). "The boy
with the wooden shin pads" . Marca. Retrieved
9 July 2017.
28. ^ Redondo, Alba (27 August 2012). "Modric:
"I'm ready to play against Barcelona" " . Marca.
Retrieved 13 July 2017.
29. ^ Žura, Dražen (28 August 2012). " 'Modrića
je u Hajduk doveo Džoni, ali bio im je fizički
slabašan' " ['Modrić was brought to Hajduk by
Džoni, but for them physically weak']. Slobodna
Dalmacija (in Croatian). Retrieved 20 January
2016.
30. ^ 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.
31. ^ 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.
32. ^ Brunislav Matasovic. "Croatia –
2002/03" . Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics
Foundation . Retrieved 12 August 2008.
33. ^ a b c "Luka Modric" . National Football
Teams . Benjamin Strack-Zimmerman. Retrieved
14 August 2008.
34. ^ "Live: Ajax – Dinamo 2–3" . Jutarnji list.
4 October 2007. Archived from the original on
13 February 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2006.
35. ^ "Modric's Last Dance at Maksimir
Stadium" . Javno. 6 December 2007. Archived
from the original on 15 January 2009.
Retrieved 14 August 2008.
36. ^ Mario (11 May 2008). "Dinamo Dominate,
Modric Bids Farewell" . World Cup blog.
Archived from the original on 9 November
2013. Retrieved 12 August 2008.
37. ^ "Luka Modric – statistika" (in Croatian).
Hrvatska Nogometna Liga. Archived from the
original on 13 February 2012. Retrieved 12
June 2008.
38. ^ "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.
39. ^ Wilson, Jonathan (27 May 2016). "Luka
Modric: The elegant maestro dictating from
deep" . Eurosport . Retrieved 15 July 2017.
40. ^ a b Islamović, Elvir (7 February 2008).
"Dutch test for the Croatian Cruyff" . UEFA.
Retrieved 19 January 2015.
41. ^ "Spurs sign Croatian star Modric" . BBC
Sport. 26 April 2008. Retrieved 26 April 2008.
42. ^ a b c Jeremy Wilson (30 June 2018).
"Luka Modric is having a stand-out World Cup –
but it is no surprise to his former coaches" .
The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 3 July 2018.
43. ^ 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"."
44. ^ "Spurs equal record fee for Modric" .
BBC Sport. 29 April 2008. Retrieved 29 April
2008.
45. ^ Lyon, Sam (16 August 2008).
"Middlesbrough 2–1 Tottenham" . BBC Sport.
Retrieved 19 August 2008.
46. ^ 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.
47. ^ "Modric admits to poor start" . The Sun .
10 October 2008.
48. ^ McNulty, Phil (29 October 2008). "Arsenal
4–4 Tottenham" . BBC News . Retrieved 11 May
2011.
49. ^ "I'll build Spurs team around Modrić and
Palacios, insists Redknapp" . Metro. 28
January 2009. Retrieved 20 February 2011.
50. ^ Hughes, Ian (18 December 2008).
"Tottenham 2–2 Spartak Moscow" . BBC Sport.
Retrieved 21 December 2008.
51. ^ Chowdhury, Saj (21 December 2008).
"Newcastle 2–1 Tottenham" . BBC Sport.
Retrieved 21 December 2008.
52. ^ "Spurs prove troubles lie in their minds
not their boots" . The Independent . 29 January
2009. Retrieved 11 July 2018.
53. ^ Lillywhite, Jamie (23 February 2009). "Hull
1–2 Tottenham" . BBC Sport. Retrieved 30
August 2009.
54. ^ Lyon, Sam (21 March 2009). "Tottenham
1–0 Chelsea" . BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 August
2009.
55. ^ Hover, Ashley (12 June 2016). "Why
Croatia maestro Luka Modric is the most
underrated star at Euro 2016" . Squawka.
Retrieved 12 July 2018.
56. ^ Lyon, Sam (29 August 2009). "Tottenham
2–1 Birmingham" . BBC Sport. Retrieved 30
August 2009.
57. ^ "Spurs suffer Modric injury blow" . BBC
Sport. 30 August 2009. Retrieved 30 August
2009.
58. ^ Ornstein, David (28 December 2009).
"Tottenham 2 – 0 West Ham" . BBC Sport.
Retrieved 20 January 2016.
59. ^ Dawkes, Phil (28 February 2010).
"Tottenham 2 – 1 Everton" . BBC Sport.
Retrieved 20 January 2016.
60. ^ Roach, Stuart (9 May 2010). "Burnley 4 –
2 Tottenham" . BBC Sport. Retrieved 20
January 2016.
61. ^ "Luka signs new six-year contract" .
Tottenham Hotspur . Retrieved 11 July 2018.
62. ^ Lillywhite, Jamie (11 September 2010).
"West Brom 1 – 1 Tottenham" . BBC Sport.
Retrieved 20 January 2016.
63. ^ "Redknapp praises 'magnificent'
Modrić" . ESPN. 17 January 2011. Retrieved 31
March 2013.
64. ^ Dawkes, Phil (9 April 2011). "Tottenham 3
– 2 Stoke" . BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 January
2016.
65. ^ Sanghera, Mandeep (15 May 2011).
"Liverpool 0 – 2 Tottenham" . BBC Sport.
Retrieved 20 January 2016.
66. ^ Chowdhury, Saj (20 October 2010). "Inter
Milan 4 – 3 Tottenham" . BBC Sport. Retrieved
20 January 2016.
67. ^ McNulty, Phil (2 November 2010).
"Tottenham 3–1 Inter Milan" . BBC Sport.
Retrieved 14 August 2013.
68. ^ "Tottenham 3–1 Inter: Inter fail to deal
with Bale" . Zonal Marking. 2 November 2010.
Retrieved 14 August 2013.
69. ^ McNulty, Phil (24 November 2010).
"Tottenham 3–0 Werder Bremen" . BBC Sport.
Retrieved 14 August 2013.
