Luka Modric led Croatia to the their first ever FIFA World Cup final not long ago. Despite the heart-breaking defeat, Modric won the World Cup Golden Ball. Since then, rumours of him getting the prestigious Ballon d’Or started. The Croatian may not have the Ballon d’Or trophy in his cabinet yet, but he has been awarded UEFA Men’s Player of the year.
With that he has entered the exclusive list of players who have won both the awards in the same year. After 30 years, something like this has happened in football world. Brazillian legend Ronaldo won the award in 1998. Coincidentally, both Croatia and Brazil lost to France in the respective World Cup events.
The 32-year-old played more minutes than anyone else in the World Cup. To everyone’s surprise the Los Blancos midfielder ran over a mind-boggling 40 miles in the tournament.
The Croatian’s stamina was such that he did not falter against England in the semi-final where he stood on the ground for more than 120 minutes leading them to victory.
He also lifted Champions League 2018 trophy for Real Madrid. After winning the award, he also dismissed the transfer rumours, he said,
“Was I close to leaving Real Madrid? No. I’m at the best club in the world – where I want to be. I want to continue working and doing things well like I’ve done in the last 6 years at Real Madrid.”
@lukamodric10, UEFA Men’s Player of the Year 2017/18! #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/Fx3FMP18Gx
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) August 30, 2018
While there were fans who were overwhelmed by Modric’s recent achievements, others questioned him winning the award ahead of former Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo. Here are a few reactions:
If any “Real Madrid C.F. Fan” is upset at Luka Modrić winning it then please understand that you’re not actually a Madrid fan, but a Cristiano Ronaldo one.
— Real Madrid Pakistan (@RealMadridPST) August 30, 2018
Are you having a bad week? Feel anything you invest in is underappreciated? Just remember when Mourinho signed Luka Modric at Real Madrid it was considered the worst signing in Real Madrid history. Yesterday he just won European best player. Give it time your investment will blow
— Babaca (@RealBabaca_) August 31, 2018
Friendly reminder that Luka Modrić has won more individual awards than Xavi Hernandez.
— Ryan. (@Rygista) August 30, 2018
WHO’S THE GOAT NOW?
In 1990, as a five-year old, Luka Modric was herding goats. This is him in a documentary shot in Croatia . pic.twitter.com/JjpeLajCJl
— FARPost (@FarPostSA) August 30, 2018
I hope Cristiano Ronaldo wins Fifa Best award and Luka Modric wins Ballon Dor. I just want this that’s all. Not even the awards switched, I want it the exact same way as I said pls Allah
— Rk (@RkFutbol) August 31, 2018
Jorge Mendes (Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent) on Luka Modric winning UEFA player of the year:
“Football is played on the field and that’s where Cristiano won. It’s ridiculous, shameful. The winner is not in doubt, as Ronaldo is the best in his position.” pic.twitter.com/N4hz5uhwSw
— 888sport (@888sport) August 30, 2018
It’s a Scandal…If we count the performances of world cup then surely @lukamodric10 was deserving. But if you are not considering the world cup matches which belongs to FIFA, the best player under UEFA competition was undoubtedly @Cristiano. #UEFAawards #modric #cr7 #poty (1/2)
— Prashant Ranjan (@prashanjant) August 31, 2018
This IS FOR ALL OF YOU WHO DONT SUPPORT LUKA MODRIC, YOUR OWN PLAYER https://t.co/U5wljrT5ny
— The Godmother (@Shlerooo) August 30, 2018
Luka Modrić winning the Ballon D’Or in CR7/Messi era would be peak considering even the likes of Xavi, Iniesta couldn’t do it.
On top of that a bonus, it’s going to be a Real Madrid player too
— Ryan. (@Rygista) August 31, 2018
Florentino Perez (Real Madrid President) just prove to Cr7 and the rest of the world today the influence he has over UEFA and FIFA by making sure Luka Modric win UEFA best player ahead of CR7.
Let’s be truthful, do u think Luka Modric will have won if CR7 was still in Madrid?— Sirnucy (@IamSan10) August 30, 2018
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