History of Luka Modrić in Timeline
Luka Modrić is a Croatian professional footballer renowned as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. He captains both Real Madrid in La Liga and the Croatia national team. He is widely considered the greatest Croatian footballer in history.
September 1985: Born in Zadar
On 9 September 1985, Luka Modrić was born in Zadar, Croatia. He grew up in the hamlet of Modrići and spent his early years shepherding goats.
September 1985: Luka Modrić Born
On September 9, 1985, Luka Modrić was born. He is a Croatian professional footballer known for playing as a central midfielder and captaining both Real Madrid and the Croatia national team.
December 1991: Grandfather's Death and Displacement
In December 1991, during the Croatian War of Independence, Luka Modrić's grandfather, Luka, was executed by Serb rebels, and his family was forced to flee their home which was burned to the ground. The family became refugees and lived in hotels in Zadar.
1992: Enrolled in School and Sporting Academy
In 1992, Luka Modrić was enrolled in primary school and a sporting academy, with the latter being funded by his family's limited resources. He was inspired by Zvonimir Boban and Francesco Totti to play football.
1994: Equaling Romario's Record
Due to his club, and national team performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he 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 of the Year Award, while in December, he added the Ballon d'Or to his personal tally, marking the first time since 2007 that the award was not won by Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Furthermore, besides becoming the first Croatian player to win these awards, Modrić was the first player to win both the World Cup Golden Ball and the Best FIFA Men's Player of the Year Award after Romário in 1994.
1998: Equaling Ronaldo's Record
Due to his club, and national team performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he 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 Award, while in December, he added the Ballon d'Or to his personal tally, marking the first time since 2007 that the award was not won by Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Furthermore, besides becoming the first Croatian player to win these awards, Modrić was the first player to win both the World Cup Golden Ball and the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award in the same year since Ronaldo in 1998
March 2001: Debut for Croatia Under-15 Team
In March 2001, Modrić debuted for the Croatian under-15 team, marking the start of his international career at the youth level.
2001: Move to Dinamo Zagreb
In late 2001, Tomislav Bašić arranged for 16-year-old Luka Modrić's move to Dinamo Zagreb.
2003: Career start at Dinamo Zagreb
In 2003, Luka Modrić began his professional career with Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb.
2003: Loaned to Zrinjski Mostar
In 2003, Luka Modrić was loaned to Zrinjski Mostar in the Bosnian Premier League, where he became Bosnian Premier League Player of the Year.
2004: First Eastern European Ballon d'Or Winner Since Shevchenko
Due to his club, and national team performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he 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 Award, while in December, he added the Ballon d'Or to his personal tally, marking the first time since 2007 that the award was not won by Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Furthermore, besides becoming the first Croatian player to win these awards, Modrić was the first player to win both the World Cup Golden Ball and the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award in the same year since Ronaldo in 1998, and the World Cup Golden Ball and the Best FIFA Men's Player of the Year Award after Romário in 1994. Additionally, he is the first player to win the awards from the former Yugoslavia territory, the first footballer from Eastern Europe to win a Ballon d'Or after Andriy Shevchenko in 2004, and the tenth player from Real Madrid to capture the trophy.
2004: Croatian Football Hope of the Year
In 2004, Luka Modrić won the Croatian Football Hope of the Year award.
2004: Signed first contract
In 2004, Modrić stated in his testimony that he signed the annexe clause in 2004, the year of his first contract.
2005: Debut for Dinamo Zagreb
In 2005, Luka Modrić debuted for Dinamo Zagreb and his performances earned him a move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2008.
2005: Signed Long-Term Contract with Dinamo Zagreb
In 2005, Luka Modrić signed a ten-year contract with Dinamo Zagreb, using his earnings to buy a flat in Zadar for his family.
March 2006: International Debut for Croatia
In March 2006, Luka Modrić made his international debut for Croatia in a match against Argentina.
August 2006: First International Goal
On August 16, 2006, Modrić scored his first goal for Croatia in a friendly win against Italy.
2006: League Win with Dinamo Zagreb
In the 2005-06 season, Luka Modrić helped Dinamo Zagreb win the league, contributing 7 goals in 31 matches.
2007: Croatian Footballer of the Year
Between 2007 and 2024, Luka Modrić was named Croatian Footballer of the Year a record thirteen times.
