Early life and family background
Luka Modric was born 9. September 1985. in Zadar, in the family of Stipe and Radojka Modrić. His childhood marked Croatia of war for independence – The family lived in the village of Modrići at the foot of Velebit, but in December 1991, Serbian rebels killed grandfather Luka Modrić while tending sheep. The house was burned, so six-year-old Luka escaped with his parents in confiscated hotel Kolovare in Zadar. The hotel served as a refugee shelter, and the Modrićs spent seven years there. It was in the parking lot in front of the hotel that little Luka played football with his friends for hours; The physical education teacher testified that he stopped classes because of the alarm, but Luka would always return to the ball.
Despite the war environment, Modrić showed sports intelligence early on. In addition to football, he loved basketball and handball. NK Zadar noticed his talent, but because of his fragile stature, Hajduk Split rejected him. Coach Tomislav Bašić from NK Zadar encouraged his development and recommended him in 2000. Dinamo Zagreb. Modrić moved to Zagreb, lived in a modest apartment next to the Maksimir stadium and devoted himself to training.
Start of career and Dinamo Zagreb
Climb through loans
In 2003, Modrić signed a professional contract with Dinamo Zagreb. To gain experience, the club borrowed it:
- Zrinjski Mostar (BiH League 2003–2004) – In one of the toughest European leagues, eighteen-year-old Modrić won the award for Player of the Year of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Premier League.
- Inter Zaprešić (HNL 2004–2005) – He helped the club get to second place in the championship.
Back to Dinamo and Trophy
After returning to Dinamo, he became a key midfielder. The club won Three consecutive Croatian championship titles (2005–2008), Two Cups and Super Cup. Modric was declared twice Best player of the First HNL. Thanks to him, Dinamo made significant performances in European competitions, and with earnings from the first professional salary, Modrić bought a family’s house so that they could finally leave refugee hotels.
Tottenham Hotspur: English chapter
In April 2008. Modrić moved to 16.5 million pounds in Tottenham Hotspur. Initially, he was accompanied by a knee injury, but after moving to the position of central midfielder, he became a key creator of the game.
- season 2009/10. coach Harry Redknapp He called him “managerial dreamand extended his contract until 2016.
- Modric led Tottenham to their 1st place in the Champions League in 2010 and was declared Player of the Club of the Year for the season 2010/11.. Even Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson declared that he considers him the best player of the season in the Premier League.
Despite Chelsea’s 2011 offers, Tottenham did not sell it. In 2012, Modrić expressed his desire to step into a bigger club, which led to a transfer to Spain.
Real Madrid: Decade of Domination
Adaptation and milestone
Modrić is 27. August 2012. signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid. In the first season, he had a hard time fitting in, but the turning point was a long-range goal for Manchester United in March 2013, after which he became a standard member of the midfield.
Trophies and individual awards won
He won with Real 28 trophies, including:
- Six Champions League (2013/14, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2021/22, 2023/24),
- Six club world championships,
- Five UEFA Super Cups,
- Four La Liga titles,
- Two King’s Cups,
- Five Spanish Super Cups.
Modrić is recognized as a “maestro connection”; Known for its exceptional accuracy of passing, creativity and work without the ball. In 2018, he won Ballon Dor, becoming the first player after 2007 to break the dominance of Messi and Ronaldo. In the same year it was declared UEFA and FIFA’s best player, he won golden ball at the 2018 World Championship and was included in FIFPRO World 11.
In 2020/21. Real Madrid fans declared him the player of the season. After 13 years in Madrid, the club confirmed that at the end of the 2024/25 season. leave the club.
AC Milan: New chapter
days 14. July 2025. Modric signed for AC Milan until June 2026, with the option of an extension until 2027. In the press release, the club stated that his career was marked by 597 games and 28 goals for Real Madrid and 17 goals in 159 appearances for Tottenham. Modrić joined Milan with the desire to bring experience and leadership; He wears a jersey with number 14, the same as in Tottenham. In the 2025/26 season. Serie A made 19 appearances, scored one goal and recorded two assists.
