Luka Modrić - wikipedia Luka Modrić This is the latest accepted revision, reviewed on 28 October 2018. Luka Modrić Modrić with Croatia at the 2018 World Cup Full name Luka Modrić Date of birth ( 1985 - 09 - 09 ) 9 September 1985 ( age 33 ) Place of birth Zadar, SR Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia Height 1.72 m ( 5 ft 8 in ) Playing position Midfielder Club information Current team Real Madrid Number 10 Youth career 1996 -- 2001 Zadar 2002 -- 2003 Dinamo Zagreb Senior career * Years Team Apps ( Gls ) 2003 -- 2008 Dinamo Zagreb 94 ( 26 ) 2003 -- 2004 → Zrinjski ( loan ) 22 ( 8 ) 2004 -- 2005 → Inter Zaprešić ( loan ) 18 ( 4 ) 2008 -- 2012 Tottenham Hotspur 127 ( 13 ) 2012 -- Real Madrid 176 ( 9 ) National team 2001 Croatia U15 ( 0 ) 2001 Croatia U17 ( 0 ) 2003 Croatia U18 7 ( 0 ) 2003 -- 2004 Croatia U19 11 ( 2 ) 2004 -- 2005 Croatia U21 14 ( 2 ) 2006 -- Croatia 116 ( 14 ) Honours Men 's football Representing Croatia FIFA World Cup Runner - up 2018 Russia * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 17 : 12, 28 October 2018 ( UTC ) ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 21 : 22, 12 October 2018 ( UTC ) Luka Modrić ( Croatian pronunciation : ( lûːka mǒːdritɕ ) ; 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, and among the greatest Croatian footballers of all - time. 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, and UEFA Men 's Player of the Year Award and The Best FIFA Men 's Player in 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. 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. Contents 1 Early life 2 Club career 2.1 Early years 2.2 Dinamo Zagreb 2.3 Tottenham Hotspur 2.3. 1 2008 -- 09 season 2.3. 2 2009 -- 10 season 2.3. 3 2010 -- 11 season 2.3. 4 2011 -- 12 season 2.4 Real Madrid 2.4. 1 2012 -- 13 season 2.4. 2 2013 -- 14 season 2.4. 3 2014 -- 15 season 2.4. 4 2015 -- 16 season 2.4. 5 2016 -- 17 season 2.4. 6 2017 -- 18 season 2.4. 7 2018 -- 19 season 3 International career 3.1 2006 World Cup 3.2 Euro 2008 3.3 Euro 2012 3.4 2014 World Cup 3.5 Euro 2016 3.6 2018 World Cup 4 Player profile 4.1 Style of play 4.2 Position 4.3 Reception 5 Personal life 5.1 Legal issues 6 Career statistics 6.1 Club 6.2 International 6.2. 1 International goals 7 Honours 7.1 Club 7.2 International 7.3 Individual 8 See also 9 Notes 10 References 11 Further reading 12 External links 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, 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. 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. Modrić mostly spent his early years in the house of his paternal grandfather after whom he was named, and was shepherding goats as a five - year - old. However, his childhood coincided with the Croatian War of Independence -- in 1991, when the war escalated, his family were forced to flee the area. 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, and after the family fled the house was burned to the ground. 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. His father joined the Croatian Army as an aeromechanic. In those years, thousands of bombs fell on the city and football was a way to escape the reality of war. He recalls it as a tough time for his family and something which shaped him as a person. 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. In these difficult circumstances, Modrić began playing football, mostly at the hotel parking lot. 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. As a boy he was inspired to play football by Zvonimir Boban and Francesco Totti. Club career Early years Supported by his family, he participated in representative camps and trained in NK Zadar. He was under tutelage of coach Domagoj Bašić and the head of the youth academy, Tomislav Bašić. Tomislav Bašić, considered by Modrić as his `` sporting father '', said Modrić 's father made him wooden shin guards because they had little money. However, Modrić later denied the story. 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. After displaying some talent, including at youth tournament in Italy, Tomislav Bašić arranged Modrić 's move to Dinamo Zagreb when Modrić was a 16 - year - old in late 2001. 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. During this period, he established his versatile style of play and became Bosnian and Herzegovinian League Player of the Year at age 18. Modrić later said, `` Someone who can play in the Bosnian league can play anywhere, '' referring to its physical nature. 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 and a place in the preliminary round of the UEFA Cup. He also won the Croatian Football Hope of the Year award in 2004. He returned to Dinamo Zagreb in 2005. Dinamo Zagreb In the 2005 -- 06 season, Modrić signed a ten - year contract ( his first long - term contract ) with Dinamo Zagreb. With the contract 's earnings, he bought a flat in Zadar for his family. He secured a place in Dinamo 's first team, contributing 7 goals in 31 matches to help win the league. In the 2006 -- 07 season, Dinamo again won the league, with Modrić making a similar contribution. He was the main provider for striker Eduardo, which helped Modrić win the Prva HNL Player of the Year award. 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. 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. He finished his four - year tenure at Dinamo with a tally of over 31 goals and 29 assists in four league seasons, contributing most notably in the 2007 -- 08 season when Dinamo won the second Croatian Cup and became champions by a 28 - point margin. Modrić was courted by Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea, but opted to wait leaving the club. 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. Club chairman Daniel Levy promptly flew to Zagreb when Manchester City and Newcastle United became interested, 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. 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. 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, as well as Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger. 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 ''. This coincided with his poor form, leading to concerns both for himself and Croatia national team head coach Slaven Bilić. Modrić spent his early days at a position of number 10, before being shifted to the left wing to play alongside Wilson Palacios. 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. '' 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. Redknapp recognised Modrić 's value to his side and planned to shape his new team around the Croatian playmaker. He scored his first competitive goal at Tottenham in a 2 -- 2 draw against Spartak Moscow during the UEFA Cup group stages on 18 December 2008. 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. Using Modrić in his former position from Dinamo days made him more effective with performances against Stoke City, Hull City, and most notably on 21 March when he scored the only goal in a win against Chelsea. 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 ''. On 29 August 2009, during Tottenham 's 2 -- 1 win over Birmingham City, Modrić was taken off injured with a suspected calf injury. The following day, it was confirmed Modrić had sustained a fracture to his right fibula and was expected to be out for six weeks. 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. He again scored in a home win against Everton on 28 February 2010, and in an away defeat against Burnley on 9 May. 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. '' 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. 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. '' Modrić also scored in Tottenham 's 3 -- 2 victory over Stoke City on 9 April, and converted a penalty at Anfield on 15 May in a 2 -- 0 victory over Liverpool. 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. 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. In the next match, against Werder Bremen, Modrić scored the second goal. After a scoreless draw against Milan, Spurs were eliminated from the competition in the quarter - finals by Real Madrid. 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 %. 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. 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. 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. 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 ''. 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. Modrić said his `` head was not in the right place '' as he continued to force a move to Chelsea. On the final day of the transfer window, Chelsea made an offer of £ 40 million that was again rejected. After failing to secure a transfer, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp told Modrić to focus on his playing and named him as a starter. 