70. ^ McNulty, Phil (9 March 2011). "Tottenham
0 – 0 AC Milan (agg 1 – 0)" . BBC Sport.
Retrieved 20 January 2016.
71. ^ McNulty, Phil (13 April 2011). "Tottenham
0 – 1 Real Madrid (agg 0 – 5)" . BBC Sport.
Retrieved 20 January 2016.
72. ^ "Tottenham Squad Summary Premier
League 2010/11" . WhoScored.
73. ^ "Papers: Top man Modric" .
manutd.com. 29 April 2011. Retrieved 7
December 2011.
74. ^ Jackson, Jamie (18 June 2011). "Luka
Modric reveals he wants to leave Tottenham for
Chelsea" . The Guardian. Retrieved 20 January
2016.
75. ^ "Chelsea cautious over Luka Modric
deal" . BBC Sport. 14 August 2011. Retrieved
20 January 2016.
76. ^ James, Stuart (10 July 2011). "Luka
Modric accuses Tottenham Hotspur of playing
dirty in transfer row" . The Guardian. Retrieved
20 January 2016.
77. ^ McNulty, Phil (22 August 2011). "Man Utd
3 – 0 Tottenham" . BBC Sport. Retrieved 20
January 2016.
78. ^ "Luka Modric's 'head is not right' to face
Man Utd says Harry Redknapp" . BBC Sport.
21 August 2011. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
79. ^ "Tottenham reject £40m Luka Modric bid
from Chelsea" . The Independent Online. 31
August 2011. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
80. ^ Hirst, Paul (1 September 2011). "Harry
Redknapp urges Luka Modric to focus on
Tottenham" . The Independent Online. Retrieved
20 January 2016.
81. ^ Wilkinson, Kerry (18 September 2011).
"Tottenham 4 – 0 Liverpool" . BBC. Retrieved
14 April 2013.
82. ^ 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.
83. ^ Lillywhite, Jamie (31 January 2012).
"Tottenham 3 – 1 Wigan" . BBC. Retrieved 14
April 2013.
84. ^ "EA Sports PPI Team of the Week" .
Premier League. Retrieved 14 April 2013.
85. ^ Magowan, Alistair (2 May 2012). "Bolton 1
– 4 Tottenham" . BBC. Retrieved 14 April
2013.
86. ^ a b "Luka Modric: Real Madrid sign
midfielder from Tottenham" . BBC. 27 August
2012. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
87. ^ "Modrić completes move to Madrid" .
UEFA. 27 August 2012. Retrieved 27 August
2012.
88. ^ "Modric delighted with first Madrid
title" . insidespanishfootball.com. Archived
from the original on 27 December 2014.
Retrieved 30 August 2012.
89. ^ "Modric thrilled to score first Real Madrid
goal" . tribalfootball.com. 3 November 2012.
Retrieved 17 February 2013.
90. ^ "Modrić briljantno asistirao Benzemi s
udaljenosti od 50 m!" . Večernji list. 17
November 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2013.
91. ^ "Real Madrid-Ajax: resumen, goles y
resultado" . Marca. 4 December 2012.
Retrieved 14 May 2013.
92. ^ Jiméenez, Rubén (5 December 2012).
"Modric ya tiene galones" (in Spanish). Marca.
Retrieved 14 May 2013.
93. ^ "Real Madrid-Ajax Live" . WhoScored. 5
December 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2013.
94. ^ Sachin Nakrani (1 July 2018). "Modric set
to receive the recognition he deserves" . Irish
Independent. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
95. ^ "Mourinho: Modric made the difference" .
FIFA. 6 March 2013. Retrieved 18 March 2013.
96. ^ Burt, Jason (5 March 2013). "Manchester
United v Real Madrid: five things we learnt from
the Champions League tie at Old Trafford" .
The Telegraph. Retrieved 18 March 2013.
97. ^ J. I. García-Ochoa (6 March 2013). "Luka
Modric ya no tiene precio" . Marca. Retrieved
14 May 2013.
98. ^ "Real Madrid recover against Real
Mallorca with Luka Modric screamer" . The
Guardian. 17 March 2013. Retrieved 18 March
2013.
99. ^ Cox, Michael (1 May 2013). "How
Mourinho's subs helped Real score two and
almost scrape through" . Guardian . Retrieved
14 May 2013.
100. ^ "El uno a uno del Real Madrid" .
Marca. 1 May 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2013.
101. ^ "Real Madrid-Borussia Dortmund Live" .
WhoScored. 1 May 2013. Retrieved 14 May
2013.
102. ^ Jabalquinto, Diego (9 May 2013). "Real
Madrid surpassed 5,500 goals in La Liga against
Malaga" . realmadrid.com . Archived from the
original on 7 June 2013. Retrieved 14 May
2013.
103. ^ "Modric 'as important as Ronaldo' " .
Football-Espana. 30 January 2014. Retrieved 20
January 2016.
104. ^ a b McAleer, Ben (24 September 2013).
"Player Focus: How Luka Modrić Won Over The
Real Madrid Fans" . WhoScored. Retrieved 20
January 2016.
105. ^ Cerezo, H. (12 December 2013). "Modric
is Carlo's fifth most used player" . Marca.
Retrieved 21 December 2013.
106. ^ "Modric: Shades of Old Trafford" .
Marca. 11 December 2013. Retrieved 21
December 2013.
107. ^ "Real keep firing against Getafe" .
Marca. 16 February 2014. Retrieved 17 February
2014.
108. ^ Matchett, Karl. "10 Games That Proved
Why Luka Modric Is the Midfield Maestro" .
Bleacher Report . Retrieved 11 July 2018.
109. ^ "Tottenham ace Modric happy to mark
100 games with "amazing" win" .
tribalfootball.com . 29 April 2014. Retrieved 29
April 2014.
110. ^ "Bayern Munich 0–4 Real Madrid" .
BBC. 29 April 2014. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
111. ^ "Team of the week – Matchday 11" .
UEFA. Archived from the original on 27 April
2014. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
112. ^ "Team of the week – Matchday 12" .
