The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Sports›Soccer›Luka Modrić
Sports • Soccer

Luka Modrić

Luka Modrić is a Croatian professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder and captains the Croatia national team.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Luka Modrić is a Croatian professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder and captains the Croatia national team. Born on 9 September 1985 in Zadar, Croatia, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. He won the Ballon d'Or in 2018 and currently plays for AC Milan.

Early life

Modrić was born in Zadar and raised in the area of Modrići near Zaton Obrovački, in present-day Croatia. His upbringing occurred during the period when Croatia was still part of Yugoslavia.

Club career

Modrić became internationally known through his club career, including a long spell at Real Madrid beginning in 2012. Real Madrid's official site notes that he became the most decorated player in the club's history. Current player profiles list him as an AC Milan midfielder.

International career

Modrić is a long-time Croatia international and has captained the national team. He is among the most capped players in international football.

Individual honours

His most prominent individual award is the 2018 Ballon d'Or. He was also named FIFA The Best in 2018.

Key facts

  • Born on 9 September 1985 in Zadar, Croatia.
  • Captains the Croatia national team.
  • Plays as a central midfielder for AC Milan.
  • Won the Ballon d'Or in 2018.
  • Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time.

Frequently asked questions

How old is Luka Modrić?
He was born on 9 September 1985, so he is 40 years old.
What team does Luka Modrić play for?
Current player listings identify him as an AC Milan midfielder.
How many Ballon d'Ors has Modrić won?
He has won one Ballon d'Or, in 2018.
Is Luka Modrić retiring?
No retirement announcement is stated in the provided sources. Current listings still identify him as an active player.
What position does Modrić play?
He plays as a central midfielder.
Where is Luka Modrić from?
He is from Zadar, Croatia.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Luka-Modric
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, and role as a Croatian football player.
  2. Soccerbase — https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=43862
    Supports: Current club listing as AC Milan, age, position, and place of birth.
  3. Real Madrid CF — https://www.realmadrid.com/en-US/news/football/first-team/latest-news/modric-cumple-39-anos-09-09-2024
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, tenure at Real Madrid, trophies, and 2018 Ballon d'Or mention.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Modri%C4%87
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, position, national team captaincy, and general biographical details.