Luka Modric earns 200th Croatia cap to join elite international club
Luka Modric has become only the fourth male player in football history to reach 200 international appearances after starting for Croatia in their narrow World Cup victory over Panama on Tuesday.
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner joins an exclusive club alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kuwait’s Bader al-Mutawa.
The veteran midfielder achieved the landmark during a crucial Group L fixture in Dallas.
Enduring class on the global stage
Doubts had briefly surfaced over his international future following a substitution during his nation’s opening defeat by England.
However, the former Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur playmaker responded with an accomplished performance against Panama to guide his team to victory.
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic praised his captain’s character and lasting impact on the national setup.
“It could be that Luka might want to avoid all of this, that this would not be happening all around him,” said Dalic.
“He’s very humble, he’s very simple and he’s not for major celebrations, but I am very glad that we marked this occasion.”
A golden era for Croatian football
The midfield maestro has been the driving force behind unprecedented success for his country over the past decade.
Alongside Dalic, he famously led the European side to a World Cup final in 2018 before securing a third-place finish in Qatar four years later.
Ahead of the milestone match, the manager emphasised the importance of having such a seasoned professional guiding the next generation.
“He is the captain of our team, my right-hand man on the pitch and it means a great deal to our team,” Dalic added.
“We have young players and they should be happy to have Luka next to them, as he shows them how to work and fight for the Croatian shirt.”
Overcoming early career doubts
The 40-year-old’s longevity stands in stark contrast to the initial skepticism he faced during his early days in Europe’s top leagues.
After struggling to find his rhythm immediately following a move to English football in 2008, his relentless work ethic quickly turned opinions around.
A similar pattern emerged in Spain, where a fan poll notoriously labelled him as the worst signing of 2012 before he embarked on a glittering 13-season spell in the capital.
Today, he is widely recognised by his peers as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, with England’s Jude Bellingham recently describing him as “the one and only.”
