History of Luka Modrić in Timeline

Luka Modrić is a highly decorated Croatian professional footballer renowned as one of the greatest midfielders ever and the best Croatian player in history. He currently plays as a central midfielder for Serie A club AC Milan and serves as the captain of the Croatia national team. His career boasts numerous titles and individual accolades, solidifying his place among football legends.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

September 1985: Birth in Zadar

On 9 September 1985, Luka Modrić was born in Zadar, Croatia, and raised in the hamlet of Modrići. His parents are Stipe Modrić and Radojka Dopuđ.

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September 1985: Luka Modrić Born

On September 1985, Luka Modrić was born. Modrić is a Croatian professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Serie A club AC Milan and captains the Croatia national team.

Others born on this day/year

December 1991: Grandfather's Execution

In December 1991, during the Croatian War of Independence, Luka Modrić's grandfather, also named Luka, was executed by Serb rebels near his house in Modrići. The family was forced to flee, and their house was burned down.

1992: Started playing football

In 1992, Luka Modrić simultaneously entered primary school and a sporting academy, the latter paid for with the little money the family had. He was inspired by Zvonimir Boban and Francesco Totti.

1994: Recognition After Romário

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 Best FIFA Men's Player Award. 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: Recognition Since 1998

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. 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.

1999: Dražen Ladić's Record

In 1999, Dražen Ladić set a record as the oldest player ever to play a game for Croatia.

March 2001: Debut for the under-15 team

In March 2001, Luka Modrić debuted for the Croatian under-15 team coached by Martin Novoselac.

2001: Move to Dinamo Zagreb

In late 2001, Tomislav Bašić arranged Luka Modrić's move to Dinamo Zagreb when Modrić was 16 years old.

2003: Professional Career Start

In 2003, Luka Modrić began his professional career with Dinamo Zagreb before loan spells to Zrinjski Mostar and Inter Zaprešić.

2003: Loan to Zrinjski Mostar

In 2003, after a season with Dinamo Zagreb's youth side, Luka Modrić was loaned to Zrinjski Mostar in the Bosnian Premier League, becoming Bosnian Premier League Player of the Year.

2004: Eastern Europe Ballon d'Or Winner Since 2004

Due to his club, and national team performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he also received the Golden Ball, in December 2018, he added the Ballon d'Or to his personal tally. Modrić was the first footballer from Eastern Europe to win a Ballon d'Or after Andriy Shevchenko in 2004.

2004: Modrić signs the first contract with Mamić

In 2004, Luka Modrić signed his first contract with Zdravko Mamić.

2004: Loan to Inter Zaprešić

In 2004, Luka Modrić was loaned to Inter Zaprešić, helping the team achieve second position in the Prva HNL and winning the Croatian Football Hope of the Year award.

2005: Dinamo Zagreb Debut

In 2005, Luka Modrić debuted for Dinamo Zagreb, showcasing performances that would later lead to his transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.

2005: Return to Dinamo Zagreb

In 2005, Luka Modrić returned to Dinamo Zagreb.

2005: Signs Ten-Year Contract

In the 2005–06 season, Luka Modrić signed a ten-year contract with Dinamo Zagreb and bought a flat in Zadar for his family. He contributed 7 goals in 31 matches to help win the league.

March 2006: International Debut

In March 2006, Luka Modrić made his international debut for Croatia against Argentina.

March 2006: Full international debut for Croatia

On 1 March 2006, Luka Modrić made his full international debut for Croatia in a friendly match against Argentina in Basel, which Croatia won 3–2.

August 2006: First goal for Croatia

On 16 August 2006, Luka Modrić scored his first goal in Croatia's 2–0 friendly win over world champions Italy in Livorno.

2006: Dinamo Zagreb Won the League

In the 2006–07 season, Dinamo again won the league, with Modrić making a similar contribution.

2007: Croatian Footballer of the Year

Between 2007 and 2024, Luka Modrić has also been named Croatian Footballer of the Year a record thirteen times.

2007: Ending Messi-Ronaldo Domination

Due to his club, and national team performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he also received the Golden Ball, in December 2018, 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: Transfer Fee

In 2007, Luka Modrić agreed to transfer terms with Tottenham Hotspur and signed a six-year contract for £16.5 million, equalling the club's record fee set by Darren Bent's move in 2007.

2007: Ballon d'Or Award

In 2007, Luka Modrić won the Ballon d'Or, becoming the first player other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the award since 2007.