UEFA. Archived from the original on 2 May
2014. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
113. ^ "Real Madrid 4–1 Atletico Madrid" .
UEFA. Retrieved 24 May 2014.
114. ^ a b "UEFA Champions League squad of
the season" . UEFA. 2 June 2014. Retrieved 2
June 2014.
115. ^ "Luka Modrić, 'Best Midfielder in the
2013–14 Liga BBVA' " . LFP. 27 December
2014. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
116. ^ "Luka Modric signs Real Madrid deal
until 2018" . BBC . 20 August 2014. Retrieved
27 November 2014.
117. ^ Tweedale, Alistair (19 September 2014).
"Modest Modric Madrid's Superstar in the
Shadows" . The Huffington Post. Retrieved 28
September 2014.
118. ^ Phillips, Rob (12 August 2014). "Super
Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo scores twice in Real
Madrid win" . BBC. Retrieved 28 September
2014.
119. ^ "Real Sociedad's David Zurutuza scores
twice to defeat Real Madrid" . The Guardian.
31 August 2014. Retrieved 28 September 2014.
120. ^ "Gareth Bale on the mark as Basel suffer
Champions League blitz at Real Madrid" . The
Guardian. 16 September 2014. Retrieved 28
September 2014.
121. ^ Walker, Joseph (16 September 2014).
"Rampant Madrid ease Basel aside" . UEFA.
Retrieved 28 September 2014.
122. ^ "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. 27 September
2014. Retrieved 28 September 2014.
123. ^ "Luka Modric: Real Madrid star ruled out
for over three months" . BBC. 18 November
2014. Retrieved 27 November 2014.
124. ^ "Modric, the midfielder with most passes
since his return" . Real Madrid. 3 April 2015.
Retrieved 19 January 2016.
125. ^ "Luka Modric Injury: Updates on Real
Madrid Star's Knee and Return" . Bleacher
Report. 19 April 2015. Retrieved 19 January
2016.
126. ^ "Luka Modric hopes to play for Real
Madrid again this season" . ESPN. 21 April
2015. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
127. ^ "No row with Real Madrid over Luka
Modric, says Croatia coach Kovac" . ESPN. 29
April 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
128. ^ "Modric – Real Madrid's image of
maturity" . Marca. 9 September 2015.
Retrieved 19 January 2016.
129. ^ 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.
130. ^ a b "2015 FIFA FIFPro World XI
revealed" . FIFA. 11 January 2016. Retrieved
10 January 2017.
131. ^ a b c "Modric now master of the
game" . Marca. 18 January 2016. Retrieved 20
January 2016.
132. ^ Polo, Pablo (16 July 2015). "Super
Luka" . Marca. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
133. ^ "Shakhtar Donetsk 3 Real Madrid 4,
match report: Real hold on to top Champions
League group ahead of PSG" . The Telegraph.
25 November 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
134. ^ "Modric out for 2–3 weeks" . Marca.
14 October 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
135. ^ "Ramos and Modric make the trip to
PSG" . Marca. 20 October 2015. Retrieved 20
January 2016.
136. ^ "Luka Modric backs new Real Madrid
boss Zinedine Zidane" . Sky Sports. 10 January
2016. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
137. ^ Cerezo, Hugo (13 January 2016). "Luka y
Zidane, conexión total" (in Spanish). Marca.
Retrieved 20 January 2016.
138. ^ a b Peters, Jerrad (18 January 2016).
"Modric flourishing under Zidane at Real
Madrid" . SportsNet. Retrieved 20 January
2016.
139. ^ Medina, David G. (26 January 2016).
"Modric de 10" (in Spanish). Marca. Retrieved
7 February 2016.
140. ^ "Modric earns Real Madrid late win" .
BBC. 7 February 2016. Retrieved 7 February
2016.
141. ^ "Spot-on Real Madrid defeat Atlético in
final again" . uefa.com . 28 May 2016.
142. ^ a b "UEFA Champions League Squad of
the Season" . uefa.com . 30 May 2016.
143. ^ a b "The Liga BBVA 2015/16 Team of
the Season" . Liga de Fútbol Profesional. 1
June 2016. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
144. ^ a b "Luka Modric named Best Midfielder
of LaLiga Santander 2015/16" . LFP . 24
October 2016. Retrieved 24 October 2016.
145. ^ a b "The Best named at FIFA Football
Awards" . FIFA. 9 January 2017. Retrieved 9
January 2016.
146. ^ a b "Team of the Year 2016" .
UEFA.com. 5 January 2017. Retrieved 10
January 2017.
147. ^ "Official Announcement: Modric" . Real
Madrid. 18 October 2016. Retrieved 18 October
2016.
148. ^ Corrigan, Dermot (7 November 2016).
"Real Madrid's Luka Modric 'happy' to be back
after injury layoff" . ESPN FC . Retrieved 15 July
2017.
149. ^ a b "2016 FIFA Club World Cup
awards" . Fédération Internationale de Football
Association . Archived from the original on 12
January 2016. Retrieved 18 December 2016.
150. ^ "Florentino Pérez presented Modric with
a shirt for his 200 matches" . realmadrid.com .
12 March 2017.
151. ^ "El Real Madrid, campeón de LaLiga
Santander 2016/17" . laliga.es . 21 May 2017.
152. ^ "Real Madrid win La Liga title with victory
at Malaga" . bbc.com . 21 May 2017.
153. ^ "Majestic Real Madrid win Champions
League in Cardiff" . uefa.com . 3 June 2017.
154. ^ a b "UEFA Champions League Squad of
the Season" . uefa.com . 5 June 2017.
155. ^ Sharma, Rik (4 June 2017). "Majestic
Modric the key to Madrid's Champions League
final turnaround" . Reuters. Retrieved 15 July
2017.
156. ^ a b "Luka Modrić named #UCL midfielder
of the season" . UEFA. 24 August 2017.
Retrieved 24 August 2017.
