The World Cup round of 16 match between Portugal and Croatia will go down in football history.

After the final whistle, and the Croatian side’s subsequent elimination in a thrilling finale, Luka Modrić played his last World Cup match for the Blazers.

This was confirmed by his own manager, Zlatko Dalic, at a press conference: “I’m sorry it ended like this; he led the team right to the end.”

The legendary midfielder brought to a close an impeccable World Cup career that has undoubtedly made him his nation’s greatest ever footballer.

At the age of 40, the great captain leaves an indelible legacy after two decades dedicated to defending his country’s colours at World Cups. And what a way to defend them…

Record for appearances and World Cups

Modrić bids farewell as the player with the most appearances in the history of the Croatian national team, having played over 200 matches.

Furthermore, he is the only Croatian player in history to have played in five World Cups (Germany 2006, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 and North America 2026).

The historic runners-up finish and the ‘Ballon d'Or’

His intelligent play and leadership enabled a small nation to compete on equal terms with the world’s footballing powerhouses.

The pinnacle of his international career came at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. In that tournament, Modrić guided Croatia to their first-ever and historic World Cup final.

Although they were defeated by France on that occasion, finishing as runners-up at that World Cup will be remembered forever as a true Croatian feat.

Indeed, his outstanding performance in that tournament earned him the ‘Ballon d'Or’ that same year, ending the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo that had lasted for over a decade.

The golden age of Croatian football

His form did not wane with the passing of time. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he once again led his team to a valuable third-place finish on the World Cup podium.

A year later, he guided Croatia to the final of the 2023 UEFA Nations League, cementing the most glorious era in his country’s history.

That a country like Croatia, with a population of just under 4 million, came so close to winning a title is a legendary achievement.

A true legacy

Modrić played his final World Cup as a symbol of elegance, technical precision and respect. His vision on the pitch defined the identity of Croatian football.

He bids farewell with the absolute admiration of all the fans. He is one of the few footballers who has virtually no ‘haters’.

The Croatian national team will no longer have its greatest hero of all time, and the void he leaves in midfield will be very difficult for future generations to fill.

His name will be etched forever in the golden pages of the World Cup, and also in the hearts of all football lovers.

It is not yet known whether there will be room for one last dance on the international stage with the Croatian national team. Only he knows the answer.

But there is nothing left to criticise. He has given his all.

Thank you for all your football, Luka.

The World Cups and football fans everywhere are going to miss you.