2007: End of Messi/Ronaldo Dominance
Due to his club, and national team performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he 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 Award, while in December, he added the Ballon d'Or to his personal tally, marking the first time since 2007 that the award was not won by Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
2007: Prva HNL Player of the Year
In 2007, Luka Modrić was named Prva HNL Player of the Year.
2007: Tottenham's Record Fee
In 2008, Tottenham confirmed that the transfer fee paid was £16.5 million, equalling the club's record fee set by Darren Bent's move in 2007.
2007: First player other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Ballon d'Or since 2007
In 2018, Luka Modrić became the first player other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Ballon d'Or since 2007.
April 2008: Agreed to Transfer to Tottenham Hotspur
On 26 April 2008, Luka Modrić agreed to transfer terms with Tottenham Hotspur. He was the first of many summer signings for manager Juande Ramos.
2008: Named in Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament
At Euro 2008, Luka Modrić was named in the Team of the Tournament.
2008: Youngest goalscorer
In 2008, Luka Modrić had set a record for youngest goalscorer.
2008: Move to Tottenham Hotspur
In 2008, Luka Modrić moved to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and in 2010, he led the Spurs to UEFA Champions League qualification.
January 2009: FA Cup Goal
In January 2009, Luka Modrić scored in a home win in the third round of the FA Cup against Wigan Athletic.
April 2009: Premier League Goal Against Manchester United
In April 2009, Luka Modrić scored in an away defeat against Manchester United.
August 2009: Calf Injury
On 29 August 2009, during Tottenham's 2–1 win over Birmingham City, Luka Modrić sustained a fracture to his right fibula and was expected to be out for six weeks.
February 2010: Goal Against Everton
In February 2010, Luka Modrić scored in a home win against Everton.
May 2010: Marriage to Vanja Bosnić
In May 2010, Luka Modrić married Vanja Bosnić in Zagreb, Croatia, after four years of dating in a private ceremony and a year later in the Catholic Church.
May 2010: Signed New Contract with Tottenham
On 30 May 2010, Luka Modrić signed a new six-year contract with Tottenham that ran until 2016.
September 2010: First Goal of the Season
On 11 September 2010, Luka Modrić scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season in a 1–1 away draw at West Bromwich Albion.
2010: Champions League Qualification with Spurs
In 2010, Luka Modrić led Tottenham Hotspur to UEFA Champions League qualification, marking the club’s first qualification in almost 50 years.
2010: World Cup Qualifiers
In 2010, Modrić scored three goals in the World Cup qualifiers for Croatia against Kazakhstan, Andorra, and Ukraine.
2010: Central Midfield Role
In the 2010-11 season, Luka Modrić flourished in a central midfield role as a deep-lying playmaker, conducting attacks and creating chances for teammates, influenced by Harry Redknapp's guidance.
January 2011: Redknapp's Praise After Draw Against Manchester United
After a draw against Manchester United at White Hart Lane in January 2011, manager Harry Redknapp praised Luka Modrić, highlighting his exceptional footballing abilities.
2011: Top-Rated Midfielder
By the 2011-12 season, Luka Modrić was statistically 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.
2011: Chelsea's pursuit and rejected bids
In 2011, Chelsea pursued Modrić with bids of £22 million and £27 million, both rejected by Tottenham. Modrić expressed his desire to move to Chelsea, leading to him refusing to play in Tottenham's opening match. Chelsea's final offer of £40 million was rejected on the transfer window's final day.
January 2012: Goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers
On January 14, 2012, Modrić scored the only goal in a home draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
August 2012: Transfer to Real Madrid and debut
On August 27, 2012, Real Madrid announced an agreement with Tottenham for Modrić's transfer. He debuted on August 29 against Barcelona in the Supercopa de España, winning his first trophy. Despite a positive debut, he struggled initially due to missed pre-season training.
2012: Joins Real Madrid
In the summer of 2012, Luka Modrić joined Real Madrid for a £30 million transfer fee.
March 2013: Key performances for Real Madrid
In March 2013, Modrić assisted the winning goal in El Clásico against Barcelona on March 2nd. On March 5th, he equalized against Manchester United in the Champions League, contributing to their victory. On March 16th, he scored a long-range volley against Mallorca, continuing his strong performance.