157. ^ "Luka Modrić, the best midfielder of
2016/17 Champions League" . Croatian
Football Federation . 24 October 2017. Retrieved
16 December 2017.
158. ^ "Luka Modric est dans le top 5 du Ballon
d'Or France Football 2017" . France Football . 7
December 2017. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
159. ^ a b "Cristiano Ronaldo and Lieke Martens
cap dream season at The Best FIFA Football
Awards" . FIFA. 23 October 2017. Retrieved 23
October 2017.
160. ^ "Modric takes No.10 shirt at Real Madrid
following James Rodriguez departure" .
Goal.com. 22 July 2017. Retrieved 22 July
2017.
161. ^ a b Juan Ignacio García-Ochoa (16
December 2017). "Modric claims 2017 Club
World Cup golden ball" . Marca . Retrieved 16
December 2017.
162. ^ "Real Madrid 7–1 Deportivo La
Coruna" . BBC Sport. 2018. Retrieved 6 July
2018.
163. ^ "Madrid beat Liverpool to complete hat-
trick" . UEFA . 26 May 2018. Retrieved 27 May
2018.
164. ^ a b "UEFA Champions League Squad of
the Season" . UEFA . 27 May 2018. Retrieved
27 May 2018.
165. ^ a b "Luka Modrić: Champions League
Midfielder of the Season" . UEFA. 30 August
2018.
166. ^ Gilbert, Samuel (July 20, 2018). "Real
Madrid's new biggest shirt seller was once voted
the worst signing in La Liga" . Dream Team FC.
Retrieved July 20, 2018. "The official figures
haven’t been released yet, however according to
AS, staff at the club shop insist that the 32-year-
old’s No10 shirt has been the most requested
since Ronaldo’s departure."
167. ^ a b c "Golden consolation for magical
Modric" . FIFA . 15 July 2018. Retrieved 15
July 2018.
168. ^ a b "Luka Modrić wins UEFA Men's
Player of the Year award" . UEFA. 30 August
2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
169. ^ a b "The Best FIFA Men's Player" .
FIFA. 24 September 2018. Retrieved 24
September 2018.
170. ^ a b c "Ballon d'Or: Luka Modric ends
dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano
Ronaldo" . BBC. 3 December 2018. Retrieved 3
December 2018.
171. ^ Rob Harris. "Modric wins world player of
year, ends Ronaldo-Messi duopoly" . AP News .
Retrieved 2018-09-24.
172. ^ Miguel Delaney (24 September 2018).
"Against Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo,
Luka Modric offers substance over star
power" . The Independent. Retrieved 25
September 2018.
173. ^ "Luka Modric wins FIFA The Best award,
ends Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi
duopoly" . ESPN. 24 September 2018.
Retrieved 25 September 2018.
174. ^ "Modrić Poput Pravog Ronalda, Ne
Cristiana: Na momčadskoj razini niže trofeje, na
osobnoj priznanja, ovo nije viđeno 20
godina" [Modrić 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.
175. ^ "Modrić Napravio Ono Što Nije Viđeno
24 Godine: Samo je jedan velikan prije Luke
uspio u ovome" [Modrić 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.
176. ^ 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."
177. ^ 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.
178. ^ a b "IFFHS AWARDS – THE WORLD'S
BEST PLAYMAKER 2018 : LUKA MODRIC ON
THE TOP !" . iffhs.de. 29 November 2018.
Retrieved 29 November 2018.
179. ^ a b "FIFA FIFPro World11" . FIFA. 24
September 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
180. ^ Ben Hayward (25 September 2018).
"Luka Modric, Fifa Best Player 2018: How Real
Madrid star broke the Cristiano Ronaldo and
Lionel Messi duopoly" . Evening Standard .
181. ^ "Modric: Three matches and he has
started all on the bench" . Marca. 26 August
2018. Retrieved 2 September 2018.
182. ^ Arch Bell (27 August 2018). "Real Madrid
boss Julen Lopetegui praises team mentality
after Girona win" . Sky Sports. Retrieved 2
September 2018.
183. ^ Emma Sanders (15 August 2018). "Real
Madrid 2–4 Atlético Madrid" . BBC Sport .
Retrieved 16 August 2018.
184. ^ Arch Bell (1 September 2018). "Real
Madrid rocket past Leganes" . Marca .
Retrieved 2 September 2018.
185. ^ José Félix Díaz (20 September 2018).
"Modric justifies the entrance fee and gives
meaning to football" . Marca . Retrieved 24
September 2018.
186. ^ Azpitarte & Puertas 2016, p. 44–45.
187. ^ Miladin, Neven (18 June 2006). "Japan
0–0 Hrvatska: Neiskorišteni penal Srne i manjak
sreće u završnici" [Japan 0–0 Croatia:
Unconverted penalty by Srna and lack of luck in
the final] (in Croatian). Nogometni-magazin.
Retrieved 20 January 2016.
188. ^ 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.
189. ^ "Italija – Hrvatska 0–2: Slaven Bilić
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.
190. ^ McNulty, Phil (11 October 2006).
"Croatia 2–0 England" . BBC Sport. Retrieved
20 January 2016.
191. ^ Stevenson, Jonathan (21 November
2007). "England 2–3 Croatia" . BBC Sport.
Retrieved 20 January 2016.
192. ^ Cerezo, Hugo (1 April 2016). "Modric
aiming to emulate Barcelona legend Cruyff" .
MARCA English . Retrieved 6 July 2018.
193. ^ Ian, Hughes (8 June 2008). "Austria 0–1
Croatia" . BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 June 2008.
194. ^ Haylett, Trevor (8 June 2012). "Modrić
penalty undoes gutsy Austria" . UEFA. Archived
from the original on 30 May 2008. Retrieved
10 June 2008.
195. ^ a b "Croatia 2–1 Germany" . UEFA. 12
June 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
196. ^ Harrold, Michael (21 June 2008). "Turkey
triumph in Vienna shoot-out" . UEFA. Retrieved
20 January 2016.
197. ^ "Luka Modric In EURO`s Best Team, Xavi
Best Player" . dalje.com . Kontineo oglašavanje.