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. On 14 January 2012, Modrić scored the only goal in a home draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers. 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 ). For the third time that season, he was included in `` Team of the Week ''. 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 ). 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. Modrić signed a five - year contract with the Spanish club. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. This match is often seen as the turning point in Modrić 's career in Real Madrid. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Modrić scored his first goal of the Liga season in a 3 -- 0 away win against Getafe, his sixth goal outside the penalty area. Modrić was on the pitch when Real Madrid won the 2013 -- 14 Copa del Rey after defeating Barcelona 2 -- 1 in the final. 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, 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. He was included in UEFA 's Team of the Week for both legs of the semi-final. 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 '' ). He was included in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season and received the LFP award for the `` Best Midfielder '' of the Spanish first league of that season. 2014 -- 15 season In November 2014, Modrić signed a new contract to stay at Real Madrid until 2018. With the departure of Alonso he was partnered with newly arrived Toni Kroos. Real Madrid began the season by winning the UEFA Super Cup over Sevilla Modrić assisted twice for Bale, first against Real Sociedad in La Liga, and second against Basel in the Champions League. In the 2 -- 0 away win against Villarreal, Modrić scored his seventh goal from outside of the box. In late November, Modrić sustained a thigh injury during an international match against Italy, because of which he did not play for three months. He returned in early March 2015, starting in seven matches and proving his form. 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. 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. Ancelotti said, `` Modrić has missed most of the year and this has hurt us ''. Modrić 's influence was recognized and he was selected by professional players in the FIFA World XI. 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. 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. He sustained a muscular groin injury during an international match in October, initially suggesting an absence of two - to - three weeks. However, by 20 October, he had recovered in time for the match against Paris Saint - Germain. With the arrival of new manager Zinedine Zidane in January 2016, the relationship between them was noted in the media, with Modrić described as `` master of the game '', and the crucial `` connector '' of the defence and attack. 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. On 7 February, Modrić scored a winning goal from outside the box in a 1 -- 2 away win against Granada. Modrić was a regular in the starting lineup when the team won the 2015 -- 16 Champions League in the final against Atlético Madrid. He was included in both Champions League, and La Liga 's team of the season. For the second time, he also received the LFP award for the `` Best Midfielder '' of the Spanish first league. He was for the second time included in the FIFA World XI, and first in the UEFA Team of the Year. 2016 -- 17 season On 18 October 2016, Modrić signed a new contract with Real Madrid, keeping him at the club until 2020. Due to injury of a left knee sustained in mid-September, he missed eight matches, returning early November. On 18 December, he won the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup with Real Madrid, receiving the Silver Ball for his performances during the tournament. On 12 March 2017, in a 2 -- 1 win over Real Betis, Modrić played his 200th match for Real Madrid. Modrić was a regular starter when Real Madrid won the 2016 -- 17 La Liga 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. Modrić was included in Champions League team of the season and became the first Croatian to win the Champions League three times. He also received the UEFA Club Football award for Best Midfielder of the Champions League season. In the competition for the UEFA Men 's Player of the Year Award, he came fourth, while for 2017 Ballon d'Or, fifth. For the third time, he was also included in the FIFA World XI. 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. 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. His first goal of the season came in a 7 -- 1 win over Deportivo de La Coruña on 21 January 2018. 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. For his performances throughout the campaign, Modrić was included in Champions League team of the season for the third consecutive time. He later received the UEFA Club Football Award for Best Midfielder of the Champions League season for the second consecutive time. For the fourth time, he was also included in the FIFA World XI. 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. Due to his club, and national team performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup where also received the Golden Ball, in August and September Modrić won the UEFA Men 's Player of the Year Award and The Best FIFA Men 's Player, making the first time since 2013 and 2008 the awards were not won by Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Furthermore, besides becoming the first Croatian player to win the awards, Modrić is the first player to win in the same year the World Cup Golden Ball and the UEFA award after Ronaldo in 1998, and the FIFA award after Romário in 1994. 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. This included a substitute appearance in his team 's 2 -- 4 loss after extra time against Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup. 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. His 100th appearance in the UEFA club competition came on 19 September in a 3 -- 0 home win against Roma, in which made an assist for the second goal, scored by Gareth Bale. 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. 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. 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. 2006 World Cup Modrić made two appearances at the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals as a substitute in the group fixtures against Japan and Australia. 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. 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. As a young midfielder, much was expected of Modrić ; he was often dubbed `` the Croatian Cruyff ''. 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. It was the fastest penalty ever awarded and scored in European Championship history. 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. 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. 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. Euro 2012 In the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Modrić scored three goals, against Kazakhstan, Andorra and Ukraine ; 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, 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. 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 and his play was well received by critics. 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, and Modrić sustained a minor foot injury. In the second match, Croatia won 4 -- 0 against Cameroon, but did not progress to the knockout stage after losing 3 -- 1 to Mexico, despite the great expectations from the Croatian press and public. 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, then a penalty against Azerbaijan. On 3 March 2015, Modrić captained Croatia for the first time, in an away draw against Azerbaijan. 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 ). 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. He was named Man of the Match. Modrić was forced to miss the crucial fixture against Spain on 21 June because of a minor muscle injury. 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 ''. In Croatia 's opening win against Nigeria, Modrić once again successfully executed a penalty kick and was named Man of the Match. He also scored in Croatia 's subsequent 3 -- 0 win over Argentina with a long - range shot from 25 yards ( 23 metres ), also being named Man of the Match. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Although Croatia was beaten 4 -- 2 by France in the final on 15 July, Modrić was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament. After the squad 's huge welcome in Zagreb, Modrić and his teammates were welcomed by tens of thousands of people in his hometown of Zadar. 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 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. He is able to play with both feet and combines this with his swift, offensive positioning off the ball. 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, and his ability to retain possession and set the tempo of the game. A former attacking midfielder, he is also noted for his passing range and dribbling skills, and is considered as a master of the `` pre-assist ''. He is often referred to as the Midfield Maestro ( `` Midfield Master '' ) for his mastery of footballing fundamentals, tactical strategy, and precision in execution. His tactical vision and strategic planning has had him compared to a conductor of an orchestra, a `` puppet master '', and a `` midfield magician ''. When arrived at Real Madrid he was nicknamed by the Spanish media as El Pájaro ( `` the bird '' ), while in the dressing room was simply called `` Lukita ''. 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. 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. 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 ''. 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. 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. 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, 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. 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 ). 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. 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. For all of 2014, Modrić 's dribble attempts ( 75 ) at a success rate of 76 % were second in Europe 's top five leagues. 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. 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. 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 ''. Piksi considered him, along with Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, as the most intelligent player. Johan Cruyff said Modrić 's quality and influence on the game depend on the freedom he gets. 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 ''. In 2014, Zinedine Zidane included Modrić in his best XI currently playing the game. Andriy Shevchenko has stated that he considers Modrić to be one of the greatest midfielders to ever play. In 2018, Robert Prosinečki, with whom Ivan Rakitić agreed, considered Modrić as the best Croatian player in the history. Davor Šuker also considered him as the greatest Croatian footballer of all time. 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 ''. 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 ''. 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, and wanted to sign him. 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 ''. Others managers who have praised Modrić 's game include Pep Guardiola and Sven - Göran Eriksson. Personal life Modrić married Vanja Bosnić in May 2010 in the Croatian capital Zagreb in a private ceremony after four years of dating, and a year later in church. Their son, Ivano, was born on 6 June 2010. Their daughter, Ema, was born on 25 April 2013. Their second daughter, Sofia, was born on 2 October 2017. Modrić generally maintains a low profile outside of football. 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. Throughout the mid-late 2000s, Modrić signed multiple contracts with Mamić to play at Dinamo Zagreb. 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. 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. 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 ''. The Croatian Football Federation stood behind Modrić, 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. 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. In October 2018, the perjury charge was rejected by the Croatian court. Career statistics Club As of 28 October 2018 Club Season League Cup Europe Total Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Zrinjski Mostar ( loan ) 2003 -- 04 Bosnian Premier League 22 8 0 0 0 0 22 8 Inter Zaprešić ( loan ) 2004 -- 05 Prva HNL 18 0 0 0 0 18 Dinamo Zagreb 2004 -- 05 7 0 0 0 0 8 0 2005 -- 06 32 7 0 0 0 33 7 2006 -- 07 30 6 8 6 0 44 8 2007 -- 08 25 13 8 10 43 17 Total 94 26 18 16 128 32 Tottenham Hotspur 2008 -- 09 Premier League 34 6 44 5 2009 -- 10 25 7 0 0 0 32 2010 -- 11 32 0 9 43 2011 -- 12 36 0 40 5 Total 127 13 17 15 159 17 Real Madrid 2012 -- 13 La Liga 33 9 0 11 53 2013 -- 14 34 6 0 11 51 2014 -- 15 16 0 7 0 25 2015 -- 16 32 0 0 12 44 2016 -- 17 25 0 14 0 41 2017 -- 18 26 0 14 43 2018 -- 19 10 0 0 0 0 14 0 Total 176 9 22 0 73 271 13 Career total 437 60 57 104 10 598 74 International As of 12 October 2018 Croatia Year Apps Goals 2006 12 2007 10 2008 11 2009 8 0 2011 9 2012 9 0 2013 10 0 2014 11 2015 0 2016 8 2017 8 2018 13 Total 116 14 International goals As of match played on 15 July 2018. Croatia score listed first, score column indicates score after each Modrić goal. International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 16 August 2006 Stadio Armando Picchi, Livorno, Italy Italy 2 -- 0 2 -- 0 Friendly 7 October 2006 Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia Andorra 7 -- 0 7 -- 0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualification 7 February 2007 Stadion Kantrida, Rijeka, Croatia Norway 2 -- 0 2 -- 1 Friendly 8 June 2008 Ernst - Happel - Stadion, Vienna, Austria Austria 1 -- 0 1 -- 0 UEFA Euro 2008 5 6 September 2008 Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia Kazakhstan 2 -- 0 3 -- 0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification 6 15 October 2008 Andorra 3 -- 0 4 -- 0 7 6 June 2009 Ukraine 2 -- 2 2 -- 2 8 6 September 2011 Israel 1 -- 1 3 -- 1 UEFA Euro 2012 qualification 9 9 September 2014 Malta 1 -- 0 2 -- 0 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification 10 13 October 2014 Stadion Gradski vrt, Osijek, Croatia Azerbaijan 5 -- 0 6 -- 0 11 12 June 2016 Parc des Princes, Paris, France Turkey 1 -- 0 1 -- 0 UEFA Euro 2016 12 9 November 2017 Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia Greece 1 -- 0 4 -- 1 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification 13 16 June 2018 Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad, Russia Nigeria 2 -- 0 2 -- 0 2018 FIFA World Cup 14 21 June 2018 Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia Argentina 2 -- 0 3 -- 0 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 Croatian First League : 2005 -- 06, 2006 -- 07, 2007 -- 08 Croatian Cup : 2006 -- 07, 2007 -- 08 Croatian Super Cup : 2006 Real Madrid 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 Individual 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, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 HNS Trophy for Best Croatian Player : 2018 UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament : 2008 Tottenham Hotspur Player of the Year : 2010 -- 11 UEFA Champions League Team of the Season : 2013 -- 14, 2015 -- 16, 2016 -- 17, 2017 -- 18 La Liga 's Best Midfielder : 2013 -- 14, 2015 -- 16 FIFA FIFPro World XI : 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 FIFA FIFPro World XI 2nd team : 2014 La Liga 's Team of the Season : 2015 -- 16 UEFA La Liga Team of the Season : 2015 -- 16 Facebook FA La Liga Best Midfielder : 2016 FIFA Club World Cup Silver Ball : 2016 UEFA Team of the Year : 2016, 2017 ESPN Midfielder of the Year : 2016, 2017 UEFA Midfielder of the Season : 2016 -- 17, 2017 -- 18 IFFHS World 's Best Playmaker Bronze Award : 2017 IFFHS Men 's World Team : 2017 FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball : 2017 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball : 2018 FIFA World Cup Dream Team : 2018 FIFA World Cup Fantasy McDonald 's Overall XI : 2018 UEFA Men 's Player of the Year Award : 2017 -- 18 The Best FIFA Men 's Player : 2018 See also List of footballers with 100 or more caps Notes Jump up ^ Includes the Croatian Cup, Croatian Supercup, FA Cup, Football League Cup, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España. Jump up ^ Includes the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. Jump up ^ 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 Jump up ^ 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 ) does n'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 ''. References ^ Jump up to : Hugman, Barry J., ed. ( 2010 ). The PFA Footballers ' Who 's Who 2010 -- 11. Mainstream Publishing. p. 290. ISBN 978 - 1 - 84596 - 601 - 0. ^ Jump up to : `` Player Profile ''. realmadrid.com. Retrieved 18 November 2017. Jump up ^ `` Lȗka ''. Hrvatski jezični portal ( in Serbo - Croatian ). Retrieved 17 March 2018. Lȗka Jump up ^ `` mȍdar ''. Hrvatski jezični portal ( in Serbo - Croatian ). Retrieved 17 March 2018. Módrić ^ Jump up to : Azpitarte & Puertas 2016, p. 20. Jump up ^ Čop 2014, p. 15. ^ Jump up to : `` Kako je stvaran Luka Modrić '' ( Development of Luka Modrić ) ( in Croatian ). Nogometni - magazin. 