2007: UEFA Cup Qualification Attempt

In the 2007–08 season, Luka Modrić as team captain, led Dinamo's attempt to qualify for the 2007–08 UEFA Cup. Modrić converted a penalty against Ajax.

April 2008: Agreed Transfer to Tottenham Hotspur

On 26 April 2008, Luka Modrić agreed to transfer terms with Tottenham Hotspur and signed a six-year contract for £16.5 million.

June 2008: Euro 2008

In June 2008, Luka Modrić scored Croatia's first goal of Euro 2008, converting a penalty in the fourth minute of their 1–0 victory against hosts Austria, becoming the team's youngest ever goalscorer at the European Championships. At the end of the competition, Modrić was included in the UEFA Team of the Tournament.

December 2008: First Goal for Tottenham

On 18 December 2008, Luka Modrić scored his first competitive goal for Tottenham in a 2–2 draw against Spartak Moscow during the UEFA Cup group stages.

2008: Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament

At Euro 2008, Luka Modrić was named in the Team of the Tournament.

2008: Youngest Goalscorer Record

In 2008, Luka Modrić held the record for the youngest goalscorer that he set in 2008.

2008: Move to Tottenham Hotspur

In 2008, Luka Modrić moved to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.

2008: Scoring at European Championships

Luka Modrić scored against Austria in 2008, achieving a milestone.

January 2009: FA Cup Goal Against Wigan Athletic

In January 2009, Luka Modrić scored in a home win in the third round of the FA Cup against Wigan Athletic.

April 2009: 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: Modrić married Vanja Bosnić

In May 2010, Luka Modrić married Vanja Bosnić in a private ceremony in Zagreb, Croatia, after dating for four years.

May 2010: New Six-Year Contract

On 30 May 2010, Luka Modrić signed a new six-year contract with Tottenham that ran until 2016.

September 2010: Goal Against West Bromwich Albion

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: UEFA Champions League Qualification

In 2010, Luka Modrić led Spurs to UEFA Champions League qualification, which was the club’s first qualification in almost 50 years.

2010: Tottenham Hotspur Player of the Year

In 2010, Modrić played 32 Premier League matches, achieving high passing stats and was voted the Tottenham Hotspur Player of the Year. Sir Alex Ferguson also mentioned he would have chosen Modrić as his Player of the Year.

2010: World Cup Qualifiers Goals

In 2010, during the World Cup qualifiers, Luka Modrić scored three goals for Croatia against Kazakhstan, Andorra, and Ukraine, equaling the record held by Ivica Olić, Ivan Rakitić, and Eduardo. Despite his efforts, Croatia failed to qualify for the World Cup.

2010: Transition to Central Midfield Role

In the 2010–11 season, Luka Modrić transitioned from an attacking midfielder to a central midfield role, flourishing as a deep-lying playmaker. This adjustment allowed him to better read the game and fully utilize his creativity.

January 2011: Praise From Redknapp

After a draw against Manchester United at White Hart Lane in January 2011, Harry Redknapp praised Luka Modrić.

2011: Premier League Midfielder Rankings

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 bids for Modrić

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 and refused to play in Tottenham's opening match, ultimately staying with Tottenham after Chelsea's £40 million offer 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. On January 31, he assisted the first goal and scored the second in a 3-1 win against Wigan Athletic. He was also included in "Team of the Week" for the third time that season.

August 2012: Transfer to Real Madrid

On August 27, 2012, Real Madrid announced an agreement with Tottenham for Modrić's transfer for approximately £30 million. He signed a five-year contract. On August 29, he debuted against Barcelona in the Supercopa de España, winning his first trophy with the club. However, he initially struggled due to lack of pre-season training.

2012: UEFA Euro 2012 Participation

In 2012, Luka Modrić participated in all of Croatia's UEFA Euro qualifying matches, scoring a goal against Israel. He then started in all three of Croatia's group stage matches against the Republic of Ireland, Italy, and Spain. Despite a notable performance against Spain, Croatia did not advance from the group stage.

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 Sergio Ramos in El Clásico, contributing to a Real Madrid victory. He also scored a crucial goal against Manchester United in the Champions League, marking a turning point in his Real Madrid career. Furthermore, he scored against Mallorca. From March 2013, Modrić's form improved, becoming the player with the most passes completed in his team.