30 June 2008. Archived from the original on
22 May 2011. Retrieved 1 July 2009.
198. ^ "Croatia cruise to Kazakhstan victory" .
UEFA. 7 September 2008. Retrieved 20 January
2016.
199. ^ "Croatia 4–0 Andorra" . FIFA. 15
October 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
200. ^ "Croatia 2–2 Ukraine" . FIFA. 6 June
2009. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
201. ^ Islamović, Elvir (6 September 2011).
"Eduardo double against Israel sends Croatia
top" . UEFA. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
202. ^ Smith, Ben (18 June 2012). "Croatia 0–1
Spain" . BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
203. ^ "Euro 2012 day 11 analysis: Ivan Rakitic
miss leaves Croatia short" . BBC Sport. 19
June 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
204. ^ Walsh, Kristian (26 June 2012). "Euro
2012: the best eleven so far" . The Telegraph.
Retrieved 14 August 2013.
205. ^ "Harry Redknapp: My Euro 2012 Team of
the Tournament" . betting.betfair.com . Bet Fair.
29 June 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
206. ^ "Analysis: Modric's Euros prove his
suitability for Madrid move" . fourfourtwo.com .
Haymarket Consumer Media & FourFour Two. 20
June 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
207. ^ "Brazil 3 Croatia 1" . BBC Sport. 12
June 2014. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
208. ^ Stojanovic, Dusan (13 June 2013).
"Modric injury in loss against Brazil not
serious" . Yahoo News . Retrieved 27 November
2014.
209. ^ "World Cup 2014: Luka Modric hoping to
be fit to face Cameroon" . BBC Sport. 14 June
2014. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
210. ^ "Cameroon 0 Croatia 4" . BBC Sport. 18
June 2014. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
211. ^ "Croatia 1 Mexico 3" . BBC Sport . 23
June 2014. Retrieved 24 June 2014.
212. ^ Islamović, Elvir (24 June 2014).
"Croatia's World Cup highs and lows" . UEFA.
Retrieved 27 November 2014.
213. ^ Islamović, Elvir (9 September 2014).
"Modrić sets Croatia on course to sink Malta" .
UEFA. Retrieved 27 November 2014.
214. ^ Islamović, Elvir (13 October 2014).
"Croatia beat Azerbaijan for third straight win" .
UEFA. Retrieved 27 November 2014.
215. ^ Pavić, Marko (2 September 2015).
"Modrić uoči kapetanskog debija: Ponosan sam,
vjerujem da ću na pravi način predstavljati
Hrvatsku" [Modrić ahead of the captain's
debut: I am proud, I believe that I will properly
represent Croatia]. Večernji list. Retrieved 20
January 2016.
216. ^ a b Haslam, Andrew (12 June 2016).
"Modrić magic helps Croatia down Turkey" .
uefa.com . Paris: Union of European Football
Associations . Retrieved 14 June 2016.
217. ^ Chambers, Miles (12 June 2016).
"Modrić makes Euros history with two Croatia
firsts" . Goal. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
218. ^ "Modrić propušta Španjolsku! Još pet
igrača propustilo trening" (in Croatian).
Retrieved 6 July 2018.
219. ^ "Croatia midfielder Luka Modric advised
to miss Spain game by doctor" . Squawka
Football News . Retrieved 6 July 2018.
220. ^ Callaghan, Joe (30 June 2018). "Modric
magic at heart of Croatian soccer's golden
generation | The Star" . thestar.com . 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."
221. ^ Miller, Nick (30 June 2018). "Are Ivan
Rakitic and Luka Modric the World Cup's biggest
unsung heroes?" . The Independent . Retrieved 1
July 2018.
222. ^ Mike Whalley (17 June 2018). "World
Cup 2018: Luka Modric penalty secures 2–0 win
for Croatia against Nigeria" . BBC Sport.
Retrieved 17 June 2018.
223. ^ "Modric-inspired Croatia open with a
win" . FIFA. 17 June 2018. Retrieved 17 June
2018.
224. ^ Oliver Kay (22 June 2018). "Mesmerising
Luka Modric makes it a nightmare for misfiring
Lionel Messi" . The Times. Retrieved 22 June
2018.
225. ^ Patrick Jennings (21 June 2018).
"Croatia stun Argentina to reach World Cup last
16" . BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
226. ^ "Croatia advance on a dark night for
Argentina" . FIFA. 21 June 2018. Retrieved 21
June 2018.
227. ^ Nick Miller (29 June 2018). "Ranked!
The 10 best players of the 2018 World Cup
group stage" . FourFourTwo. Retrieved 29 June
2018.
228. ^ Jeremy Wilson (29 June 2018). "Top 10
best players of the World Cup group stages –
but who has made the biggest impact in Russia
so far?" . The Telegraph. Retrieved 29 June
2018.
229. ^ "Luka Modric beats Cristiano Ronaldo,
tops World Cup Play Power Rankings" . ESPN.
29 June 2018. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
230. ^ Paul Fletcher (1 July 2018). "Croatia
beat Denmark in tense shootout" . BBC Sport.
Retrieved 2 July 2018.
231. ^ Gabriele Marcotti (2 July 2018). "Luka
Modric vanquishes ghosts of penalties past in
what could be his final World Cup" . ESPN.
Retrieved 2 July 2018.
232. ^ David Hytner (2 July 2018). " 'Now we
can forget Turkey': Modric and Croatia lay ghost
of 2008 to rest" . The Guardian. Retrieved 2
July 2018.
233. ^ Patrick Jennings (7 July 2018). "Croatia
knock out Russia on penalties" . BBC Sport.
Retrieved 7 July 2018.
234. ^ "Croatia through as hosts pay the
penalty" . FIFA. 7 July 2018. Retrieved 7 July
2018.
235. ^ Phil McNulty (11 July 2018). "Croatia 2–
1 England" . BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 July
2018.
236. ^ O'Hanlon, Ryan (13 July 2018). "Who Is
the Defining Player of the 2018 World Cup?" .
The Ringer. 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."
