Modrić wins historic Ballon d’Or

Real Madrid captain Luka Modrić has won France Football’s prestigious Ballon d’Or award at the 63rd ceremony held in Paris.

The Croatia international picked up the award as publication 'France Football' named him as the best player in the world, with votes coming from football a jury of journalists representing a variety of footballing nations

Since Kaká won the award in 2007, Messi and Ronaldo have won the accolade five times each, both during its years as a combined FIFA accolade and as the standalone prize given out by 'France Football'.

The prestigious award has gone to the best male player every year since 1956, with a women's award also being added this year.

 

December 3, 2018

2018 was a year to remember for the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, with the 33-year-old impressing for both club and country. 

Modrić won the Champions League with Real Madrid for the fourth time in his career, was the best player for Croatia as he captained them to the World Cup final for the first time ever, won UEFA's Midfielder of the Season, the World Cup Golden Ball and The Best FIFA Men's Player award.

At the World Cup, he attempted the most passes (484), had the most touches (624) and most recoveries (56) of any midfielder. As for fair play, he was booked six times in 56 appearances for club and country this year, and never sent off.

The Ballon d'Or crowns a phenomenal year for Modrić as he has ended Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's decade-long duopoly over the award. 

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo finished in second place, whereas Antoine Griezmann came third.