Luka Modric is a Croatian football legend who has achieved incredible success in his career despite a difficult start in life. Born in 1985 in the small village of Modrici in Croatia, Modric was just six years old when his grandfather was shot dead during the Croatian War of Independence. His family was forced to flee their home and take refuge in the nearby city of Zadar.
Modric’s family was poor and his father, Stipe, worked as a mechanic to support them. Despite the difficult circumstances, Modric’s parents encouraged him to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer. He joined the local football club NK Zadar and quickly made a name for himself as a talented young player.
At the age of 16, Modric was signed by Dinamo Zagreb, one of the biggest clubs in Croatia. He quickly established himself as a key player in the team and was soon being scouted by some of Europe’s top clubs. In 2008, he signed for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League and quickly became a fan favourite.
Modric’s time at Tottenham was hugely successful. He was named the club’s Player of the Year in 2010 and 2011 and was also named in the PFA Team of the Year in both of those seasons. In 2012, he was named in the UEFA Team of the Year and was also voted the Croatian Footballer of the Year.
In 2013, Modric moved to Real Madrid, where he has continued to excel. He has won four Champions League titles, four Club World Cups, and two La Liga titles with the Spanish giants. He has also been named in the UEFA Team of the Year four times and was named the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, becoming the first Croatian player to win the award.
Modric’s success on the pitch has been matched by his success off it. He is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has been involved in numerous charitable initiatives. He has also been awarded the Order of Danica Hrvatska, the highest honour in Croatia, for his services to the country.
Modric’s story is an inspiring one. Despite the tragedy of his grandfather’s death and his family’s displacement, he has gone on to become one of the greatest footballers of his generation. He is an icon in Croatia and an inspiration to millions of people around the world.