2013: Key Midfield Role and Copa del Rey Victory
In 2013, with Carlo Ancelotti as the new manager, Modrić became a key starter in midfield, excelling in passing accuracy and ball recoveries. He scored his first Champions League goal and contributed to winning the 2013-14 Copa del Rey against Barcelona.
2013: Champions League Title and Squad of the Season
In the 2013–14 season, Luka Modrić won the Champions League title with Real Madrid and was named in the squad of the season.
2013: Partnership with Alonso and Di María
In the first half of the 2013-14 season, Luka Modrić formed an effective central midfield partnership with Alonso and Ángel Di María, making more tackles than any other Real Madrid player in La Liga.
August 2014: New Real Madrid Contract
In August 2014, Modrić signed a new contract with Real Madrid, committing to the club until 2018. He partnered with Toni Kroos in midfield following Alonso's departure.
2014: Passing Accuracy
In 2014, Luka Modrić consistently demonstrated high passing accuracy, with his highest completion rate in a single match occurring 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.
2014: 2014 World Cup
In 2014, Modrić played for Croatia in the World Cup in Brazil, where they were eliminated in the group stage despite high expectations.
March 2015: Return from Thigh Injury
In early March 2015, Modrić returned from a three-month thigh injury, proving his form in seven matches. On March 21, he strained ligaments in his right knee, sidelining him until May.
March 2015: First Time as Captain
On March 3, 2015, Modrić captained Croatia for the first time in a match against Azerbaijan.
2015: Defensive Responsibilities
During the 2015-16 season, Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos took on more defensive responsibilities to set the rhythm of the team's gameplay in midfield and orchestrate counterattacks.
2015: Champions League Titles
From 2015–16 to 2017-18 Luka Modrić was a key member of Madrid’s three consecutive Champions League titles.
2015: Key Midfield Player Under Benítez
In 2015, Modrić continued to be a key midfield player under new manager Rafael Benítez. In October, he sustained a muscular groin injury during an international match against Bulgaria, but recovered in time for a match against Paris Saint-Germain.
January 2016: Zidane's Arrival and Winning Goal Against Granada
In January 2016, with Zinedine Zidane's arrival as manager, Modrić was described as the "master of the game". On February 7, he scored a winning goal against Granada. He won the 2015-16 Champions League with Real Madrid and was included in the Champions League and La Liga team of the season.
October 2016: New Contract with Real Madrid
In October 2016, Modrić signed a new contract with Real Madrid, keeping him at the club until 2020. He missed eight matches due to a left knee injury but returned in early November.
2016: Key member of Real Madrid
After Zinedine Zidane took over Madrid in 2016, Luka Modrić became a key member of the team, securing three consecutive Champions League titles from 2015–16 to 2017–18.
2016: La Liga and Champions League Titles
In 2016, Modrić played a key role as Real Madrid won the 2016-17 La Liga and the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League.
2016: Zidane's Prediction
In 2016, Zinedine Zidane included Luka Modrić in his best XI and predicted that Modrić would win Ballon d'Or.
2016: Contract with Tottenham
On 30 May 2010, Luka Modrić signed a new six-year contract with Tottenham that ran until 2016.
January 2017: Inclusion in UEFA Team of the Year
In January 2017, Modrić was included in the UEFA Team of the Year (2016) for the first time.
March 2017: 200th Match for Real Madrid
On March 12, 2017, in a 2–1 win over Real Betis, Modrić played his 200th match for Real Madrid.
2017: Champions League Titles
From 2015–16 to 2017-18 Luka Modrić was a key member of Madrid’s three consecutive Champions League titles.
2017: Donation to autism association
In 2017, Luka Modrić made a substantial anonymous donation to the autism association from Zadar.
2017: Champions League Win and Best Midfielder Award
In 2017, Modrić contributed to Real Madrid's Champions League victory, providing an assist in the final. He was named Best Midfielder of the Champions League season. He also secured fifth position at 2017 Ballon d'Or.
2017: Stating about signing the annexe clause
In 2017, Modrić stated that he signed the annexe clause of the contract ten years earlier.
January 2018: Goal against Deportivo de La Coruña and UEFA Team of the Year
In January 2018, Modrić scored against Deportivo de La Coruña and was included in the UEFA Team of the Year (2017).
