He has won the Champions League in each of the last three seasons. He also led his beloved Croatia to the Final of the World Cup in the summer. Enter Luka Modric. The Real Madrid and Croatia star has thus put an end to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's 10-year dominance in the competition for being named the number one soccer star on the planet.
It is as well that Modric finally received the ultimate recognition and secured his place in history when he received the 2018 Ballon d'Or.
The impish midfielder won the Golden Ball for his performances in Russia and then claimed the FIFA 'Best' prize in late summer. However, this trophy, created by France Football and first presented to Sir Stanley Matthews in 1956 has now put the seal on his superlative efforts.
The playmaker lifts the Champions League trophy after winning it for a third consecutive season with Real Madrid in May
Hear Modric, after being awarded the Ballon d'Or :
'I have such sensational emotions that I can't really describe. When I was a kid, the dream was to play for big clubs and win trophies.
'The Ballon d'Or was more than a dream. I simply cannot believe it. For all my career, I have tried to work hard and have persistence. In the tough moments, you have to show your courage and I always said the best things do not come easy. To achieve all this, it has not been easy.
'But sooner or later, you get an opportunity and when it comes, you have to be ready to take it. I am still trying to take it on board that I have won this and become part of a group that belongs to history. It is a unique feeling.'
Modric also played an instrumental role to help Croatia reach the final of the World Cup in Russia