237. ^ a b McNulty, Phil (15 July 2018).
"France 4–2 Croatia: France beat Croatia in
thrilling World Cup final" . BBC. Retrieved 15
July 2018.
238. ^ a b "FIFA World Cup Fan Dream
Team" . fifa.com. 17 July 2017. Retrieved 17
July 2018.
239. ^ a b "Kane crowned King, Mina the PPG
VIP" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de
Football Association. Retrieved 25 July 2018.
240. ^ Hajdari, Una (15 July 2018).
"Philosophical fans celebrate Croatia's historic
World Cup, despite final defeat" . The
Guardian . Retrieved 20 July 2018.
241. ^ Šarić, Frane (17 July 2018). "Zadar gori,
fešta za Modrića, Subašića, Vrsaljka i
Livakovića" [Zadar burns, party for Modrić,
Subašić, Vrsaljko and Livaković]. Večernji list (in
Croatian). Retrieved 31 August 2018.
242. ^ "Luka Modrić Bio, Stats, News" . ESPN.
Archived from the original on 19 August 2013.
Retrieved 30 March 2013.
243. ^ a b "Modrić the key man for Bilić" .
FIFA. 11 June 2008. Archived from the
original on 14 October 2008. Retrieved 9 July
2008.
244. ^ McAleer, Ben (6 December 2016).
"Modric at the heart of Real Madrid's quest to
top group" . WhoScored.com. Retrieved 14
July 2017.
245. ^ a b Ronay, Barney (12 May 2017). "All
hail Luka Modric, the maestro who makes Real
Madrid's superstars tick" . The Guardian.
Retrieved 14 July 2017.
246. ^ Matchett, Karl (2 July 2016). "A
Complete Tactical Profile of Real Madrid
Midfielder Luka Modric" . Bleacher Report.
Retrieved 15 July 2017.
247. ^ Stafford-Bloor, Seb (1 December 2016).
"FourFourTwo's Best 100 Football Players In The
World 2016: No. 12 – Luka Modric" .
FourFourTwo. Retrieved 15 July 2017.
248. ^ a b " "I can play anywhere in
midfield" " . RealMadrid.com. Retrieved 15
August 2016.
249. ^ Price, Greg (7 September 2012). "Real
Madrid News: Jose Mourinho Warns His Players,
Praises Luka Modric, Supports Kaka" .
International Business Times . Retrieved 20
January 2016.
250. ^ Wilson, Jonathan (27 May 2016). "Luka
Modric: The elegant maestro dictating from
deep" . Eurosport . Retrieved 6 July 2018.
251. ^ Lovrić, Dejan. "Dok je Ramos kakao,
maestro Modrić Eibaru 'prodao ćevape' " (in
Croatian). Retrieved 6 July 2018.
252. ^ Matchett, Karl (9 September 2017). "10
Games That Proved Why Luka Modric Is the
Midfield Maestro" . Bleacher Report . Retrieved
6 July 2018.
253. ^ Heneage, Kristan. "From worst signing in
La Liga to the best midfielder in the world- How
Real Madrid's Luka Modric proved them all
wrong" . www.unibet.co.uk . Retrieved 6 July
2018. "Modric is the conductor, he controls the
play. He knows when to run, and when to pass.
He creates, and even though he may not apply
the killer touch or the final ball, he often plays a
part."
254. ^ West, Andy (21 January 2017). "La Liga:
Puppet-master Luka Modric strings Real Madrid
together – Article – Sport360" . sport360.com .
Retrieved 6 July 2018.
255. ^ Footy, Pwan (12 May 2014). "Luka
Modric: The midfield magician of Real
Madrid" . Sport Skeeda . Retrieved 6 July 2018.
256. ^ Jose Luis Moreno (28 August 2012). " 'El
Pájaro' emigra a Madrid" (in Spanish). Marca.
Retrieved 9 July 2018.
257. ^ Hugo Cerezo (28 September 2014).
"Modric the sharpshooter" (in Spanish).
Marca. Retrieved 9 July 2018.
258. ^ a b Davie, Chris (20 June 2011). "How
Luka Modric's Contribution Makes him
Tottenham's Irreplaceable Asset" .
WhoScored.com. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
259. ^ "Ballon d'Or - Modric & Hegerberg win:
Live reporting" . BBC. 3 December 2018.
Retrieved 3 December 2018.
260. ^ Wilson, Jonathan (18 December 2013).
"The Question: what does the changing role of
holding midfielders tell us?" . The Guardian .
Retrieved 15 July 2017.
261. ^ McKinnon, Paul (15 July 2011). "What
Makes Luka Modric So Much in Demand?" .
WhoScored.com. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
262. ^ McKinnon, Paul (13 March 2012). "Stats
Analysis: WhoScored's Top Rated Centre-
Midfielders" . WhoScored.com. Retrieved 14
July 2017.
263. ^ Laurence, Martin (26 March 2012). "Stats
Analysis: Europe's Best All-Round Midfielders" .
WhoScored.com. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
264. ^ a b "Mourinho vows to deliver another
European Cup" . Total Football Magazine.
Retrieved 21 July 2013.
265. ^ " 'Modrić treba Realu za plan
C' " ['Modric needs to Real for plan C'].
Sportske Novosti (in Croatian). 27 September
2012. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
266. ^ Palmer, Tim (3 May 2013). "Why Luka
Modric, not Xabi Alonso, should be Real
Madrid's heartbeat" . SB Nation . Retrieved 20
January 2016.
267. ^ 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 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."
268. ^ McAleer, Ben (17 February 2016). "Player
Focus: Majestic Modric Essential in Zidane's
Real Madrid Setup" . WhoScored.com.
Retrieved 14 July 2017.
269. ^ Corrigan, Dermot (28 October 2014).
"Team Focus: Madrid's Progression Sees Them
Beat Barca at Their Own Game" .
WhoScored.com. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
270. ^ Laurence, Martin (30 December 2014).
"Player Focus: The Stats Leaders You May Not
Have Seen in 2014" . WhoScored.com.
