Luka Modric, the Croatian midfielder, currently plays for AC Milan after joining the Italian club in July 2025. He also captains the Croatia national team, a role he has held for several years. His move to Milan ended a 13-year stint at Real Madrid, where he became one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.
- Modric is one of the most decorated midfielders of his generation, with 6 UEFA Champions League titles at Real Madrid.
- He won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, becoming the first Croatian and breaking the decade-long Messi/Ronaldo dominance.
- At age 40 (born 9 September 1985), he continues to perform at the highest level for AC Milan and Croatia.
- His transfer from Tottenham to Real Madrid in 2012 was reported at €35 million plus €7 million in bonuses.
- He has won 28 trophies with Real Madrid, making him the most decorated player in the club’s history.
- Modric led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, their best performance ever.
- His jersey number at Milan is 14, while he wears number 10 for Croatia.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Luka Modrić |
| Date of Birth | 9 September 1985 (age 40) |
| Place of Birth | Zadar, Croatia (then Yugoslavia) |
| Height | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Position | Central Midfielder |
| Jersey Number | 14 (AC Milan), 10 (Croatia) |
| Current Club | AC Milan (since July 2025) |
| National Team | Croatia (captain, 170+ caps) |
| Ballon d’Or | Winner 2018 |
| Spouse | Vanja Bosnić (married 2010) |
| Children | Three (son Ivano, daughters Ema and Sofia) |
Luka Modric’s Ballon d’Or and Major Achievements
Modric’s 2018 Ballon d’Or win capped a remarkable year. He helped Real Madrid win their third consecutive Champions League title and led Croatia to the World Cup final, earning the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. Real Madrid’s official site noted he also won the FIFA/The Best award and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year that season.
Modric is one of only two players to win the Ballon d’Or while at Real Madrid in the post-2008 era, breaking the Messi-Ronaldo streak. He also remains the only Croatian to ever receive the award.
His trophy collection at Real Madrid includes 6 UEFA Champions League titles, 4 La Liga titles, 5 UEFA Super Cups, 5 FIFA Club World Cups/Intercontinental Cups, and multiple domestic cups. After winning the 2024 UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup, he became the club’s most decorated player with 28 trophies.
How many Champions League titles has Modric won?
He has won six Champions League titles with Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024). No other midfielder has more in the modern era.
What individual awards did he win in 2018?
Besides the Ballon d’Or, he received the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball, FIFA/The Best Men’s Player, and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year awards.
Luka Modric: Age, Height, and Jersey Number
At 40 years old, Modric remains a regular starter for both club and country. He was born on 9 September 1985 in Zadar, Croatia. His height is 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in), typical for a central midfielder who relies on agility and vision.
His jersey number has varied: he wore 19 at Tottenham Hotspur, 10 at Real Madrid and Croatia, and now 14 at AC Milan. The change at Milan reflects the club’s tradition and availability.
Luka Modric’s Personal Life: Wife and Children
Modric is married to Vanja Bosnić, a former football agent. The couple tied the knot in 2010 in a private ceremony in Zagreb. They have three children: a son named Ivano and two daughters, Ema and Sofia. The family maintains a relatively low profile, though Modric occasionally shares moments on social media.
The information about Modric’s family comes from public interviews and media reports. No official family statements have been released beyond these details.
Luka Modric Career Timeline
- 2003–2008 – Professional debut at Dinamo Zagreb (loans to Zrinjski Mostar and Inter Zaprešić), winning 3 league titles and 2 Croatian Cups.
- 2008 – Transferred to Tottenham Hotspur for around €20 million.
- 2012 – Joined Real Madrid for €35 million plus €7 million in bonuses.
- 2014 – Won his first Champions League (La Décima).
- 2016–2018 – Three consecutive Champions League titles.
- 2018 – Led Croatia to World Cup final and won the Ballon d’Or.
- 2022 – Fifth Champions League title (14th for Real Madrid).
- 2024 – Sixth Champions League title (15th for Real Madrid).
- 2025 – Joined AC Milan as a free agent in July.
- 2026 – Donated his Ballon d’Or to the Milan museum for public display.
Current Club Status: Clarifying the Confusion
Some sources, including older Wikipedia entries, listed Real Madrid as Modric’s club through early 2025. However, multiple credible reports from AC Milan’s official site, Foot Mercato, and Ouest-France confirm he joined Milan in July 2025. The Ballon d’Or display at the Milan museum in March 2026 further solidifies his association with the club. The uncertainty likely arose because the transfer was not widely anticipated, and some databases lagged in updates.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Modric joined AC Milan in July 2025. | The exact transfer fee (if any) for the Milan move has not been disclosed. |
| He is the most decorated Real Madrid player with 28 trophies. | Whether he will play beyond the 2025-26 season is uncertain. |
| He won the Ballon d’Or in 2018. | His long-term role on the Croatian national team after the 2026 World Cup is unknown. |
Why Modric’s 2018 Ballon d’Or Still Matters
Modric’s Ballon d’Or win in 2018 was historic: it was the first time in a decade that neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo won the award. It also validated the role of the midfield playmaker in an era dominated by forwards. For Croatia, it cemented his status as the nation’s greatest footballer, a player who carried his country to the World Cup final. The trophy’s display at the AC Milan museum underscores its enduring significance—not just for Modric, but for football history.
What the Sources Say About Luka Modric
“A world football legend with 6 European Cups.”
– Real Madrid Official Website
“Luka Modric winner of the 2018 Ballon d’Or.”
– FIFA.com
“Croatian professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for AC Milan and captains the Croatia national team.”
– Wikipedia (updated 2025)
What to Expect Next for Luka Modric
Modric will likely continue with AC Milan through the 2025-26 season, with his focus on the club’s Serie A and Champions League campaigns. Internationally, he may lead Croatia in the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, potentially retiring from international duty after that tournament. No official retirement or contract extension announcements have been made as of early 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luka Modric
Is Luka Modric leaving Real Madrid?
As of July 2025, he left Real Madrid to join AC Milan. No further moves are expected in the immediate future.
How many Ballon d’Ors has Luka Modric won?
He has won one Ballon d’Or (2018). He finished 2nd in 2017 and 7th in 2016.
What trophies has Luka Modric won with Croatia?
He led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final (silver) and third place in 2022. No major international trophies.
What is Luka Modric’s net worth?
Estimated at $50–70 million, based on his Real Madrid earnings and endorsements (not sourced in this article).
Does Luka Modric have a YouTube channel?
No official YouTube channel; his social media presence is mainly on Instagram (@lukamodric10) and Facebook.
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Adam Pryor is Managing Editor at StoryNative.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and newsroom workflow.