Luca. Modric (born 9 September 1985 in Zadar, Croatia) is a Croatian footballer who plays as a midfielder nicknamed "Magic Flute" and plays for Real Madrid football club in La Liga and captains the Croatian men's national football team.
Eight years ago today, Modric joined Real Madrid. From the shepherd boy in the Balkan Peninsula to the honorary Mr. Ballon d'Or in Real Madrid, he has achieved his legendary life with perseverance.
Modric was born on 9 September 1985 in a small village in the mountains south of Zadar, Croatia, the eldest son of a family whose parents were textile factory workers. Modric's name comes from his grandfather's last name, and he also has a deep relationship with his grandfather. Six years later, with the outbreak of the Croatian War of Independence, Modric's parents had to make the decision to move their families. But his grandfather died in a struggle against the rebels. Despite the fire and smoke, Modric's love for football has never waned, and he knows that only football can help him get away from the real war.
After his hometown team Zadar NK Youth team debuted, he was signed by Dinamo Zagreb at the age of 16, and the professional football path of the Magic Flute set sail. Despite the ongoing war, Modric's parents worked hard to create a relatively peaceful environment for their children.
Recalling his childhood, Magic Flute said: "Despite many difficult moments, I still feel that my childhood was happy. I still made a lot of friends, and my parents tried their best not to let external factors hinder our growth. And I always remember those positive things, which makes me more relieved, more confident in myself, and continue to fight for my dreams. ”
On August 27, 2012, the story of Modric and Real Madrid began. At the unveiling ceremony, he took the No. 19 shirt handed by Mr. Florentino. With long flowing hair and a dexterous body, Croatian dancers are about to take the stage at the Bernabeu. Just 2 days later, he made his debut off the bench in the Western Super Cup match against Barca, and Real Madrid finally won the Western Super Cup trophy
The 11th, 12th and 13th crowns, the three consecutive Champions League titles, he has played a great role as the core of the midfield. With a nimble escape, a dashing outer instep, and a precise straight ball, the discerning fans have been completely conquered by this seemingly thin middle court, and his low-key and introverted personality and master style on the court have helped him embark on another peak of his career.
On December 4, 2018, Modric won the Ballon d'Or, breaking the decade-long monopoly of Ronaldo and Messi on the award, and after winning the championship, the magic flute said: "Everyone has a dream, my dream is to play for the giants and win the championship, and now the Ballon d'Or has far exceeded my dream." I feel very honored to win this trophy. ”
In the season when Real Madrid has just won 34 crowns in team history, Modric has a record personal high with seven assists. Greatness goes without saying, achievement speaks for itself. Modric is now 35 years old, but he is still running tirelessly for the team badge on his chest. We know that a generation will eventually grow old, but the old Croatian boy's run related to youth, dreams, glory, and fighting will slowly ferment in our hearts and will never come to an end.
Croatia defeated Scotland 3-1 at the European Championship, scoring only 1 point in the first two rounds, and finally accumulated 4 points to finish second in the group and advanced to the knockout round. The old and strong Modric (35 years old and 286 days) left us another good goal in the European Cup.
Xiao Mo, you are that immortal legend!