2013: Key Player for Real Madrid

In 2013, with the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti, Modrić became a frequent starter, showcasing passing accuracy and ball recoveries. He scored his first goal of the 2013-14 season in the Champions League against Copenhagen and won the 2013–14 Copa del Rey.

2013: Champions League Title

In his second season, 2013, Luka Modrić won the Champions League title and was named in the squad of the season.

2013: Tackles and Passes

In the first half of the 2013–14 season, Luka 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.

August 2014: New Contract with Real Madrid

In August 2014, Modrić signed a new contract with Real Madrid, committing to stay until 2018. He partnered with Toni Kroos and assisted twice for Bale.

2014: 2014 World Cup

In 2014, Luka Modrić and the Croatian team qualified for the World Cup, entering Group A with Brazil, Mexico, and Cameroon. During the opening match against Brazil, which they lost 3–1, Modrić sustained a minor foot injury. Although Croatia won 4–0 against Cameroon in the second match, they did not progress to the knockout stage after losing 3–1 to Mexico.

2014: Passing Accuracy

In 2014, Luka Modrić had the highest passing accuracy in La Liga (90%), also the highest of any midfielder in Europe's top five leagues. For all of 2014, Modrić's dribble attempts (75) at a success rate of 76% were second in Europe's top five leagues.

March 2015: Return from Thigh Injury

In early March 2015, Modrić returned from a thigh injury sustained in late November, starting in seven matches and regaining his form. However, he later strained ligaments in his right knee in April, impacting Real Madrid's performance.

March 2015: First time as Croatia Captain

On 3 March 2015, Luka Modrić captained Croatia for the first time in an away draw against Azerbaijan.

2015: Defensive Responsibility

During the 2015–16 season, almost all players above him were either forwards or attacking midfielders with no defensive responsibilities.

2015: Champions League Titles

From 2015, Luka Modrić was a key member of Madrid’s three consecutive Champions League titles from 2015–16 to 2017–18, and was named into the squad of the season each time.

2015: Champions League and La Liga Team of the Season

In 2015, Modrić was a regular in the starting line-up when Real Madrid won the 2015–16 Champions League. 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 FIFPro World XI.

2015: Key Midfield Player

In 2015, under Rafael Benítez, Modrić remained a key midfield player for Real Madrid. He sustained a groin injury during an international match in October but recovered in time for a match against Paris Saint-Germain.

January 2016: Relationship with Zinedine Zidane

In January 2016, with the arrival of Zinedine Zidane as manager, Modrić's importance grew, being described as the "master of the game". On February 7, he scored a winning goal against Granada.

October 2016: New Contract with Real Madrid

On October 18, 2016, Modrić signed a new contract with Real Madrid, committing to the club until 2020. He missed eight matches due to a left knee injury, returning in early November.

2016: Zidane Takes Over

In 2016, After Zinedine Zidane took over Madrid, Modrić was a key member of Madrid’s three consecutive Champions League titles.

2016: Real Madrid Won La Liga

In 2016, 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.

2016: Zidane predicts Modrić would win Ballon d'Or

In 2016, Zinedine Zidane included Luka Modrić in his best XI currently playing and predicted that Modrić would win the Ballon d'Or award.

2016: Euro 2016 Match-Winning Goal

In 2016, during the Euro 2016 tournament, Luka Modrić scored the match-winning goal in Croatia's opening group stage match against Turkey. He was named Man of the Match. A muscle injury forced Modrić to miss the crucial fixture against Spain. Croatia lost to Portugal 0–1 in extra-time in the round of 16.

2016: New Six-Year Contract

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, Modrić played his 200th match for Real Madrid in a 2–1 win over Real Betis.

2017: Champions League Titles

From 2017, Luka Modrić was a key member of Madrid’s three consecutive Champions League titles from 2015–16 to 2017–18, and was named into the squad of the season each time.

2017: Modrić donates to autism association in Zadar

In 2017, Luka Modrić made a substantial donation to the autism association from Zadar.

2017: Modrić stated he signed the annexe clause of the contract ten years earlier

In 2017, Luka Modrić stated that he signed the annexe clause of the contract ten years earlier.

2017: Inherited number 10 jersey

With the departure of James Rodríguez to Bayern Munich, Modrić inherited the team's coveted number 10 jersey for the new 2017–18 season, replacing his previous number 19 jersey.

