Luka Modric continues to prove himself as one of the best midfielders in the world, despite being 36 years old. The Croatian is one of the most decorated players in the history of his country, and in this article, we will take a look at some lesser-known facts about him.
Top 10 facts you didn’t know about Luka Modric
10. He played more minutes than any other player at the 2018 World Cup
Modric racked up 694 minutes during the World Cup, where he led Croatia into the finals. The midfielder was also awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament despite coming up short against France.
9. Made in Bosnia
After being signed by Dinamo Zagreb, Modric was loaned to Inter Zapresic in Bosnia, which is the most physical league in Europe. At 18, he won the Bosnian League Player of the Year Award for his performances.
8. Ronaldo shin pads
While he would go on to be a teammate of CR7, Luka Modric idolised the original Ronaldo. His first shin pads had a photo of the Brazilian Ronaldo on them, which he used in the Bosnian League, before eventually giving them away.
7. Carlo Ancelotti is his favourite manager
In 2016, Modric admitted to Carlo Ancelotti being his favourite manager. “We had a great relationship, we still have a good one; that’s why I would pick him,” he said. And in 2022, the Real Madrid number 10 is playing under his favourite manager once again, and thriving.
6. Rough end to Tottenham spell
After making his intention to move to Real Madrid clear, Modric had to skip training and get fined by Tottenham to force a move. Since then, he has been able to put this behaviour behind him and is considered one of the top professionals in the squad.
5. Born in Modrici
Luka Modric was born in the village of ‘Modrici’, the plural of his last name. It is thought that landmines can still be found in the area where he grew up today.
4. Caught up in the war of independence
Modric wasn’t directly involved in the battle, but had to see his grandfather murdered in cold blood by Serbian rebels. His family had to flee the area subsequently, and stay as refugees in Zadar.
3. Could’ve joined Barcelona
Over the span of a decade, Luka Modric has established himself as an undisputed Real Madrid legend. But, he could’ve joined Barcelona in 2008, saying that he’d love to play for them. He eventually ended up moving to Tottenham Hotspur from Dinamo Zagreb, and then switched to Real Madrid, where he is still a key figure.
2. First Real Madrid appearance ended with a trophy
After coming on for Mesut Ozil in the Supercopa final, Modric’s first appearance for Los Blancos ended with them lifting the trophy. Interestingly, his debut was against Barcelona with the aggregate score tied at 4-4.
1. Voted the worst signing of 2012
Ten years onwards, this seems to be the most ridiculous thing when it comes to Luka Modric. But, it happened. The Croatian had a slow start to life at the Spanish capital, and was eventually named the worst signing of the year. The worst signing of 2012 went on to win the Ballon d’Or six years later with the same club.
