Luka Modrić

Luka Modrić is a Croatian central midfielder who uses movement and passing to make pressure work against the opposition. He comes towards the ball to draw a marker out, then finds a team-mate running into the space behind. A quick lay-off, a first-time flick or a pause on the ball can each open a different route forward.

His use of the outside of his right foot is part of that problem-solving. It can send the ball around a pressing opponent, as Croatia demonstrated at the 2022 World Cup. An outside-foot cross also found Rodrygo against Chelsea in April 2022, helping Real Madrid force extra time in their Champions League quarter-final.

Modrić developed through Dinamo Zagreb's youth system and loans at Zrinjski Mostar and Inter Zaprešić. He then helped Dinamo win three successive Croatian league titles before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in 2008.

At Tottenham, Harry Redknapp gave him greater freedom in central midfield, and Modrić helped the club qualify for the Champions League in 2010. His move to Real Madrid in 2012 began a 13-season spell that brought six European Cups and four Spanish league titles.

Internationally, he captained Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and received the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. He also won the Ballon d'Or in 2018. Four years later, he helped Croatia finish third at the World Cup in Qatar, adding a bronze medal to the silver from Russia.

After leaving Madrid, he joined AC Milan in July 2025. He continued his international tournament career at the 2026 World Cup, starting against Portugal when Croatia's campaign ended with a 2–1 defeat in the round of 32.

Latest stats & form

Luka Modrić currently plays for AC Milan as a central midfielder. He has represented Croatia internationally.

Statistics cover recorded official matches.