"The best things never come easily"

Original article from France Football, published in 2018.

"Do you remember the first individual trophy you won?

Yes, I remember. It was exactly fifteen years ago, when I was on loan from Dinamo Zagreb to Zrinjski Mostar in Bosnia. That season, the fans voted me the team's best player. An award that highlighted the player's behavior, but also their dedication and contribution to the team. I was very young, and it was my first individual trophy.

What did you feel then?

First, happiness and pride. When you're young, this kind of award gives you confidence for the future. It motivates you to work even harder to win other awards of this kind. That trophy was really important to me.

The Ballon d'Or you're winning today, you've been waiting for it for years and you've worked incredibly hard to get it...

There's a saying: "The best things never come easily." Well, that's my motto. Tons of things prove it to me. My life is made up of struggle and a lot of hard work to achieve my goals. I've always felt that to reach a certain level, I could only get there through work, sacrifice, and fighting. It wasn't easy, but I won.

Were there many obstacles?

Quite a few, yes. And that's been the case since I was very young. But every obstacle I overcame helped me improve, as a man and as a player. I saw each obstacle as an opportunity to progress, not as a hindrance. All I know is that I came out a little stronger from each of those trials.

You once said, “When you’ve played in the Bosnian Championship, you can play anywhere.” What did that mean?

I said it somewhat jokingly, but there’s a grain of truth in that statement. At the time, that league was really tough, very physical. Playing in such a challenging environment, when I was so young (18 years old), ultimately helped me a lot. I improved physically, in terms of toughness, I mean. The referees didn’t protect you; you had to learn to protect yourself. After that, I wasn’t afraid anymore. When you’re a somewhat technical player in the Bosnian Championship, you face local players, but also Croatians and Serbs. Imagine when Croatians find themselves facing Serbs, or Serbs against Bosnians. Yes, it was really very tough. I had to learn to manage that environment. And to protect myself.

Hajduk Split didn’t want you. Arsène Wenger didn't either, at Arsenal. Did that make you doubt yourself?

No, never. But at eighteen, when I started my career, I never imagined reaching such a level, even though I dreamed of going far, of playing for big teams. The truth is, I never doubted my abilities. Hajduk Split didn't want me for various reasons. As for Mr. Wenger's rejection, I took it as another setback, another obstacle to overcome. With the desire to prove all those people wrong. Not every club can always make the right choice. That was their opinion of me at the time. At eighteen, it's always difficult to know if a young player will make it or not.

Your physique didn't help you...

Perhaps others thought that my height (1.72 m) and small stature were handicaps. Not me. That's where my experience in Bosnia came in handy. Honestly, I don't feel inferior to others athletically. I'm stronger than people think. My opponents know that: physicality is part of my game. I'm not afraid of duels or the size of my opponents.

How did you showcase your technical skills?

I can say I was lucky, because in every team I played for, the coaches appreciated my style and trusted me. I was able to be myself, to do what I do best technically. This is true for Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham, Real Madrid, and the national team.

What does this Ballon d'Or mean to you?

I'm very moved to have it. It's something unique for me. It's an honor, a source of pride, and a profound joy to win this trophy. I'm experiencing the best moment of my career, and I'm making the most of it.

At what point did you think you could win it?

There wasn't a specific moment when I thought to myself, "You can win it." It came gradually. When I won my individual awards during 2018, and especially when I saw that I was on France Football's list of 30, I started to hope. But there's one thing I'll never forget: When Zinedine Zidane became Real Madrid's coach (January 2016), he called me into his office one day after a training session. He explained how he saw me as a player and what he expected of me. He told me I was a very important player for him and, above all, that he saw me as a player who could win the Ballon d'Or one day. When someone like Zidane, with his personality and experience, tells you that, it gives you a huge confidence boost. I admired and respected him immensely when he was a player. He saw me as someone similar to him, calm and a little shy. He expected me to express myself more, to open up more. He made me a key player for the team during a period when we played exceptionally well. Zidane's words helped me to express myself further on the pitch.

After that conversation, did you start thinking about the Ballon d'Or?

(He smiles.) Yes, but despite those words, I didn't dare believe it.

When you lost the World Cup final, did you think your chances for the Ballon d'Or had vanished?

No, not especially. I leave that to others. I believe that a single match can't decide the fate of a Ballon d'Or. All the matches must be taken into account. I won't deny that after the final, I was too sad to think about the Ballon d'Or. That sadness then turned into joy when we returned to Croatia. When we saw all the jubilation, all those people in the streets, we felt like world champions.