Retrieved 14 July 2017.
271. ^ Balseiro, Jesús (29 May 2016). "Madrid
season player review" . Diario AS . Retrieved 14
July 2017.
272. ^ Marcotti, Gabriele (14 November 2016).
"#FC100: Real Madrid star Luka Modric is
ranked as the best central midfielder" . ESPN
FC . Retrieved 15 July 2017.
273. ^ Bidwell, Nick (11 March 2017). "Europe's
best midfielder? Luka Modric biography" .
World Soccer . Retrieved 15 July 2017.
274. ^ Madu, Zito (3 June 2017). "Luka Modrić
was the most important player in Real Madrid's
run to back-to-back Champions League titles" .
SB Nation. Retrieved 15 July 2017.
275. ^ Kalvapalle, Rahul (4 June 2017).
"Magisterial Modric leaves Juventus chasing
shadows" . Marca . Retrieved 15 July 2017.
276. ^ Wilson, Jonathan (27 April 2008). "Luka
Modric's finesse can work for Spurs" . The
Telegraph . Retrieved 15 July 2017.
277. ^ Wilson, Jonathan (6 May 2008). "Modric
maps a future for the old-school playmaker" .
The Guardian. Retrieved 15 July 2017.
278. ^ a b Juranović, Tomislav (20 March
2013). "Piksi Stojković: 'Modrić je uz Xavija i
Iniestu najinteligentniji veznjak svijeta!' " [Piksi
Stojković 'Modrić with Xavi and Iniesta is most
intelligent midfielder in the world!'] (in Croatian).
Sportske Novosti. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
279. ^ Matteoni, Robert (20 March 2013).
"Cruyff o nasljedniku: 'Luka Modrić ima ogromnu
kvalitetu, treba mu dati slobodu' " [Cruyff's
successor: 'Luka Modrić has a huge quality, he
should be given the freedom'] (in Croatian).
Sportske Novosti. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
280. ^ Okwonga, Musa (5 June 2012). "The
Luka Modric mystique" . ESPN. Archived from
the original on 10 December 2013. Retrieved
13 August 2013.
281. ^ Menezes, Jack de (16 December 2014).
"Zinedine Zidane best XI: Who joins usual
suspects Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in
the former Real Madrid legend's dream team" .
The Independent. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
282. ^ "Luka Modric is 'one of the best
midfielders ever' – Shevchenko" . Squawka
Football News . Retrieved 7 March 2018.
283. ^ "Legendarni 'Žuti' Zna Kako Protiv
Argentine: Jedan Vatreni imat će veliku
odgovornost: 'Uspije li u tome imamo izgleda,
ako ne, slijedi nam patnja' " . Jutarnji List . 21
June 2018. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
284. ^ "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.""
285. ^ Marko Cvijanović (24 August 2018).
"Šuker: Luka Modrić je najveći hrvatski
nogometaš svih vremena!" [Šuker: Luka Modrić
is the greatest Croatian footballer of all time!].
Zadarski list (in Croatian). Retrieved 2 September
2018.
286. ^ Dea Redžić (11 July 2018). "Ekskluzivno:
Peđa Mijatović naklonio se Hrvatskoj i Modriću:
"Luka je najbolji igrač u povijesti
Balkana" " [Exclusive: Peđa Mijatović bowed to
Croatia and Modrić: "Luka is the best footballer
in the history of Balkans"] (in Croatian). Retrieved
22 November 2018.
287. ^ "Ancelotti, a great admirer of Modric" .
Marca. 23 May 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
288. ^ "Tottenham's Luka Modric receives high
praise from PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti as club's
jostle for his signature" . The Telegraph. 12
July 2012. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
289. ^ "Ferguson: Modric has Scholes class" .
ESPN. 3 March 2012. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
290. ^ "Hrvat u Sir Alexovoj Knjizi Ferguson:
"Želio sam Modrića, on nikad ne
simulira" " [Croat in book by Sir Alex
Ferguson: "I wanted Modrić, he never simulates"]
(in Croatian). Jutarnji List. 30 October 2013.
Retrieved 2 May 2014.
291. ^ Bauer, Dean (11 January 2011). "Direktor
Barce za SN: 'Guardiola obožava Modrića, već
godinama priča o njemu!' " [Director of Barca
for SN: 'Guardiola loves Modrić, for years talks
about him!'] (in Croatian). Sportske Novosti.
Retrieved 31 March 2013.
292. ^ " 'Luka Modrić je igrač za Barcelonu,
nikako za Real!' " ['Luka Modrić is a player for
Barcelona, not for Real!']. sportski.net.hr (in
Croatian). 18 July 2012. Retrieved 31 March
2013.
293. ^ "Luka Modrić i njegova trudna djevojka
vjenčali se u tajnosti" [Luka Modrić and his
pregnant girlfriend married in secret] (in
Croatian). Večernji list. 12 May 2010. Retrieved
17 July 2018.
294. ^ "Vanja i Luka Modrić pripremili vjenčanje
godine" [Vanja and Luka Modrić prepared a
marriage of the year] (in Croatian). Večernji list.
11 June 2011. Retrieved 17 July 2018.
295. ^ "Football star Luka Modric becomes a
father" . Croatian Times. 7 June 2010.
Retrieved 25 July 2012.
296. ^ a b "Obiteljska idila Luke
Modrića" [Family idyll of Luka Modrić] (in
Croatian). Gloria. 9 June 2013. Retrieved 12
June 2013.
297. ^ "Vanja i Luka Modrić kćer nazvali
Ema" [Vanja and Luka Modrić named daughter
Ema] (in Croatian). Večernji list. 2 May 2013.
Retrieved 12 June 2013.
298. ^ "Luka Modrić nakon dva tjedna napokon
pokazao kćerkicu preslatkog imena" [After two
weeks Luka Modric finally showed the daughter
with adorable name] (in Croatian). Gloria. 16
October 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2017.
299. ^ "Modric lives the quiet life" . Marca. 10
February 2014. Retrieved 28 September 2014.
