Sep 9, 1985
Virgo
Zadar, Croatia
39 years old
N/A
N/A
Soccer Player
🌟 Introduction to Luka Modrić
Luka Modrić, born on September 9, 1985, in Zadar, Croatia, is a professional footballer renowned for his exceptional midfield prowess. Standing at 1.72 meters (5 feet 8 inches) and weighing approximately 66 kilograms (145 pounds), Modrić has been a central figure in both club and international football. As of June 2025, he is 39 years old and continues to be celebrated for his vision, passing accuracy, and leadership on the field.Famous Birthdays+6KidsKonnect+6Transfermarkt+6
👨‍👩‍👧 Early Life and Background
Modrić's early life was marked by adversity. Born during the Croatian War of Independence, his family faced significant challenges, including the loss of his grandfather and displacement from their home. Despite these hardships, Modrić found solace in football, honing his skills in the parking lots of hotels where his family sought refuge. His talent was evident from a young age, leading him to join the youth academy of NK Zadar in 1996.AS USA+2IMDb+2My Greatest 11+2AS USADiario AS
âš˝ Club Career
Dinamo Zagreb (2003–2008)
Modrić began his professional career with Dinamo Zagreb, making his debut in 2003. During his time with the club, he had loan spells at Zrinjski Mostar and Inter Zaprešić, gaining valuable experience. At Dinamo Zagreb, he made 94 appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing 21 assists. His performances earned him recognition as one of Croatia's most promising talents.Wikipedia+1extratime.com+1Real Madrid+3extratime.com+3Kiddle+3
Tottenham Hotspur (2008–2012)
In 2008, Modrić transferred to Tottenham Hotspur for a reported fee of €21 million. Over four seasons, he made 160 appearances, scoring 17 goals and assisting 24 times. His vision and control in midfield were instrumental in Tottenham's qualification for the UEFA Champions League in the 2009–10 season, their first in nearly 50 years.WikipediaTransfermarkt
Real Madrid (2012–2025)
Modrić joined Real Madrid in 2012 for a transfer fee of €30 million. Initially facing criticism, he soon became a linchpin in the team's midfield. Over 13 seasons, he made 591 appearances, scoring 43 goals and providing 95 assists. His tenure at Real Madrid has been marked by numerous titles, including six UEFA Champions League trophies and four La Liga championships. In May 2025, Modrić announced his departure from the club, concluding a storied chapter in his career.WikipediaThe Sun+2Transfermarkt+2ElHuffPost+2The SunElHuffPost
đź‡đź‡· International Career with Croatia
Modrić made his debut for the Croatian national team on March 1, 2006. As of March 2025, he has earned 186 caps and scored 27 goals, making him the most capped player in Croatia's history. He captained the team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final and secured a third-place finish in the 2022 tournament. His leadership and performances have been pivotal in Croatia's international successes over the past two decades.
🏆 Honors and Achievements
Club Achievements
Dinamo Zagreb:
Croatian First League: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08
Croatian Cup: 2006–07, 2007–08
Croatian Super Cup: 2006
Real Madrid:
UEFA Champions League: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2021–22, 2023–24
La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20, 2021–22, 2023–24
Copa del Rey: 2013–14, 2022–23
Spanish Super Cup: 2012, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023
UEFA Super Cup: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2024
FIFA Club World Cup: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023
International Achievements
FIFA World Cup Runner-up: 2018
FIFA World Cup Third Place: 2022
UEFA Nations League Runner-up: 2023
Individual Accolades
Ballon d'Or: 2018
The Best FIFA Men's Player: 2018
UEFA Men's Player of the Year: 2017–18
FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 2018
Croatian Footballer of the Year: 2007, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2016–2020, 2022
Included in FIFA FIFPro World XI: 2015–2019, 2022
🌍 Legacy and Impact
Luka Modrić's journey from a war-torn childhood to the pinnacle of world football is a testament to his resilience, talent, and dedication. His vision, composure, and leadership have not only earned him numerous accolades but have also inspired countless aspiring footballers worldwide. As he prepares for the next chapter beyond Real Madrid, Modrić's legacy as one of the game's greatest midfielders remains firmly cemented.
