Luka Modric's glorious 2018 received the ultimate recognition – and secured his place in history – when he received the Ballon d'Or.
This prize has been the property of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for the past 10 years but two vacant seats on the front row showed that, disappointingly, neither had accepted the invitation to be at the decadent Grand Palais in Paris for what was a glitzy ceremony
Modric – the first 'new' winner since Brazil great Kaka in 2007 – has had an exceptional 12 months. He was instrumental in helping his club, Real Madrid, win a third consecutive Champions League in May and then became the heartbeat in the Croatia team that reached the World Cup final.
'I have such sensational emotions that I can't really describe,' said Modric.'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.'
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