You're the one who's breaking the hegemony of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. What does that mean to you?

It's a bit confusing. History will remember that a Croatian player, representing a small country, won the Ballon d'Or after Messi and Cristiano, who are players on a completely different level. No one has the right to compare themselves to them. They are among the best in the history of this sport. To follow them is incredible! And I'm proud of it. But I'm also realistic. I don't believe for a second that it's over for them. They are so far above everyone else. To be alongside them in the list of winners is a privilege.

You've often been compared to Johan Cruyff, who also won the Ballon d'Or in 1974 after losing a World Cup final...

Here too, comparing myself to Cruyff is a huge honor. He was an incredible player, then a tremendous coach whose every word carried enormous weight. His words often had a big impact because he was an inventor of football. If I wore the number 14, at Tottenham and for the national team, it was in homage to him. And also because number 10 wasn't available.

Who are your role models?

My only role model, as a player and as a person, is Zvonimir Boban. I was thirteen when he took Croatia to the semi-finals of the 1998 World Cup. We lost to France. Already... (Smiles.) So, Boban was a source of inspiration for me. One day, when I was struggling a bit at Tottenham, I received a message that said: "You can call me if you want. Signed, Zvon." I thought it was a joke from one of my friends. I called anyway. It really was Zvon. Our conversation gave me a real boost. Because it came from someone I admired, who impressed me as much by his past as by his humility.

Many people ask: what is your true position on the pitch?

Central midfielder. But not too far forward, not as a number 10. I like being able to organize and manage the connection between defense and attack, to be the leader of the game.

A bit like Andrea Pirlo?

Exactly. Even if some coaches play me a bit further up, on the right or left, I like being central, in the middle of everyone. That said, I like my current position at Real Madrid, on the right wing. Because there's a lot of rotation.

In fact, you're much more physical than people think, especially in winning back possession...

That's also part of my game, it's true. In today's football, only looking forward is no longer possible. Unless you're Messi or Cristiano. Everyone else has to defend. I mean everyone else!

Nothing has been easy in your career, including your beginnings at Real Madrid...

Difficulty has been the story of my whole life! In every team I've played for, I've raised doubts and had to prove myself every time. Everywhere. Including with the national team. I've had to endure criticism, doubts, suspicions, and questions. But all these uncertainties surrounding my game made me stronger. It motivated me. To prove others wrong. Because deep down, I always knew I was going to succeed.

How important were your coaches to this success?

All the coaches were important to me. Some more than others, but they all played a role, contributed something, from a very young age. Today, it would be difficult, and above all unfair, to single one out more than another. I can only thank them all.

Isn't there one who made a bigger impression on you?

If I had to name one, it would be Tomislav Basic (the head of the academy in Zadar). When I was little, few people believed in me. He saw something that no one else saw. He believed I could become one of the best players in the world. I have proof of what I'm saying. There are videos where he says this. He meant a lot to me, right at the beginning. The discussions we had profoundly affected me. He was the catalyst.

You have a beautiful shot. Why don't you shoot more often?

Good question. I don't know. My playing style is first and foremost a way of thinking. And the first thing I think about when I play is how I'm going to set up a teammate in a good position. That's fundamental for me. I always think about the pass before the shot. Many coaches have asked me to shoot more often. In Madrid, I scored quite a few goals by shooting from outside the box. But, for me, the team always comes before the individual. I get more pleasure from delivering a pass than from shooting myself.

Could you have been an elite athlete in another sport?

Basketball, definitely, even though I'm not very tall. I think I could have been a good point guard. I was born in Zadar, a city that lives and breathes basketball. Great basketball players have come out of KK Zadar, like Kresimir Cosic and Pino Gjergja. I love the sport. I play it often. At Real Madrid's training center in Valdebebas, we have a basketball court. My teammates and I often have shooting contests, and I always win. Because, without thinking I'm Drazen Petrovic, I think I'm the best. (Laughs.) It's a little embarrassing to say, but it's the truth.

Could you play for the Real Madrid team that won the European basketball championship?

(Laughs.) I don't know. But I really love basketball. (He pulls out a Chicago Bulls jersey with his name on it.) Michael Jordan is an example for me, in addition to being the best player in the history of the sport. There are a lot of things he said, especially about motivation, that really resonated with me. So much so that I wrote them down on my cell phone so I always have them with me. The one I took to heart the most was: “Every time you fall down, you get back up and keep going.” He was never afraid of failure.

