Croatian football icon celebrates 41st birthday

Croatia celebrates the 41st birthday of a footballer who has become synonymous with the country’s greatest achievements - Luka Modrić.

Born in Zadar in 1985, Modrić has spent more than two decades at the very highest level, establishing himself as one of the finest midfielders of his generation.

For Croatia, he has been the heartbeat and the leader of the national team. He captained the team to their first-ever World Cup final in 2018, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. Four years later, he helped Croatia reach another World Cup semi-final and secure a second bronze medal.

Modrić has also led Croatia to the Nations League final, and in 2026 he became the first Croatian to surpass 200 international appearances.

At Real Madrid, where he spent 13 seasons, Modrić won six Champions League titles, four La Liga crowns and a total of 28 major trophies - more than any other player in the club’s history. In 2018, he capped that remarkable era by winning the Ballon d’Or, breaking the decade-long dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Now, at 41, Modrić is writing another chapter at AC Milan. He has already become an important figure in the Rossoneri midfield, and Milan have extended his contract through June 2027.

Luka Modrić’s career - which is already a remarkable story of longevity, leadership and success - is still being written.