Luka Modric: Croatian Football, Childhood, and Waɾ

Luka Modric is arguably the most famous living Croat, a global superstar whose magic on the football pitch has inspired millions of kids around the world, many of whom wear the Croatian number 10 replica shirt as a sign of their devotion. But the glittering career of Luka Modric and all the global attention is a far cry from him very humble beginnings in Zadar as a child growing up and just wanting to play football

On June 18, 2024 — Luka Modric, the incredible football player from Croatia, did not have an easy or carefree upbringing. Even more astounding is how this normally modest man ascended to the top in a world dominated by violҽnce.

Perhaps the most well-known Croat alive, he is a worldwide celebrity whose skill on the football field has inspired millions of young people worldwide, many of whom display their devotion by donning a replica Croatian number 10 shirt. However, Luka Modric’s illustrious career and widespread famҽ are a far cry from his extremely modest upbringing in Zadar as a young boy who yearned to play football.

A video of five-year-old Luka Modric tending goats in the hills above Zadar surfaced during the 2018 World Cup. It provided an understanding of a world far different from the one the Croatian captain had grown up in.

As we get ready to watch Croatia play once more—ideally better this time—let’s take a look back at the opinions of individuals who knew young Luka Modric when he was younger. Everything began splendidly in the hinterland of Zadar, under the watchful eye of his grandfather, before the waɾ claimed their lives and had them flee the country.