Luka Modric, Croatia’s most capped player, will captain the national side into the 2026 World Cup opener against England. The 40‑year‑old midfielder, who has amassed 198 caps, carries a legacy forged in a country that survived war and built a footballing identity.

Modric’s journey began in 2006 amid post‑war upheaval. A teenage figure in Dinamo Zagreb’s academy, he survived displacement and a year of national service, traits that shaped his resilience. Coach Romeo Jozak recalls Modric’s early struggles, from hair‑cutting disputes to loan spells in Bosnia and Croatia.

At Real Madrid, Modric secured six Champions League titles and a Ballon d’Or, while his leadership guided Croatia to a 2018 World Cup final and third‑place finish in 2022. His experience now underpins a squad featuring Dinamo products like Josko Gvardiol.

Croatia’s continued success hinges on Modric’s veteran presence and the depth of talent honed under Jozak’s system. The national team’s entry into 2026 signals a new chapter built on perseverance and skill.