Do you like other sports?

All the ones Croatians are good at. Handball, tennis… I’m a big fan of Marin Cilic, just like I was of Goran Ivanisevic before. I play a little when I can. There’s American football, too…

Do you play American football?

(Laughs.) Oh, no! But I like watching the NFL, especially the New England Patriots. I like Tom Brady, their quarterback.

But there aren’t any Croatians on the Patriots?

Yes, there are. Their coach, Bill Belichick, has Croatian roots. The problem with American football is that with the time difference, it’s late. But I never miss the Super Bowl.

Can your game be compared to that of a quarterback?

Absolutely. The quarterback is the one who organizes the game, who makes the pass for the others. That's why I like to immerse myself in American football. My vision of the game is similar to that of a quarterback.

You wore number 14 at Tottenham, 19 at Real Madrid, 10 at Real Madrid now and with the national team... Why never the same one?

It's a bit of a coincidence. My favorite number is 10. But you have to earn it first. And then prove that you're capable of wearing it. When I arrived at my different clubs, the number 10 was already taken. I had to settle for another one. With the national team, Niko Kovac wore it, and he was the captain. When he left, I took it. The same thing happened at Tottenham with Robbie Keane. And when I arrived at Real Madrid, 19 was practically the only number left, or at least the only one I liked. When James Rodriguez left Real Madrid, the club asked me if I wanted the number 10. I said yes. I'm proud to wear such a number, especially at a club like Real Madrid.

Many athletes chronicle their lives on Instagram and social media. Not you. What's a typical day like for Luka Modric?

I have Instagram too, but I only post football photos. And only important things. Like when I win a crucial match or a title. That's just how I am. I have a normal life, with my family. I get up early in the morning, I go to training, I often take my children to the international school in my neighborhood of La Moraleja. I almost always have lunch at the training center. They prepare the best for me. I usually leave Valdebebas very late. Then I go home and pick up my children from school. I play with them. My wife and I watch movies. I have a small home cinema.

I hear that you and Sergio Ramos are the ones who leave training the latest?

Yes. I like to take my time. I hate being rushed. I'm a laid-back guy. So, after training, I get a massage, I make phone calls... Relaxing.

Do you like going to the cinema, museums, concerts, restaurants?

As I said, I watch movies at home. As for music, I listen to reggaeton, but mostly traditional Croatian songs. I also go to restaurants. I have the unusual ability to eat whatever I want without gaining weight. It's genetic.

Today we're at your place, and we noticed you have a lovely wine cellar...

Yes. (Laughs.) My wife and I like to open a bottle now and then. I have Croatian, Italian, and Spanish wines. French ones too... (Smiles.)

Do you have any kind of invisible preparation?

I take short naps. But not often, and no more than half an hour. Any longer and I wake up tired. Otherwise, I do everything a top-level professional athlete should do. I eat well, I prepare well, I sleep well. I work a lot on myself. I do everything necessary to improve and avoid injuries. I also make sure I recover properly after matches.

Isn't it too difficult with three children at home?

Luckily, my wife helps me a lot. With my two oldest children, I sometimes have to explain that rest is part of my job.

Did your family help you in any way to win the Ballon d'Or?

Family is the most important part of my life. Starting with my parents, who have helped me from the very beginning. They came to my training sessions, they supported me, they believed in me. Even when life wasn't easy, they took care of me. They made sure I never lacked anything, despite the circumstances. And then there's my wife, Vanja, who has always been with me and supported me, through thick and thin, when I wasn't feeling well. She's essential to my success. Without her by my side, I would never have reached this level. And even less so, won the Ballon d'Or. I'm more than certain of that.

Can we say that the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner is a normal guy?

Yes. I consider myself a normal person. And I act like one. That's how I want people to see me. Someone humble. I'll even tell you something: I'm happy that an ordinary person can win the Ballon d'Or.

But how will you handle the fame that comes with the Ballon d'Or?

I'm not afraid of it. Right now, the word "fear" doesn't apply to the Ballon d'Or. The Ballon d'Or rhymes with honor, pride, and happiness. Maybe I'm not yet fully aware of what this trophy represents and what winning the Ballon d'Or will entail. But right now, I have no words to describe what I'm feeling.

Where will you put your trophy?

For the first few days, in my room. On the bedside table, right next to my bed. That way, every time I wake up, I can tell myself: "No, this isn't a dream, it's really here." Then I'll find a nice place to put it and do it justice. I have other trophies, but this one will have a place of honor."