30 December 2007. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ 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. ^ Jump up to : Holiga, Aleksandar ( 4 October 2012 ). `` Real Madrid 's Luka Modric : from Balkan warzone to the Bernabéu ''. The Guardian. Retrieved 14 July 2017. Jump up ^ Azpitarte & Puertas 2016, p. 17, 20, 22. Jump up ^ `` 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. ^ Jump up to : Sinovčić, Dean ( 14 August 2006 ). `` Nogometna zvijezda iz obitelji prognanika '' ( Football star from family of exiles ). Nacional ( in Croatian ). Retrieved 30 March 2013. Jump up ^ Radoš, Ivica ( 9 March 2013 ). `` Luka Modrić, odrastanje i karijera '' ( Luka Modrić, rising up and career ). Večernji list ( in Croatian ). Retrieved 23 June 2018. Jump up ^ Čop 2014, p. 16. ^ Jump up to : 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. Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ Ivana Jakelić, Frane Šarić ( 30 June 2014 ). `` Bivše milicajce u Srbiji će ispitati io 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. ^ Jump up to : 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. Jump up ^ Azpitarte & Puertas 2016, p. 21 -- 22. Jump up ^ 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. ^ Jump up to : `` 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. ^ Jump up to : Cerezo, Hugo ( 9 July 2017 ). `` Luka Modric 's Beverly Hills ''. Marca. Retrieved 14 July 2017. Jump up ^ Azpitarte & Puertas 2016, p. 22. ^ Jump up to : 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. ^ Jump up to : Smith, Alan ( 19 December 2008 ). `` Luka Modric puts war years behind him at Spurs ''. The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 11 May 2011. ^ Jump up to : Castro, Juan ( 29 June 2012 ). `` The boy with the wooden shin pads ''. Marca. Retrieved 9 July 2017. Jump up ^ Redondo, Alba ( 27 August 2012 ). `` Modric : `` I 'm ready to play against Barcelona '' ``. Marca. Retrieved 13 July 2017. Jump up ^ 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. ^ Jump up to : Ornstein, David ( 21 February 2014 ). `` Luka Modric : Real Madrid midfielder outshining the rest ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 January 2016. ^ Jump up to : `` Modric in demand ''. The World Game. 2 January 2008. Archived from the original on 12 January 2009. Retrieved 23 July 2008. Jump up ^ Brunislav Matasovic. `` Croatia -- 2002 / 03 ''. Rec. Sport. Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 12 August 2008. ^ Jump up to : `` Luka Modric ''. National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack - Zimmerman. Retrieved 14 August 2008. Jump up ^ `` Live : Ajax -- Dinamo 2 -- 3 ''. Jutarnji list. 4 October 2007. Archived from the original on 13 February 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2006. Jump up ^ `` Modric 's Last Dance at Maksimir Stadium ''. Javno. 6 December 2007. Archived from the original on 15 January 2009. Retrieved 14 August 2008. Jump up ^ Mario ( 11 May 2008 ). `` Dinamo Dominate, Modric Bids Farewell ''. World Cup blog. Archived from the original on 9 November 2013. Retrieved 12 August 2008. Jump up ^ `` Luka Modric -- statistika '' ( in Croatian ). Hrvatska Nogometna Liga. Archived from the original on 13 February 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2008. Jump up ^ `` 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. Jump up ^ Wilson, Jonathan ( 27 May 2016 ). `` Luka Modric : The elegant maestro dictating from deep ''. Eurosport. Retrieved 15 July 2017. ^ Jump up to : Islamović, Elvir ( 7 February 2008 ). `` Dutch test for the Croatian Cruyff ''. UEFA. Retrieved 19 January 2015. Jump up ^ `` Spurs sign Croatian star Modric ''. BBC Sport. 26 April 2008. Retrieved 26 April 2008. ^ Jump up to : 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. Jump up ^ 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 ''. Jump up ^ `` Spurs equal record fee for Modric ''. BBC Sport. 29 April 2008. Retrieved 29 April 2008. Jump up ^ Lyon, Sam ( 16 August 2008 ). `` Middlesbrough 2 -- 1 Tottenham ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 19 August 2008. ^ Jump up to : Maw, James ( 2 December 2014 ). `` ' Ice cold ' Luka Modric now Real Madrid 's second most important Galactico ''. FourFourTwo. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ `` Modric admits to poor start ''. The Sun. 10 October 2008. Jump up ^ McNulty, Phil ( 29 October 2008 ). `` Arsenal 4 -- 4 Tottenham ''. BBC News. Retrieved 11 May 2011. Jump up ^ `` I 'll build Spurs team around Modrić and Palacios, insists Redknapp ''. Metro. 28 January 2009. Retrieved 20 February 2011. Jump up ^ Hughes, Ian ( 18 December 2008 ). `` Tottenham 2 -- 2 Spartak Moscow ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 December 2008. Jump up ^ Chowdhury, Saj ( 21 December 2008 ). `` Newcastle 2 -- 1 Tottenham ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 December 2008. Jump up ^ `` Spurs prove troubles lie in their minds not their boots ''. The Independent. 29 January 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2018. Jump up ^ Lillywhite, Jamie ( 23 February 2009 ). `` Hull 1 -- 2 Tottenham ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 August 2009. Jump up ^ Lyon, Sam ( 21 March 2009 ). `` Tottenham 1 -- 0 Chelsea ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 August 2009. Jump up ^ Hover, Ashley ( 12 June 2016 ). `` Why Croatia maestro Luka Modric is the most underrated star at Euro 2016 ''. Squawka. Retrieved 12 July 2018. Jump up ^ Lyon, Sam ( 29 August 2009 ). `` Tottenham 2 -- 1 Birmingham ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 August 2009. Jump up ^ `` Spurs suffer Modric injury blow ''. BBC Sport. 30 August 2009. Retrieved 30 August 2009. Jump up ^ Ornstein, David ( 28 December 2009 ). `` Tottenham 2 -- 0 West Ham ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ Dawkes, Phil ( 28 February 2010 ). `` Tottenham 2 -- 1 Everton ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ Roach, Stuart ( 9 May 2010 ). `` Burnley 4 -- 2 Tottenham ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ `` Luka signs new six - year contract ''. Tottenham Hotspur. Retrieved 11 July 2018. Jump up ^ Lillywhite, Jamie ( 11 September 2010 ). `` West Brom 1 -- 1 Tottenham ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ `` Redknapp praises ' magnificent ' Modrić ''. ESPN. 17 January 2011. Retrieved 31 March 2013. Jump up ^ Dawkes, Phil ( 9 April 2011 ). `` Tottenham 3 -- 2 Stoke ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ Sanghera, Mandeep ( 15 May 2011 ). `` Liverpool 0 -- 2 Tottenham ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ Chowdhury, Saj ( 20 October 2010 ). `` Inter Milan 4 -- 3 Tottenham ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ McNulty, Phil ( 2 November 2010 ). `` Tottenham 3 -- 1 Inter Milan ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 August 2013. Jump up ^ `` Tottenham 3 -- 1 Inter : Inter fail to deal with Bale ''. Zonal Marking. 2 November 2010. Retrieved 14 August 2013. Jump up ^ McNulty, Phil ( 24 November 2010 ). `` Tottenham 3 -- 0 Werder Bremen ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 August 2013. 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Jump up ^ Magowan, Alistair ( 2 May 2012 ). `` Bolton 1 -- 4 Tottenham ''. BBC. Retrieved 14 April 2013. ^ Jump up to : `` Luka Modric : Real Madrid sign midfielder from Tottenham ''. BBC. 27 August 2012. Retrieved 27 August 2012. Jump up ^ `` Modrić completes move to Madrid ''. UEFA. 27 August 2012. Retrieved 27 August 2012. Jump up ^ `` Modric delighted with first Madrid title ''. insidespanishfootball.com. Archived from the original on 27 December 2014. Retrieved 30 August 2012. Jump up ^ `` Modric thrilled to score first Real Madrid goal ''. tribalfootball.com. 3 November 2012. Retrieved 17 February 2013. Jump up ^ `` Modrić briljantno asistirao Benzemi s udaljenosti od 50 m ! ''. Večernji list. 17 November 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2013. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid - Ajax : resumen, goles y resultado ''. Marca. 4 December 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2013. Jump up ^ Jiméenez, Rubén ( 5 December 2012 ). `` Modric ya tiene galones '' ( in Spanish ). Marca. Retrieved 14 May 2013. 