January 2018: Inclusion in UEFA Team of the Year

In January 2018, Modrić was included in the UEFA Team of the Year (2017) for the second time.

March 2018: Modrić called as a witness in Mamić's trial

In March 2018, Luka Modrić was called as a witness in the embezzlement and tax evasion trial against Zdravko Mamić, a former Dinamo Zagreb executive.

August 2018: Lopetegui arrival and Modrić's return

In August 2018, with the arrival of new manager Julen Lopetegui, Luka 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.

November 2018: UEFA Nations League

In November 2018, Luka Modrić took part in a 2-1 defeat against England at the Wembley Stadium during the UEFA Nations League.

December 2018: Perjury charge against Modrić rejected by Croatian courts

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 new team captain for Croatia's World Cup qualifying campaign following Darijo Srna's retirement. After a series of compromised qualifications, coach Ante Čačić was replaced by Zlatko Dalić. Modrić scored a penalty in the victory over Greece, securing Croatia's place in the World Cup.

2018: World Cup Golden Ball

In 2018, Luka Modrić led Croatia to the World Cup final, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. He was also named the BTA Best Balkan Athlete of the Year for 2018.

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.

2018: Awards and Recognition

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. He was the first Croatian to win these awards. He was also included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI and won the IFFHS World's Best Playmaker award.

2018: New Contract Until 2018

In August 2014, Modrić signed a new contract with Real Madrid until 2018.

January 2019: Scoring in consecutive league games

In January 2019, Luka Modrić scored in two consecutive league games for Real Madrid, first in a 1–2 away win against Real Betis and then in a 2–0 home win against Sevilla. Also in January 2019 he was included in the UEFA Team of the Year (2018) for the third time in his career.

March 2019: Modrić appears on Hrvatska pošta postage stamp

In March 2019, Luka Modrić was honored by appearing on a Hrvatska pošta postage stamp. Croatian universities published graduation theses researching how his recognition helped Croatia's nation branding and the national football team's recognition.

August 2019: Seventh anniversary of signing with Real Madrid

On 27 August 2019, it was the seventh anniversary of Luka Modrić's signing with Real Madrid. Modrić stated that he wanted to "recapture his best form this season".

2019: Modrić released his autobiography Moja igra (My Game)

In 2019, Luka Modrić released his autobiography, "Moja igra (My Game)", co-written by Robert Matteoni, focusing on his childhood, war experiences, and football career development.

2019: Golden Foot Award

In 2019, Luka Modrić was awarded the Golden Foot award for career results and personality.

January 2020: Scoring the 100th career goal

On 8 January 2020, Luka Modrić scored his fifth goal of the season and 100th career goal in a 3–1 victory against Valencia in the semi-finals of 2019–20 Supercopa de España. On 12 January 2020, he successfully converted a penalty in a shootout as Real Madrid beat Atlético 4–1 on penalties in the final.

October 2020: Scoring in Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk

On 21 October 2020, Luka Modrić scored his first goal of the 2020–21 season in a Champions League 3–2 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk, becoming the fourth player to score in the competition aged 35 or more for the club. Three days later, in October 2020, he scored his first Clásico goal as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 3–1.

2020: Euro 2020 Qualifying Goals

During the Euro 2020 qualifying rounds, Luka Modrić scored two goals as Croatia topped the group and qualified for the tournament, which was then postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Modrić founded real estate company Modrić Family SL in Madrid

In 2020, Luka Modrić founded a real estate company named Modrić Family SL in Madrid.

2020: UEFA Euro 2020

In 2020, despite Croatia's poor showings in their first two group stage games, Luka Modrić was named the Man of the Match in the second one, a 1–1 draw with the Czech Republic on 18 June. Four days later, in the 3–1 victory over Scotland, with a trivela he scored Croatia's second goal and provided Ivan Perišić with an assist for the third goal as Croatia progressed to the round of 16.

2020: Modrić donated €100,000 for purchase of a mobile X-ray machine

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: Most Capped Player

In March 2021, Luka Modrić became the country's most capped player.

March 2021: Equalling and Surpassing Srna's Record

On 24 March 2021, Luka Modrić equalled Darijo Srna as the most capped player in Croatian national team history. Three days later, in a World Cup qualifying victory over Cyprus, he surpassed Srna's record.

May 2021: Contract Extension with Real Madrid

On 25 May 2021, Luka Modrić extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2022.

