Eh! This is what football can do to a man's soul. Luka Modrić had just had the tournament of his LIFE — leading Croatia to their first-ever World Cup Final, dragging his team through three consecutive extra-time matches, producing performance after performance of genius. But in Moscow's pouring rain, Croatia lost 4-2 to France, and the cameras caught Modrić walking off the pitch in tears. He still won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, but the medal he wanted MOST was the one he couldn't have!
Year: 2018 Match: France vs Croatia Location: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow Round: Final Category: Emotion
The Moment
- Modrić captained Croatia to their first World Cup Final in 2018 after three consecutive extra-time wins
- Croatia lost 4-2 to France in Moscow despite a heroic effort in pouring rain at the Luzhniki
- Modrić was named the tournament's best player, winning the Golden Ball ahead of Mbappé and Hazard
- He broke down in tears as he received the trophy from FIFA officials in front of Vladimir Putin
- Many considered it the greatest individual World Cup performance ever from a losing finalist
The Verdict
Modrić's tears showed what the World Cup truly means to players — winning the Golden Ball wasn't enough when the trophy was so close. His Croatia run, dragging them through Argentina, Denmark, Russia, and England in succession, was one of the great tournament displays in history. The image of him weeping with his Golden Ball is HEARTBREAK personified!
Tomorrow: #27 — Stay tuned for the next magical World Cup moment!