March 2018: Called as a witness in embezzlement and tax evasion trial
In March 2018, Luka Modrić was called as a witness in an embezzlement and tax evasion trial against Zdravko Mamić. Modrić testified about contracts he signed with Mamić and his transfer fee to Tottenham.
August 2018: Steady Return to First Team
In August 2018, under new manager Julen Lopetegui, Modrić was given a steady return to the first team as a substitute due to his lack of pre-season training after the 2018 World Cup. His first start of the season came on September 1 in a 4–1 home win against Leganés.
December 2018: Perjury charge rejected
In December 2018, the perjury charge against Luka Modrić was rejected by the Croatian courts.
2018: Croatia's 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign
In 2018, Luka Modrić became the captain of the Croatian national team following Darijo Srna's retirement. After some disappointing results, including a draw with Finland where Modrić marked his 100th cap, Modrić voiced his lack of confidence in coach Ante Čačić, who was subsequently replaced by Zlatko Dalić. Modrić later scored a penalty against Greece, helping Croatia to qualify for the World Cup.
2018: Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup
In 2018, Luka Modrić led Croatia to the World Cup final and won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
2018: Ballon d'Or Winner
In 2018, Luka Modrić won the Ballon d'Or, becoming the first player other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the award since 2007. He also won The Best FIFA Men's Player award, UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award, and the IFFHS World's Best Playmaker award.
2018: Awards and Contract Extension
In 2018, Modrić won the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award, The Best FIFA Men's Player Award, and the Ballon d'Or. This triggered a contract clause, ensuring his stay at Real Madrid until 2021. He was also included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI for the fourth time.
2018: Contract Until 2018
In August 2014, Modrić signed a new contract with Real Madrid, committing to the club until 2018.
January 2019: Scoring in Consecutive League Games
In January 2019, Modrić scored in two consecutive league games for Real Madrid, against Real Betis and Sevilla. He was also included in the UEFA Team of the Year (2018).
March 2019: Appearing on Hrvatska pošta postage stamp
In March 2019, Luka Modrić received the honor of appearing on the Hrvatska pošta postage stamp.
August 2019: Seventh Anniversary of Signing
In August 2019, Luka Modrić marked his seventh anniversary of signing with Real Madrid. Despite concerns about his age and commitment to the national team, Modrić expressed his determination to regain his best form.
2019: Golden Foot Award
In 2019, Luka Modrić was awarded the Golden Foot award for his career achievements and personality.
2019: Release of "Moja igra (My Game)" autobiography
In late 2019, Luka Modrić released his autobiography "Moja igra (My Game)", co-written by Robert Matteoni, emphasizing his childhood and career development.
January 2020: 100th Career Goal
On January 8, 2020, Modrić scored his fifth goal of the season and 100th career goal in a 3–1 victory against Valencia in the semi-finals of the 2019–20 Supercopa de España.
October 2020: Goal Against Shakhtar Donetsk and Clásico Goal
On October 21, 2020, Modrić scored his first goal of the 2020–21 season in a Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, becoming the fourth player in club history to score in the competition aged 35 or older. Three days later, he scored his first Clásico goal against Barcelona.
2020: Euro 2020 Qualifying and Postponement
During the Euro 2020 qualifying rounds in 2020, Luka Modrić scored two goals, including a penalty against Azerbaijan and a goal against Hungary, helping Croatia top their group and qualify for the tournament, which was later postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Founded real estate company Modrić Family SL
In 2020, Luka Modrić founded real estate company Modrić Family SL in Madrid.
2020: UEFA Euro 2020
In 2020, Luka Modrić was selected for the UEFA Euro 2020 squad. He was named Man of the Match in the 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic on June 18. Later, in the 3-1 victory over Scotland on June 22, he scored a goal and provided an assist, helping Croatia advance to the round of 16.
2020: Donation for COVID-19 pandemic
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Luka Modrić donated €100,000 for the purchase of a mobile X-ray machine to a hospital in Zadar.
March 2021: Croatia's Most Capped Player
In March 2021, Luka Modrić became the country's most capped player.
March 2021: Equalling and surpassing Darijo Srna's record
In March 2021, Luka Modrić equaled Darijo Srna's record as the most capped player for Croatia with 134 appearances, during a 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Slovenia. Three days later, he surpassed Srna's record in a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Cyprus.
