Luka Modric joined yet another elite group of players when he took to the field for Croatia’s Euro 2024 opener against Spain. The 2018 Ballon d’or winner has now become only the third footballer to play at nine World Cup and European Championship finals.
The only other players in the list include Germany legend Lothar Matthaus, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be making his 11th appearance at a major tournament when Portugal face Czech Republic on June 18 in the final fixture of matchday 1.
Luka Modric creates history with 9th major tournament appearance
Only three European men have played at 9+ different World Cup / European Championship tournaments:
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 15, 2024
🇩🇪 Lothar Matthäus
🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo
ðŸ‡ðŸ‡· Luka Modrić
Ballon d'Or winners only. 🌕#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/vQzmjR7yTJ
The Real Madrid icon was on the wrong end of the scoreline in the record-breaking appearance, though, as Spain went on to win 3-0. Croatia had several great opportunities to score and turn things around, including a penalty late in the second half.
However, Bruno Pektovic’s attempt was saved, and he was offside for the follow-up goal as well, keeping Unai Simon’s clean sheet intact.
The closest Modric has come to winning a major trophy with Croatia was by far the 2018 World Cup when they made it to the finals. However, the underdogs collapsed against France in the finals, who made it to consecutive finals in the 2022 edition.
Aged 38, this might be Luka Modric’s last appearance at the Euros, in spite of his miraculous fitness levels, with the 2026 World Cup up in the air as well.
