Biography
Who is Luka Modrić?
Early life
Luka Modrić was born on September 9, 1985, in Zadar, Croatia, and was raised in the hamlet of Modrići. His early childhood coincided with the Croatian War of Independence, during which his family was forced to flee the area after their home was burned down. They lived as refugees in hotels in Zadar for seven years, and football served as a way for Luka to escape the reality of war.
Despite difficult circumstances, Luka began playing football in hotel parking lots and entered a sporting academy in 1992. Supported by his family and coaches like Tomislav Bašić, he developed his football skills at NK Zadar before eventually moving on to youth systems that shaped his professional path.
Club career
Luka began his professional career with Dinamo Zagreb from 2003 to 2008, spending time on loan at HŠK Zrinjski Mostar and NK Inter Zaprešić. During his time at Zrinjski Mostar, he became the Bosnian Premier League Player of the Year at the age of eighteen. He later returned to Dinamo Zagreb, where he won multiple domestic trophies and established himself as a key player.
In 2008, Luka transferred to Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, where he helped the club secure a UEFA Champions League qualification. He later joined Real Madrid in 2012, winning numerous major titles including multiple UEFA Champions League trophies and La Liga titles. In 2025, he moved to AC Milan on a free transfer.
International career and awards
Since making his international debut in 2006, Luka has represented the Croatia national team across numerous major tournaments, including multiple UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups. He led Croatia to a second-place finish at the 2018 World Cup and a third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup, earning the tournament's Golden Ball in 2018.
His strong performances brought him numerous individual honors, culminating in the Ballon d'Or in 2018. He also received the FIFA World Player of the Year award, the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award, and was named Croatian Footballer of the Year a record fourteen times.
Birthday and age
Luka Modrić was born on September 9, 1985, which makes Luka 41 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Luka shares the date with 36 other famous people.
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