May 2021: Contract Extension with Real Madrid
On May 25, 2021, Modrić extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2022.
October 2021: 400th Game for Real Madrid
On October 24, 2021, Modrić played his 400th game for Real Madrid in a 2–1 Clásico victory.
December 2021: 100th Champions League Game
On December 7, 2021, Modrić played his 100th Champions League game in a 2–0 victory over Inter Milan, where he was named Man of the Match.
2021: Contract Extension Clause Triggered
Due to his club, and national team performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he 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 Award, while in December, he added the Ballon d'Or to his personal tally, marking the first time since 2007 that the award was not won by Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Furthermore, besides becoming the first Croatian player to win these awards, Modrić was the first player to win both the World Cup Golden Ball and the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award in the same year since Ronaldo in 1998, and the World Cup Golden Ball and the Best FIFA Men's Player of the Year Award after Romário in 1994. Additionally, he is the first player to win the awards from the former Yugoslavia territory, the first footballer from Eastern Europe to win a Ballon d'Or after Andriy Shevchenko in 2004, and the tenth player from Real Madrid to capture the trophy. Furthermore, winning the trophy triggered a clause in his contract, ensuring his stay at the club until 2021.
January 2022: Supercopa de España Final Goal and Man of the Match
On January 16, 2022, Modrić scored the first goal in the 2022 Supercopa de España Final, becoming the oldest goalscorer in the competition's history, and was named Man of the Match.
June 2022: Contract Renewal Until 2023
On June 8, 2022, Modrić renewed his contract with Real Madrid until 2023.
August 2022: First Goal and Assist of the Season
On August 20, 2022, Modrić scored his first goal and assist of the season in a 4–1 victory over Celta Vigo.
2022: Bronze Ball at the 2022 World Cup
At the 2022 World Cup, Luka Modrić led the Croatian team to a third-place finish, earning the Bronze Ball as the tournament’s third-best player.
2022: 2022 World Cup qualifying
During the 2022 World Cup qualifying, Luka Modrić scored three times and assisted twice in seven appearances.
2022: Release of "Captains" docuseries
In 2022, FIFA released "Captains," an eight-part sports docuseries produced by Fulwell 73, which followed six national team captains, including Luka Modrić, during their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns. The series was released by Netflix and FIFA+.
2022: Investment in Sportening
In 2022, Luka Modrić invested in Croatian-American startup company Sportening.
February 2023: Inclusion in FIFA FIFPro World XI
In February 2023, Modrić was included for the sixth time in the FIFA FIFPro World XI.
June 2023: UEFA Nations League Finals
On June 14, 2023, Luka Modrić led Croatia to victory over the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals, winning a penalty and assisting a goal, earning Man of the Match. Croatia lost to Spain in the final.
2023: 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals
In 2023, Luka Modrić helped Croatia advance to the 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals. On September 25, 2022, he scored the opening goal in a 3-1 away victory against Austria. In the World Cup, he captained Croatia to the semi-finals and won the Bronze Ball after their third-place victory over Morocco.
April 2024: Oldest Real Madrid Player in Champions League
On April 30, 2024, during the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich, Modrić became the oldest Real Madrid player to appear in the tournament at 38 years and 234 days, surpassing Puskás's record.
July 2024: Contract Extension and Team Captain
On July 17, 2024, Modrić extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2025 and became the team's captain following Nacho's departure.
January 2025: Oldest Goalscorer for Real Madrid
On January 3, 2025, Modrić became the oldest player to score for Real Madrid in all competitions, aged 39 years and 116 days, surpassing Ferenc Puskás's record set in 1966, during a 2–1 victory over Valencia. He also made his 561st appearance for the club.
April 2025: Co-owner of Swansea City
In April 2025, Luka Modrić became a minority co-owner of Welsh football club Swansea City.
May 2025: Announcement of Departure from Real Madrid
On May 22, 2025, it was announced that Modrić would leave Real Madrid after 13 years at the club, following the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. He played his last home game on May 24 against Real Sociedad.
2025: Best Number 10 in Real Madrid history
In 2025, Marca proclaimed Luka Modrić as the best number 10 in the history of Real Madrid.
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