Luka Modric is arguably the most renowned living Croat, a global icon whose brilliance on the football field has inspired millions of children worldwide, many of whom don the Croatian number 10 replica jersey in tribute. However, the illustrious career of Luka Modric and the international acclaim he enjoys stand in stark contrast to his modest beginnings in Zadar, where he grew up simply wanting to play football

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

He is a global celebrity who is arguably the most well-known Croat still alive. His prowess on the football field has inspired millions of young people throughout the globe, many of whom show their support by sporting replica Croatian number 10 shirts. Luka Modric’s renowned profession and large family, nevertheless, are a far cry from his very lowly beginnings in Zadar as a young child who yearned to play football.

During the 2018 World Cup, a video of five-year-old Luka Modric caring for goats in the hills above Zadar went viral. It gave insight into a world very different from the captain of Croatia’s childhood.

As we prepare to see Croatia play again, maybe with greater success this time, let’s look back at the thoughts of those who knew young Luka Modric in his youth. Before the waš claimed their lives and forced them to leave the nation, everything started out wonderfully in the Zadar hinterland, under the careful observation of his grandfather.