Croatian national team
Modrić is Performed most times for the Croatian national team – By December 2025, he recorded 194 appearances and 28 hits, and since 2016 he has been a captain. He made his debut in 2006, participated in every major competition and led the team to historic successes:
- World Cup 2018 – Croatia played in the final for the first time in history, and Modrić won golden ball as the best player of the tournament.
- World Cup 2022 – Croatia won bronze, and Modrić won bronze ball.
- UEFA Nations League 2023 – The national team played in the final and won silver.
Although he will be 41 years old in September 2026, Modrić confirmed that he wants to participate in World Championship 2026.
Philanthropy and investment
Luka Modrić often helps his hometown and the community:
- donation to hospital in Zadar – During the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated HRK 790 000 HRK (over €100,000) Zadar General Hospital for the purchase of a mobile X-ray machine.
- Support for autistic children – 2017 gave his part of the promotional video Association for Autism in Zadar.
- Partnering with Swansea City – In April 2025, he became the investor and co-owner of the English second division club Swansea City, stating that he wants to help the club in developing and expanding global recognition.
private life
Luka is known for his modesty and dedication to the family. They met 2007. When is it Vanja Bosnić worked at the Mamić agency; They got married in May 2010 in Zagreb. After that, Bosnić took over the role of his representative and negotiated the transfer to Real Madrid. The couple has three children: a son Ivan (born 2010), and daughter Emu (2013) and Sofia (2017).
He is tall 1.72 m, tends around 66 kg. The media wrote about legal problems: in 2023, Croatian prosecutors again filed an indictment for perjury against Modrić and Dejan Lovren in the case related to Zdravko Mamić; The previous charge in 2018 was dismissed due to lack of evidence. The proceedings are still ongoing, and Modrić has not been convicted, so the details of the outcome are not publicly known.
Social networks and public interest
Modrić is extremely popular on social networks. His official Instagram profile @lukamodric10 there is an eye 39.1 Million followers and an engagement rate of 2.48 %. He publishes photos from training, family and humanitarian actions, which shows modesty and connection with fans.
After moving to AC Milan, the interest of the fans grew again. Many search “Luka Modrić Year”, “Luka Modrić Children” or “How tall is Luka Modrić” – an indication that the audience is also interested in private details. are also inquiring whether to play at SP‑U 2026., which is why this biography is focused on confirmed information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How old is Luka Modrić?
He was born 9. September 1985., which means that in September 2026, he will be completing 41 year. Despite his years, he still performs at a top level, and he wants to play in the 2026 World Cup.
How tall and heavy is it?
According to ESPN, it is tall 1.72 mand weighs about 66 kg.
Which clubs did he play for?
- Dinamo Zagreb (professional debut in 2003, with loans in Zrinjski and Inter).
- Tottenham Hotspur (2008–2012): Won the club’s best player title in 2010/11. and brought the team to the Champions League.
- Real Madrid (2012–2025): six Champions Leagues and 28 trophies.
- AC Milan (2025–): Signed by 2026 with the option of extension.
Who is his wife?
His wife is Vanja Bosnić, which he met in 2007; They got married in 2010 and have three children.
How many children do they have?
They have a son Ivan (b. 2010) and daughters Emu (2013) and Sofia (2017).
Will they play in the 2026 World Cup?
Modric announced that he intends to participate in World Championship 2026 If he is healthy, and he is currently the captain of the Croatian national team.
Conclusion
Luka Modrić became a symbol of perseverance – from a child who ran away with his family before the war and played football in the hotel parking lot, to the conqueror Golden balls, the captain of the national team and the icon of Real Madrid. After going to AC Milan and investing in Swansea City, he shows that even in his 40s he can be competitive. His story inspires fans around the world that with work, modesty and family loyalty, dreams can become reality.
Cover photo: Real Madrid, CC BY 3.0, Via Wikimedia Commons