300. ^ a b Guy Delauney (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."
301. ^ Aleksandar Holiga (7 June 2018). "How
Luka Modric and Dejan Lovren got caught up in
Croatian corruption case" . The Guardian.
Retrieved 12 July 2018.
302. ^ a b c Adam Bate (13 July 2018). "Luka
Modric on the brink of glory but Zdravko Mamic
complicates it" . Sky Sports News. Retrieved
13 July 2018.
303. ^ Jonathan Wilson (13 July 2018). "Luka
Modric's Croatia Success Story Comes With
Complications" . Sports Illustrated. Retrieved
14 July 2018.
304. ^ Kevin Palmer (4 July 2018). " 'The stench
of death that was never far away' – Luka
Modric's brutal childhood makes his rise to the
top all the more remarkable" . Irish
Independent. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
305. ^ "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"
306. ^ Richard Fitzpatrick (6 April 2018). "Luka
Modric, His Mentor and the Perjury Case That
Has Divided Croatia" . Bleacher Report.
Retrieved 12 July 2018.
307. ^ Matthew Hall (6 July 2018). "Luka
Modric, His Mentor and the Perjury Case That
Has Divided Croatia" . Foreign Policy. Retrieved
12 July 2018.
308. ^ Nick Miller (10 July 2018). "What's
Croatia's problem with Luka Modric?" . ESPN.
Retrieved 12 July 2018.
309. ^ Aidan Williams (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.”"
310. ^ "Croatian court rejects perjury charge
against Luka Modric" . BBC. 3 October 2018.
Retrieved 4 October 2018.
311. ^ Luka Modrić at Soccerway
312. ^ "Prvi Nogometni Oscar" [First Football
Oscar] (in Croatian). Sportske Novosti. 8 June
2013. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
313. ^ "Igrači i treneri drugu godinu za redom
Luku Modrića proglasili najbolji igračem
Hrvatske" [Players and coaches for the second
year in a row declared Luka Modrić the best
player of Croatia] (in Croatian). Sportske
Novosti. 2 June 2014. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
314. ^ "Nogometni Oscari: Modrić najbolji
hrvatski igrač, najtrener Mamić se
ispričao" [Football Oscars: Modrić best
Croatian player, the best coach Mamić
apologized] (in Croatian). Sportske Novosti. 3
June 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
315. ^ "Nogometni Oscar 2016" [Football
Oscar 2016] (in Croatian). Hrvatska udruga
"Nogometni sindikat". Retrieved 21 June 2016.
316. ^ "Trofej Nogometaš 2017" (in Croatian).
Hrvatska udruga "Nogometni sindikat". Retrieved
8 July 2017.
317. ^ "Održana šesta dodjela nagrada Trofej
Nogometaš" (in Croatian). Hrvatska udruga
"Nogometni sindikat". Retrieved 17 June 2018.
318. ^ "Prvi Trofej HNS-a pripao Modriću,
Majeru, Soudaniju, Keku..." (in Croatian). HNS .
7 June 2018. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
319. ^ Rigg, Nicholas (28 October 2014).
"Atletico Madrid snubbed at La Liga awards
despite winning league ahead of Spanish giants
Real Madrid and Barcelona" . The Independent .
Retrieved 8 March 2016.
320. ^ "FIFA FIFPro World XI: the reserve teams
– FIFPro World Players' Union" . FIFPro.org. 15
January 2015. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
321. ^ "Atletico dominate UEFA's La Liga team
of the season" . MARCA.com. 16 May 2016.
Retrieved 30 September 2017.
322. ^ "Five madridistas pick up prizes at the
Facebook Football Awards" . realmadrid.com .
Madrid , Spain : Real Madrid Club de Fútbol. 12
May 2016. Retrieved 13 July 2016. "Ronaldo
(best striker and best player), James (best
goal), Modric (best midfielder) , Marcelo (best
defender) and Navas (best goalkeeper) were the
winners at the ceremony which took place at
Facebook's offices in Madrid. The Real Madrid
fans were also chosen as the best supporters in
La Liga."
323. ^ "UEFA.com Fans' Team of the Year 2017
announced" . UEFA.com. 11 January 2018.
Retrieved 11 January 2018.
324. ^ "#FC100: Real Madrid star Luka Modric
is ranked as the best central midfielder" .
espn.com. 14 November 2016. Retrieved 17
December 2017.
325. ^ "CENTRAL MIDFIELD" . espn.com. 4
December 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
326. ^ "THE WORLD'S BEST PLAYMAKER 2017:
ONE MORE FOR LIONEL MESSI" . iffhs.de. 7
December 2017. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
327. ^ "THE IFFHS MEN WORLD TEAM
2017" . IFFHS.de. 12 December 2017.
Retrieved 12 December 2017.
328. ^ Cite error: The named reference
BBCBallond was invoked but never defined
(see the help page ).
329. ^ "Nagrada "Franjo Bučar" za životno djelo
Milki Babović, Vladimiru Jankoviću i posmrtno
Mati Parlovu" (in Croatian). Hrvatska
Radiotelevizija. 9 October 2018. Retrieved 4
December 2018.
330. ^ "Zadar slavi Dan grada - Luka Modrić
počasni građanin" (in Croatian). Hrvatska
Radiotelevizija. 23 November 2018. Retrieved 4
December 2018.
331. ^ "News: President Decorates Croatian
National Football Team Players and Coaching
Staff" . Office of the President of the Republic
of Croatia. 13 November 2018. Retrieved 13
November 2018. "the Order of Prince Branimir
with Ribbon was awarded to Mr. Luka Modrić..."
Further reading
Čop, Goran (2014). Luka Modrić: životna i
sportska biografija (in Croatian). Profil
knjiga. ISBN 978-84-15726-61-6 .
Azpitarte, Vicente; Puertas, José Manuel
(2016). Luka Modric: El hijo de la guerra (in
Spanish). Al Poste Ediciones.
ISBN 978-84-15726-61-6 .

If You Enjoyed This, Take 5 Seconds To Share It

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•