October 2021: 400th game for Real Madrid

On 24 October 2021, during the 2021–22 season, Luka Modrić played his 400th game for Real Madrid in a 2–1 Clásico victory.

December 2021: 100th Champions League game

On 7 December 2021, Luka Modrić played his 100th Champions League game and was named Man of the Match in a 2–0 victory over Inter Milan.

2021: Contract Ensuring Stay

In 2018, winning the trophy triggered a clause in Modrić's contract, ensuring his stay at the club until 2021.

January 2022: Supercopa de España Final

On 16 January 2022, Luka Modrić scored the first goal in the 2022 Supercopa de España Final and was named Man of the Match, as Real Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao 2–0. The goal made him the oldest goalscorer in the history of the competition.

June 2022: Nations League Win Against France

On 13 June 2022, Luka Modrić scored a penalty in a 1–0 away win over France in the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League A. It was Croatia's first ever win against France.

June 2022: Contract renewed until 2023

On 8 June 2022, Luka Modrić renewed his contract with Real Madrid until 2023.

August 2022: First goal and assist of the season

On 20 August 2022, Luka Modrić landed his first goal and assist of the season in a 4–1 away victory over Celta Vigo in a La Liga fixture.

2022: World Cup Bronze Ball

At the 2022 World Cup, Luka Modrić led the team to a third-place finish, winning the Bronze Ball as the tournament’s third best player.

2022: Release of Captains Docuseries

In 2022, FIFA released Captains, an eight-part sports docuseries produced by Fulwell 73, following six national team captains in their respective 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns. Luka Modrić, representing Croatia, starred in the first season. It was released by Netflix and also shown on FIFA+'s streaming platform.

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2022: Modrić invested in Croatian-American startup company Sportening

In 2022, Luka Modrić invested in the Croatian-American startup company Sportening.

2022: World Cup Qualifying Appearances

Throughout the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, Luka Modrić made seven appearances, scoring three goals and assisting twice.

February 2023: Inclusion in FIFA FIFPro World XI

In February 2023, Luka Modrić was included for the sixth time in the FIFA FIFPro World XI.

March 2023: Oldest Player for Croatia

On 25 March 2023, in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Wales, Luka Modrić became the oldest player ever to play a game for Croatia, aged 37 years, 6 months and 16 days, surpassing Dražen Ladić's record set in 1999.

June 2023: UEFA Nations League Semi-Final Victory

On 14 June 2023, Luka Modrić led Croatia to victory over the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals, where he was named Man of the Match. Croatia eventually lost to Spain in the final.

2023: 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals

In 2023, Luka Modrić helped the team advance to the 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals.

April 2024: Oldest Real Madrid player in Champions League

On 30 April 2024, Luka Modrić became the oldest Real Madrid player to make an appearance in the Champions League, at the age of 38 years and 234 days.

May 2024: Inclusion in the UEFA Euro 2024 Squad

On 20 May 2024, Luka Modrić was included in the final squad for the UEFA Euro 2024. He became one of only three players to feature in five European Championships.

July 2024: Contract extended until 2025 and becoming captain

On 17 July 2024, Luka Modrić extended his contract until 2025 and became captain of the team following the departure of Nacho.

2024: Participating in UEFA Euro

From 2008 to 2024, Luka Modrić has anchored Croatia's "second Golden Generation", participating in every UEFA Euro from 2008.

2024: UEFA Nations League Quarter-Finals

In March 2025, Luka Modrić captained Croatia against France at the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, which they ultimately lost on penalties.

2024: UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match

January 2025: Scoring first goal of the season and joining top ten on all-time appearances

On 3 January 2025, Luka Modrić scored his first goal of the 2024–25 season during a 2–1 away victory over Valencia, and became the oldest player to score for Real Madrid in all competitions. Additionally, in January 2025, he made his 561st appearance for the club, joining the top ten on Real Madrid's all-time appearances list.

March 2025: UEFA Nations League Quarter-Finals

In March 2025, Luka Modrić captained Croatia against France at the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, which they ultimately lost on penalties.

April 2025: Modrić becomes minority co-owner of Swansea City

In April 2025, Luka Modrić became a minority co-owner of the Welsh football club Swansea City.

May 2025: Leaving Real Madrid after 13 years

On 22 May 2025, it was announced that Luka Modrić would leave Real Madrid after 13 years at the club, following the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. On 24 May 2025 he played his last home game with the club at the Santiago Bernabéu .