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Jump up ^ `` Luka Modric : Real Madrid star ruled out for over three months ''. BBC. 18 November 2014. Retrieved 27 November 2014. Jump up ^ `` Modric, the midfielder with most passes since his return ''. Real Madrid. 3 April 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2016. Jump up ^ `` Luka Modric Injury : Updates on Real Madrid Star 's Knee and Return ''. Bleacher Report. 19 April 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2016. Jump up ^ `` Luka Modric hopes to play for Real Madrid again this season ''. ESPN. 21 April 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2016. Jump up ^ `` No row with Real Madrid over Luka Modric, says Croatia coach Kovac ''. ESPN. 29 April 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2016. Jump up ^ `` Modric -- Real Madrid 's image of maturity ''. Marca. 9 September 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2016. ^ Jump up to : Collins, Tim ( 2 July 2015 ). `` Why Luka Modric Is Absolutely Vital to Real Madrid 's Midfield Fluency ''. Bleacher Report. Retrieved 6 July 2018. ^ Jump up to : `` 2015 FIFA FIFPro World XI revealed ''. FIFA. 11 January 2016. Retrieved 10 January 2017. ^ Jump up to : `` Modric now master of the game ''. Marca. 18 January 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ Polo, Pablo ( 16 July 2015 ). `` Super Luka ''. Marca. Retrieved 7 February 2016. Jump up ^ `` 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. Jump up ^ `` Modric out for 2 -- 3 weeks ''. Marca. 14 October 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ `` Ramos and Modric make the trip to PSG ''. Marca. 20 October 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ `` Luka Modric backs new Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane ''. Sky Sports. 10 January 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ Cerezo, Hugo ( 13 January 2016 ). `` Luka y Zidane, conexión total '' ( in Spanish ). Marca. Retrieved 20 January 2016. ^ Jump up to : Peters, Jerrad ( 18 January 2016 ). `` Modric flourishing under Zidane at Real Madrid ''. SportsNet. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ Medina, David G. ( 26 January 2016 ). `` Modric de 10 '' ( in Spanish ). Marca. Retrieved 7 February 2016. Jump up ^ `` Modric earns Real Madrid late win ''. BBC. 7 February 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016. Jump up ^ `` Spot - on Real Madrid defeat Atlético in final again ''. uefa.com. 28 May 2016. ^ Jump up to : `` UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season ''. uefa.com. 30 May 2016. ^ Jump up to : `` The Liga BBVA 2015 / 16 Team of the Season ''. Liga de Fútbol Profesional. 1 June 2016. Retrieved 4 June 2016. ^ Jump up to : `` Luka Modric named Best Midfielder of LaLiga Santander 2015 / 16 ''. LFP. 24 October 2016. Retrieved 24 October 2016. ^ Jump up to : `` The Best named at FIFA Football Awards ''. FIFA. 9 January 2017. Retrieved 9 January 2016. ^ Jump up to : `` Team of the Year 2016 ''. UEFA.com. 5 January 2017. Retrieved 10 January 2017. Jump up ^ `` Official Announcement : Modric ''. Real Madrid. 18 October 2016. Retrieved 18 October 2016. Jump up ^ Corrigan, Dermot ( 7 November 2016 ). `` Real Madrid 's Luka Modric ' happy ' to be back after injury layoff ''. ESPN FC. Retrieved 15 July 2017. ^ Jump up to : `` 2016 FIFA Club World Cup awards ''. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from the original on 12 January 2016. Retrieved 18 December 2016. Jump up ^ `` Florentino Pérez presented Modric with a shirt for his 200 matches ''. realmadrid.com. 12 March 2017. Jump up ^ `` El Real Madrid, campeón de LaLiga Santander 2016 / 17 ''. laliga.es. 21 May 2017. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid win La Liga title with victory at Malaga ''. bbc.com. 21 May 2017. Jump up ^ `` Majestic Real Madrid win Champions League in Cardiff ''. uefa.com. 3 June 2017. ^ Jump up to : `` UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season ''. uefa.com. 5 June 2017. Jump up ^ Sharma, Rik ( 4 June 2017 ). `` Majestic Modric the key to Madrid 's Champions League final turnaround ''. Reuters. Retrieved 15 July 2017. ^ Jump up to : `` Luka Modrić named # UCL midfielder of the season ''. UEFA. 24 August 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017. Jump up ^ `` Luka Modrić, the best midfielder of 2016 / 17 Champions League ''. Croatian Football Federation. 24 October 2017. Retrieved 16 December 2017. Jump up ^ `` Luka Modric est dans le top 5 du Ballon d'Or France Football 2017 ''. France Football. 7 December 2017. Retrieved 16 December 2017. ^ Jump up to : `` Cristiano Ronaldo and Lieke Martens cap dream season at The Best FIFA Football Awards ''. FIFA. 23 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017. Jump up ^ `` Modric takes No. 10 shirt at Real Madrid following James Rodriguez departure ''. Goal.com. 22 July 2017. Retrieved 22 July 2017. ^ Jump up to : Juan Ignacio García - Ochoa ( 16 December 2017 ). `` Modric claims 2017 Club World Cup golden ball ''. Marca. Retrieved 16 December 2017. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid 7 -- 1 Deportivo La Coruna ''. BBC Sport. 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018. Jump up ^ `` Madrid beat Liverpool to complete hat - trick ''. UEFA. 26 May 2018. Retrieved 27 May 2018. ^ Jump up to : `` UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season ''. UEFA. 27 May 2018. Retrieved 27 May 2018. ^ Jump up to : `` Luka Modrić : Champions League Midfielder of the Season ''. UEFA. 30 August 2018. ^ Jump up to : `` FIFA FIFPro World11 ''. FIFA. 24 September 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2018. Jump up ^ 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 have n'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. ^ Jump up to : `` Golden consolation for magical Modric ''. FIFA. 15 July 2018. Retrieved 15 July 2018. ^ Jump up to : `` Luka Modrić wins UEFA Men 's Player of the Year award ''. UEFA. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018. ^ Jump up to : `` The Best FIFA Men 's Player ''. FIFA. 24 September 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2018. Jump up ^ Rob Harris. `` Modric wins world player of year, ends Ronaldo - Messi duopoly ''. AP News. Retrieved 2018 - 09 - 24. Jump up ^ Miguel Delaney ( 24 September 2018 ). `` Against Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric offers substance over star power ''. The Independent. Retrieved 25 September 2018. Jump up ^ `` Luka Modric wins FIFA The Best award, ends Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi duopoly ''. ESPN. 24 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018. Jump up ^ `` 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. Jump up ^ `` 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. Jump up ^ `` Modric : Three matches and he has started all on the bench ''. Marca. 26 August 2018. Retrieved 2 September 2018. Jump up ^ Arch Bell ( 27 August 2018 ). `` Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui praises team mentality after Girona win ''. Sky Sports. Retrieved 2 September 2018. Jump up ^ Emma Sanders ( 15 August 2018 ). `` Real Madrid 2 -- 4 Atlético Madrid ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 16 August 2018. Jump up ^ Arch Bell ( 1 September 2018 ). `` Real Madrid rocket past Leganes ''. Marca. Retrieved 2 September 2018. Jump up ^ José Félix Díaz ( 20 September 2018 ). `` Modric justifies the entrance fee and gives meaning to football ''. Marca. Retrieved 24 September 2018. 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Jump up ^ Stevenson, Jonathan ( 21 November 2007 ). `` England 2 -- 3 Croatia ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ Cerezo, Hugo ( 1 April 2016 ). `` Modric aiming to emulate Barcelona legend Cruyff ''. MARCA English. Retrieved 6 July 2018. Jump up ^ Ian, Hughes ( 8 June 2008 ). `` Austria 0 -- 1 Croatia ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 June 2008. Jump up ^ Haylett, Trevor ( 8 June 2012 ). `` Modrić penalty undoes gutsy Austria ''. UEFA. Archived from the original on 30 May 2008. Retrieved 10 June 2008. ^ Jump up to : `` Croatia 2 -- 1 Germany ''. UEFA. 12 June 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ Harrold, Michael ( 21 June 2008 ). `` Turkey triumph in Vienna shoot - out ''. UEFA. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ `` 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. Jump up ^ `` Croatia cruise to Kazakhstan victory ''. UEFA. 7 September 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ `` Croatia 4 -- 0 Andorra ''. FIFA. 15 October 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ `` Croatia 2 -- 2 Ukraine ''. FIFA. 6 June 2009. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ Islamović, Elvir ( 6 September 2011 ). `` Eduardo double against Israel sends Croatia top ''. UEFA. Retrieved 20 January 2016. Jump up ^ Smith, Ben ( 18 June 2012 ). `` Croatia 0 -- 1 Spain ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 August 2013. Jump up ^ `` Euro 2012 day 11 analysis : Ivan Rakitic miss leaves Croatia short ''. BBC Sport. 19 June 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2013. Jump up ^ Walsh, Kristian ( 26 June 2012 ). `` Euro 2012 : the best eleven so far ''. The Telegraph. Retrieved 14 August 2013. Jump up ^ `` Harry Redknapp : My Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament ''. betting.betfair.com. Bet Fair. 29 June 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2013. Jump up ^ `` Analysis : Modric 's Euros prove his suitability for Madrid move ''. fourfourtwo.com. Haymarket Consumer Media & FourFour Two. 20 June 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2013. Jump up ^ `` Brazil 3 Croatia 1 ''. BBC Sport. 12 June 2014. Retrieved 19 June 2014. Jump up ^ Stojanovic, Dusan ( 13 June 2013 ). `` Modric injury in loss against Brazil not serious ''. Yahoo News. Retrieved 27 November 2014. Jump up ^ `` World Cup 2014 : Luka Modric hoping to be fit to face Cameroon ''. BBC Sport. 14 June 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2016. Jump up ^ `` Cameroon 0 Croatia 4 ''. BBC Sport. 18 June 2014. Retrieved 19 June 2014. Jump up ^ `` Croatia 1 Mexico 3 ''. BBC Sport. 23 June 2014. Retrieved 24 June 2014. Jump up ^ Islamović, Elvir ( 24 June 2014 ). `` Croatia 's World Cup highs and lows ''. UEFA. Retrieved 27 November 2014. Jump up ^ Islamović, Elvir ( 9 September 2014 ). `` Modrić sets Croatia on course to sink Malta ''. UEFA. Retrieved 27 November 2014. Jump up ^ Islamović, Elvir ( 13 October 2014 ). `` Croatia beat Azerbaijan for third straight win ''. UEFA. Retrieved 27 November 2014. Jump up ^ 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. ^ Jump up to : Haslam, Andrew ( 12 June 2016 ). `` Modrić magic helps Croatia down Turkey ''. uefa.com. Paris : Union of European Football Associations. Retrieved 14 June 2016. Jump up ^ Chambers, Miles ( 12 June 2016 ). `` Modrić makes Euros history with two Croatia firsts ''. Goal. Retrieved 12 June 2016. Jump up ^ `` Modrić propušta Španjolsku ! Još pet igrača propustilo trening '' ( in Croatian ). Retrieved 6 July 2018. Jump up ^ `` Croatia midfielder Luka Modric advised to miss Spain game by doctor ''. Squawka Football News. Retrieved 6 July 2018. Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ Miller, Nick ( 30 June 2018 ). `` Are Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric the World Cup 's biggest unsung heroes ? ''. The Independent. Retrieved 1 July 2018. Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ `` Modric - inspired Croatia open with a win ''. FIFA. 17 June 2018. Retrieved 17 June 2018. Jump up ^ Oliver Kay ( 22 June 2018 ). `` Mesmerising Luka Modric makes it a nightmare for misfiring Lionel Messi ''. The Times. Retrieved 22 June 2018. Jump up ^ Patrick Jennings ( 21 June 2018 ). `` Croatia stun Argentina to reach World Cup last 16 ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 June 2018. Jump up ^ `` Croatia advance on a dark night for Argentina ''. FIFA. 21 June 2018. Retrieved 21 June 2018. Jump up ^ Nick Miller ( 29 June 2018 ). `` Ranked ! The 10 best players of the 2018 World Cup group stage ''. FourFourTwo. Retrieved 29 June 2018. Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ `` Luka Modric beats Cristiano Ronaldo, tops World Cup Play Power Rankings ''. ESPN. 29 June 2018. Retrieved 30 June 2018. Jump up ^ Paul Fletcher ( 1 July 2018 ). `` Croatia beat Denmark in tense shootout ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 July 2018. Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ Patrick Jennings ( 7 July 2018 ). `` Croatia knock out Russia on penalties ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 July 2018. Jump up ^ `` Croatia through as hosts pay the penalty ''. FIFA. 7 July 2018. Retrieved 7 July 2018. Jump up ^ Phil McNulty ( 11 July 2018 ). `` Croatia 2 -- 1 England ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 July 2018. Jump up ^ 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. ^ Jump up to : McNulty, Phil ( 15 July 2018 ). `` France 4 -- 2 Croatia : France beat Croatia in thrilling World Cup final ''. BBC. Retrieved 15 July 2018. Jump up ^ Hajdari, Una ( 15 July 2018 ). `` Philosophical fans celebrate Croatia 's historic World Cup, despite final defeat ''. The Guardian. Retrieved 20 July 2018. Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ `` Luka Modrić Bio, Stats, News ''. ESPN. Archived from the original on 19 August 2013. Retrieved 30 March 2013. ^ Jump up to : `` Modrić the key man for Bilić ''. FIFA. 11 June 2008. Archived from the original on 14 October 2008. Retrieved 9 July 2008. Jump up ^ McAleer, Ben ( 6 December 2016 ). `` Modric at the heart of Real Madrid 's quest to top group ''. WhoScored.com. Retrieved 14 July 2017. ^ Jump up to : Ronay, Barney ( 12 May 2017 ). `` All hail Luka Modric, the maestro who makes Real Madrid 's superstars tick ''. The Guardian. Retrieved 14 July 2017. Jump up ^ Matchett, Karl ( 2 July 2016 ). `` A Complete Tactical Profile of Real Madrid Midfielder Luka Modric ''. Bleacher Report. Retrieved 15 July 2017. Jump up ^ 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. ^ Jump up to : `` '' I can play anywhere in midfield `` ''. RealMadrid.com. Retrieved 15 August 2016. Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ Wilson, Jonathan ( 27 May 2016 ). `` Luka Modric : The elegant maestro dictating from deep ''. Eurosport. Retrieved 6 July 2018. Jump up ^ Lovrić, Dejan. `` Dok je Ramos kakao, maestro Modrić Eibaru ' prodao ćevape ' '' ( in Croatian ). Retrieved 6 July 2018. Jump up ^ Matchett, Karl ( 9 September 2017 ). `` 10 Games That Proved Why Luka Modric Is the Midfield Maestro ''. Bleacher Report. Retrieved 6 July 2018. Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ West, Andy ( 21 January 2017 ). `` La Liga : Puppet - master Luka Modric strings Real Madrid together -- Article -- Sport360 ''. sport360.com. Retrieved 6 July 2018. Jump up ^ Footy, Pwan ( 12 May 2014 ). `` Luka Modric : The midfield magician of Real Madrid ''. Sport Skeeda. Retrieved 6 July 2018. Jump up ^ Jose Luis Moreno ( 28 August 2012 ). `` ' El Pájaro ' emigra a Madrid '' ( in Spanish ). Marca. Retrieved 9 July 2018. Jump up ^ Hugo Cerezo ( 28 September 2014 ). `` Modric the sharpshooter '' ( in Spanish ). Marca. Retrieved 9 July 2018. ^ Jump up to : Davie, Chris ( 20 June 2011 ). `` How Luka Modric 's Contribution Makes him Tottenham 's Irreplaceable Asset ''. WhoScored.com. Retrieved 14 July 2017. Jump up ^ Wilson, Jonathan ( 18 December 2013 ). `` The Question : what does the changing role of holding midfielders tell us ? ''. The Guardian. Retrieved 15 July 2017. Jump up ^ McKinnon, Paul ( 15 July 2011 ). `` What Makes Luka Modric So Much in Demand ? ''. WhoScored.com. Retrieved 14 July 2017. Jump up ^ McKinnon, Paul ( 13 March 2012 ). `` Stats Analysis : WhoScored 's Top Rated Centre - Midfielders ''. WhoScored.com. Retrieved 14 July 2017. Jump up ^ Laurence, Martin ( 26 March 2012 ). `` Stats Analysis : Europe 's Best All - Round Midfielders ''. WhoScored.com. Retrieved 14 July 2017. ^ Jump up to : `` Mourinho vows to deliver another European Cup ''. Total Football Magazine. Retrieved 21 July 2013. Jump up ^ `` ' Modrić treba Realu za plan C ' '' ( ' Modric needs to Real for plan C ' ). Sportske Novosti ( in Croatian ). 27 September 2012. Retrieved 31 March 2013. Jump up ^ Palmer, Tim ( 3 May 2013 ). `` Why Luka Modric, not Xabi Alonso, should be Real Madrid 's heartbeat ''. SB Nation. Retrieved 20 January 2016. ^ Jump up to : 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. Jump up ^ McAleer, Ben ( 17 February 2016 ). `` Player Focus : Majestic Modric Essential in Zidane 's Real Madrid Setup ''. WhoScored.com. Retrieved 14 July 2017. Jump up ^ Corrigan, Dermot ( 28 October 2014 ). `` Team Focus : Madrid 's Progression Sees Them Beat Barca at Their Own Game ''. WhoScored.com. Retrieved 14 July 2017. Jump up ^ Laurence, Martin ( 30 December 2014 ). `` Player Focus : The Stats Leaders You May Not Have Seen in 2014 ''. WhoScored.com. Retrieved 14 July 2017. Jump up ^ Balseiro, Jesús ( 29 May 2016 ). `` Madrid season player review ''. Diario AS. Retrieved 14 July 2017. Jump up ^ Marcotti, Gabriele ( 14 November 2016 ). `` # FC100 : Real Madrid star Luka Modric is ranked as the best central midfielder ''. ESPN FC. Retrieved 15 July 2017. Jump up ^ Bidwell, Nick ( 11 March 2017 ). `` Europe 's best midfielder ? Luka Modric biography ''. World Soccer. Retrieved 15 July 2017. Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ Kalvapalle, Rahul ( 4 June 2017 ). `` Magisterial Modric leaves Juventus chasing shadows ''. Marca. Retrieved 15 July 2017. Jump up ^ Wilson, Jonathan ( 27 April 2008 ). `` Luka Modric 's finesse can work for Spurs ''. The Telegraph. Retrieved 15 July 2017. Jump up ^ Wilson, Jonathan ( 6 May 2008 ). `` Modric maps a future for the old - school playmaker ''. The Guardian. Retrieved 15 July 2017. ^ Jump up to : 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. Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ Okwonga, Musa ( 5 June 2012 ). `` The Luka Modric mystique ''. ESPN. Archived from the original on 10 December 2013. Retrieved 13 August 2013. Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ `` Luka Modric is ' one of the best midfielders ever ' -- Shevchenko ''. Squawka Football News. Retrieved 7 March 2018. Jump up ^ `` 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. Jump up ^ `` 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. '' Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ `` Ancelotti, a great admirer of Modric ''. Marca. 23 May 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2013. Jump up ^ `` 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. Jump up ^ `` Ferguson : Modric has Scholes class ''. ESPN. 3 March 2012. Retrieved 31 March 2013. Jump up ^ `` 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. Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ `` ' 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. Jump up ^ `` 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. Jump up ^ `` 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. Jump up ^ `` Football star Luka Modric becomes a father ''. Croatian Times. 7 June 2010. Retrieved 25 July 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Obiteljska idila Luke Modrića '' ( Family idyll of Luka Modrić ) ( in Croatian ). Gloria. 9 June 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2013. Jump up ^ `` 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. Jump up ^ `` 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. Jump up ^ `` Modric lives the quiet life ''. Marca. 10 February 2014. Retrieved 28 September 2014. ^ Jump up to : 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. Jump up ^ Aleksandar Holiga ( 7 June 2018 ). `` How Luka Modric and Dejan Lovren got caught up in Croatian corruption case ''. The Guardian. Retrieved 12 July 2018. ^ Jump up to : Adam Bate ( 13 July 2018 ). `` Luka Modric on the brink of glory but Zdravko Mamic complicates it ''. Sky Sports News. Retrieved 13 July 2018. Jump up ^ Jonathan Wilson ( 13 July 2018 ). `` Luka Modric 's Croatia Success Story Comes With Complications ''. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 14 July 2018. Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ `` 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 iu 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 Jump up ^ Richard Fitzpatrick ( 6 April 2018 ). `` Luka Modric, His Mentor and the Perjury Case That Has Divided Croatia ''. Bleacher Report. Retrieved 12 July 2018. Jump up ^ Matthew Hall ( 6 July 2018 ). `` Luka Modric, His Mentor and the Perjury Case That Has Divided Croatia ''. Foreign Policy. Retrieved 12 July 2018. Jump up ^ Nick Miller ( 10 July 2018 ). `` What 's Croatia 's problem with Luka Modric ? ''. ESPN. Retrieved 12 July 2018. Jump up ^ 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. '' Jump up ^ `` Croatian court rejects perjury charge against Luka Modric ''. BBC. 3 October 2018. Retrieved 4 October 2018. Jump up ^ Luka Modrić at Soccerway Jump up ^ `` Prvi Nogometni Oscar '' ( First Football Oscar ) ( in Croatian ). Sportske Novosti. 8 June 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2014. Jump up ^ `` 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. Jump up ^ `` 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. Jump up ^ `` Nogometni Oscar 2016 '' ( Football Oscar 2016 ) ( in Croatian ). Hrvatska udruga `` Nogometni sindikat ''. Retrieved 21 June 2016. Jump up ^ `` Trofej Nogometaš 2017 '' ( in Croatian ). Hrvatska udruga `` Nogometni sindikat ''. Retrieved 8 July 2017. Jump up ^ `` Održana šesta dodjela nagrada Trofej Nogometaš '' ( in Croatian ). Hrvatska udruga `` Nogometni sindikat ''. Retrieved 17 June 2018. Jump up ^ `` Prvi Trofej HNS - a pripao Modriću, Majeru, Soudaniju, Keku... '' ( in Croatian ). HNS. 7 June 2018. Retrieved 17 June 2018. Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ `` FIFA FIFPro World XI : the reserve teams -- FIFPro World Players ' Union ''. FIFPro.org. 15 January 2015. Retrieved 1 October 2017. Jump up ^ `` Atletico dominate UEFA 's La Liga team of the season ''. MARCA.com. 16 May 2016. Retrieved 30 September 2017. Jump up ^ `` 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. Jump up ^ `` UEFA.com Fans ' Team of the Year 2017 announced ''. UEFA.com. 11 January 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2018. Jump up ^ `` # FC100 : Real Madrid star Luka Modric is ranked as the best central midfielder ''. espn.com. 14 November 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2017. Jump up ^ `` CENTRAL MIDFIELD ''. espn.com. 4 December 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017. Jump up ^ `` THE WORLD 'S BEST PLAYMAKER 2017 : ONE MORE FOR LIONEL MESSI ''. iffhs.de. 7 December 2017. Retrieved 7 December 2017. Jump up ^ `` THE IFFHS MEN WORLD TEAM 2017 ''. IFFHS.de. 12 December 2017. Retrieved 12 December 2017. Jump up ^ `` FIFA World Cup Fan Dream Team ''. fifa.com. 17 July 2017. Retrieved 17 July 2018. Jump up ^ `` Kane crowned King, Mina the PPG VIP ''. FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Retrieved 25 July 2018. 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. External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Luka Modrić. `` Official website ''. Archived from the original on 25 August 2018. Profile at Realmadrid.com Luka Modrić La Liga profile Luka Modrić at Soccerway Luka Modrić at BDFutbol Luka Modrić -- UEFA competition record Luka Modrić -- FIFA competition record ( archive ) Luka Modrić at Soccerbase Luka Modrić at National-Football-Teams.com Luka Modrić at the Croatian Football Federation Real Madrid C.F. -- current squad 1 Navas 2 Carvajal 3 Vallejo 4 Ramos ( c ) 5 Varane 6 Nacho 7 Mariano 8 Kroos 9 Benzema 10 Modrić 11 Bale 12 Marcelo 13 Casilla 14 Casemiro 15 Valverde 17 Vázquez 18 Llorente 19 Odriozola 20 Asensio 22 Isco 23 Reguilón 24 Ceballos 25 Courtois 28 Vinícius Jr. 30 Luca Head coach : Solari Awards UEFA Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament Goalkeepers Gianluigi Buffon Iker Casillas Edwin van der Sar Defenders José Bosingwa Philipp Lahm Carlos Marchena Pepe Carles Puyol Yuri Zhirkov Midfielders Hamit Altıntop Michael Ballack Cesc Fàbregas Andrés Iniesta Luka Modrić Lukas Podolski Marcos Senna Wesley Sneijder Xavi Konstantin Zyryanov Forwards Andrey Arshavin Roman Pavlyuchenko Fernando Torres David Villa 2015 -- 16 La Liga Team of the Year GK : Oblak RB : Ramos CB : Piqué CB : Godín LB : Marcelo MF : Iniesta MF : Busquets MF : Modrić FW : Messi FW : Ronaldo FW : Suárez 2016 UEFA Team of the Year GK : Buffon RB : Boateng CB : Piqué CB : Ramos LB : Bonucci MF : Modrić MF : Kroos MF : Iniesta FW : Messi FW : Griezmann FW : C. Ronaldo 2017 UEFA Team of the Year GK : Buffon RB : Alves CB : Ramos CB : Chiellini LB : Marcelo MF : Modrić MF : Kroos MF : De Bruyne MF : Hazard FW : Messi FW : C. Ronaldo 2018 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois Defenders Raphaël Varane Diego Godín Thiago Silva Marcelo Midfielders Luka Modrić Kevin De Bruyne Philippe Coutinho Forwards Cristiano Ronaldo Harry Kane Kylian Mbappé Croatian Football Hope of the Year 1995 : Šimić 1996 : Vučko 1997 : Marić 1998 : Vranješ 1999 : Šokota 2000 : Lovrek 2001 : Olić 2002 : Kranjčar 2003 : Ljubojević 2004 : Modrić 2005 : Benko 2006 : Rukavina 2007 : Kalinić 2008 : Tomasov 2009 : Badelj 2010 : Vrsaljko 2011 : Kovačić 2012 : Andrijašević 2013 : Rebić 2014 : Jedvaj 2015 : Ćorić 2016 : Benković 2017 : Majer Croatian Footballer of the Year 1991 : Boban 1992 : Šuker 1993 : Bokšić 1994 : Šuker 1995 : Šuker 1996 : Šuker 1997 : Prosinečki / Šuker 1998 : Šuker 1999 : Boban 2000 : Bjelica 2001 : Tudor 2002 : Pletikosa 2003 : Pršo 2004 : Pršo 2005 : Pršo 2006 : Eduardo 2007 : Modrić 2008 : Modrić 2009 : Olić 2010 : Olić 2011 : Modrić 2012 : Mandžukić 2013 : Mandžukić 2014 : Modrić 2015 : Rakitić 2016 : Modrić 2017 : Modrić SN Yellow Shirt Award 1992 : Vučević 1993 : Vlaović 1994 : Mladenović 1995 : Špehar 1996 : Cvitanović 1997 : Cvitanović 1998 : Bazina 1999 : Mumlek 2000 : Bošnjak 2001 : Balaban 2002 : Olić 2003 : Olić 2004 : Kranjčar 2005 : Bartolović 2006 : Eduardo 2007 : Eduardo 2008 : Modrić 2009 : Mandžukić 2010 : Ibričić 2011 : Krstanović 2012 : Sharbini 2013 : Benko 2014 : Čop 2015 : Boban 2016 : Sušić 2017 : Andrijašević 2018 : Héber Prva HNL Player of the Year ( Tportal ) 2003 : Kranjčar 2004 : Erceg 2005 : Eduardo 2006 : Eduardo 2007 : Modrić 2008 : Mandžukić 2009 : Zec 2010 : Sammir 2011 : Santini 2012 : Sammir 2013 : Benko 2014 : Kramarić 2015 : Tomasov 2016 : Andrijašević 2017 : Soudani La Liga Defensive Midfielder of the Year / Best Midfielder -- LFP Awards 2009 : Xavi 2010 : Xavi 2011 : Xavi 2012 : Alonso 2013 : Illarramendi 2014 : Modrić 2015 : Rodríguez 2016 : Modrić Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Player of the Year 1987 : Mabbutt 1988 : Waddle 1989 : Thorstvedt 1990 : Gascoigne 1991 : Allen 1992 : Lineker 1993 : Anderton 1994 : Klinsmann 1995 : Sheringham 1996 : Campbell 1997 : Campbell 1998 : Ginola 1999 : Carr 2000 : Carr 2001 : Sullivan 2002 : Davies 2003 : Keane 2004 : Defoe 2005 : Award not given 2006 : Keane 2007 : Berbatov 2008 : Keane 2009 : Lennon 2010 : Dawson 2011 : Modrić 2012 : Parker 2013 : Bale 2014 : Eriksen 2015 : Kane 2016 : Alderweireld 2017 : Eriksen 2018 : Vertonghen UEFA Club Football Awards Best Goalkeeper 1997 -- 98 : Schmeichel 1998 -- 99 : Kahn 1999 -- 2000 : Kahn 2000 -- 01 : Kahn 2001 -- 02 : Kahn 2002 -- 03 : Buffon 2003 -- 04 : Baía 2004 -- 05 : Čech 2005 -- 06 : Lehmann 2006 -- 07 : Čech 2007 -- 08 : Čech 2008 -- 09 : Van der Sar 2009 -- 10 : Júlio César 2010 -- 16 : Not awarded 2016 -- 17 : Buffon 2017 -- 18 : Navas Best Defender 1997 -- 98 : Hierro 1998 -- 99 : Stam 1999 -- 2000 : Stam 2000 -- 01 : Ayala 2001 -- 02 : Roberto Carlos 2002 -- 03 : Roberto Carlos 2003 -- 04 : Carvalho 2004 -- 05 : Terry 2005 -- 06 : Puyol 2006 -- 07 : Maldini 2007 -- 08 : Terry 2008 -- 09 : Terry 2009 -- 10 : Maicon 2010 -- 16 : Not awarded 2016 -- 17 : Ramos 2017 -- 18 : Ramos Best Midfielder 1997 -- 98 : Zidane 1998 -- 99 : Beckham 1999 -- 2000 : Mendieta 2000 -- 01 : Mendieta 2001 -- 02 : Ballack 2002 -- 03 : Nedvěd 2003 -- 04 : Deco 2004 -- 05 : Kaká 2005 -- 06 : Deco 2006 -- 07 : Seedorf 2007 -- 08 : Lampard 2008 -- 09 : Xavi 2009 -- 10 : Sneijder 2010 -- 16 : Not awarded 2016 -- 17 : Modrić 2017 -- 18 : Modrić Best Forward 1997 -- 98 : Ronaldo 1998 -- 99 : Shevchenko 1999 -- 2000 : Raúl 2000 -- 01 : Raúl 2001 -- 02 : Raúl 2002 -- 03 : Van Nistelrooy 2003 -- 04 : Morientes 2004 -- 05 : Ronaldinho 2005 -- 06 : Eto'o 2006 -- 07 : Kaká 2007 -- 08 : C. Ronaldo 2008 -- 09 : Messi 2009 -- 10 : Milito 2010 -- 16 : Not awarded 2016 -- 17 : C. Ronaldo 2017 -- 18 : C. Ronaldo FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball 2000 : Edílson 2005 : Rogério Ceni 2006 : Deco 2007 : Kaká 2008 : Rooney 2009 : Messi 2010 : Eto'o 2011 : Messi 2012 : Cássio 2013 : Ribéry 2014 : Ramos 2015 : Suárez 2016 : Ronaldo 2017 : Modrić FIFA World Cup Golden Ball Best Player 1930 : Nasazzi 1934 : Meazza 1938 : Leônidas 1950 : Zizinho 1954 : Puskás 1958 : Didi 1962 : Garrincha 1966 : Charlton 1970 : Pelé 1974 : Cruijff 1978 : Kempes Golden Ball 1982 : Rossi 1986 : Maradona 1990 : Schillaci 1994 : Romário 1998 : Ronaldo 2002 : Kahn 2006 : Zidane 2010 : Forlán 2014 : Messi 2018 : Modrić Golden Ball was first awarded in 1982. UEFA Men 's Player of the Year Award UEFA Best Player in Europe 2010 -- 11 : Messi 2011 -- 12 : Iniesta 2012 -- 13 : Ribéry 2013 -- 14 : Ronaldo 2014 -- 15 : Messi 2015 -- 16 : Ronaldo UEFA Men 's Player of the Year 2016 -- 17 : Ronaldo 2017 -- 18 : Modrić FIFA Player of the Year FIFA World Player of the Year 1991 : Matthäus 1992 : Van Basten 1993 : Baggio 1994 : Romário 1995 : Weah 1996 : Ronaldo 1997 : Ronaldo 1998 : Zidane 1999 : Rivaldo 2000 : Zidane 2001 : Figo 2002 : Ronaldo 2003 : Zidane 2004 : Ronaldinho 2005 : Ronaldinho 2006 : Cannavaro 2007 : Kaká 2008 : C. Ronaldo 2009 : Messi FIFA Ballon d'Or 2010 : Messi 2011 : Messi 2012 : Messi 2013 : C. Ronaldo 2014 : C. Ronaldo 2015 : Messi The Best FIFA Men 's Player 2016 : C. Ronaldo 2017 : C. Ronaldo 2018 : Modrić See also : Ballon d'Or Croatia squads Croatia squad -- 2006 FIFA World Cup 1 Pletikosa 2 Srna 3 Šimunić 4 R. Kovač 5 Tudor 6 Vranješ 7 Šimić 8 Babić 9 Pršo 10 N. Kovač ( c ) 11 Tokić 12 Didulica 13 Tomas 14 Modrić 15 I. Leko 16 J. Leko 17 Klasnić 18 Olić 19 N. Kranjčar 20 Šerić 21 Balaban 22 Bošnjak 23 Butina Coach : Z. Kranjčar Croatia squad -- UEFA Euro 2008 1 Pletikosa 2 Šimić 3 Šimunić 4 R. Kovač 5 Ćorluka 6 Vejić 7 Rakitić 8 Vukojević 9 Kalinić 10 N. Kovač ( c ) 11 Srna 12 Galinović 13 Pokrivač 14 Modrić 15 Knežević 16 Leko 17 Klasnić 18 Olić 19 Kranjčar 20 Budan 21 Petrić 22 Pranjić 23 Runje Coach : Bilić Croatia squad -- UEFA Euro 2012 1 Pletikosa 2 Strinić 3 Šimunić 4 Buljat 5 Ćorluka 6 Pranjić 7 Rakitić 8 Vukojević 9 Jelavić 10 Modrić 11 Srna ( c ) 12 Kelava 13 Schildenfeld 14 Badelj 15 Vrsaljko 16 Dujmović 17 Mandžukić 18 Kalinić 19 Kranjčar 20 Perišić 21 Vida 22 Eduardo 23 Subašić Coach : Bilić Croatia squad -- 2014 FIFA World Cup 1 Pletikosa 2 Vrsaljko 3 Pranjić 4 Perišić 5 Ćorluka 6 Lovren 7 Rakitić 8 Vukojević 9 Jelavić 10 Modrić 11 Srna ( c ) 12 Zelenika 13 Schildenfeld 14 Brozović 15 Badelj 16 Rebić 17 Mandžukić 18 Olić 19 Sammir 20 Kovačić 21 Vida 22 Eduardo 23 Subašić Coach : Kovač Croatia squad -- UEFA Euro 2016 1 Vargić 2 Vrsaljko 3 Strinić 4 Perišić 5 Ćorluka 6 Jedvaj 7 Rakitić 8 Kovačić 9 Kramarić 10 Modrić 11 Srna ( c ) 12 L. Kalinić 13 Schildenfeld 14 Brozović 15 Ćorić 16 N. Kalinić 17 Mandžukić 18 Rog 19 Badelj 20 Pjaca 21 Vida 22 Čop 23 Subašić Coach : Čačić Croatia squad -- 2018 FIFA World Cup runners - up 1 Livaković 2 Vrsaljko 3 Strinić 4 Perišić 5 Ćorluka 6 Lovren 7 Rakitić 8 Kovačić 9 Kramarić 10 Modrić ( c ) 11 Brozović 12 L. Kalinić 13 Jedvaj 14 Bradarić 15 Ćaleta - Car 16 N. Kalinić 17 Mandžukić 18 Rebić 19 Badelj 20 Pjaca 21 Vida 22 Pivarić 23 Subašić Coach : Dalić WorldCat Identities BNE : XX5604356 VIAF : 28146574872938150987 Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title= Luka_Modrić&oldid = 866156744 '' Categories : 1985 births Living people Croatian footballers Croatia under - 21 international footballers Croatia international footballers GNK Dinamo Zagreb players NK Inter Zaprešić players HŠK Zrinjski Mostar players Tottenham Hotspur F.C. players Real Madrid C.F. players 2006 FIFA World Cup players UEFA Euro 2008 players UEFA Euro 2012 players 2014 FIFA World Cup players Sportspeople from Zadar Croatian First Football League players Premier League players La Liga players Expatriate footballers in England Expatriate footballers in Spain Croatian expatriate footballers Croatian expatriates in England Croatian expatriates in Spain Croatia youth international footballers UEFA Euro 2016 players FIFA Century Club Association football midfielders UEFA Champions League winning players 2018 FIFA World Cup players Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina players Hidden categories : CS1 Serbo - Croatian - language sources ( sh ) CS1 Croatian - language sources ( hr ) NFT template with ID same as Wikidata CS1 Spanish - language sources ( es ) Soccerway template with ID same as Wikidata Use dmy dates from August 2017 Articles using Template : Medal with Runner - up Soccerway template using Wikidata BDFutbol template using Wikidata UEFA player template using Wikidata FIFA player template using Wikidata NFT template using Wikidata Wikipedia articles with BNE identifiers Wikipedia articles with VIAF identifiers Talk Contents About Wikipedia Wikinews Aragonés Asturianu Azərbaycanca বাংলা Беларуская Беларуская ( тарашкевіца ) ‎ Български Bosanski Català Čeština Dansk Deutsch Eesti Ελληνικά Español Esperanto Euskara فارسی Føroyskt Français Gaeilge Galego 한국어 Հայերեն हिन्दी Hrvatski Ido Bahasa Indonesia Interlingue Íslenska Italiano עברית Basa Jawa ქართული Қазақша Kiswahili Kreyòl ayisyen Latina Latviešu Lëtzebuergesch Lietuvių Magyar मैथिली Македонски മലയാളം मराठी Bahasa Melayu Монгол Nederlands नेपाली 日本 語 Norsk Norsk nynorsk Oʻzbekcha / ўзбекча Polski Português Română Runa Simi Русский Scots Shqip Simple English Slovenčina Slovenščina کوردی Српски / srpski Srpskohrvatski / српскохрватски Suomi Svenska தமிழ் Татарча / tatarça ไทย Türkçe Українська اردو Tiếng Việt Winaray 吴语 粵語 中文 72 more Edit links This page was last edited on 28 October 2018, at 17 : 12 ( UTC ). 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Question: who did modric play for in the premier league
Answer: Tottenham Hotspur