The Record Luka Modrić Broke With Croatia at Age 41

Modrić Turns Doubts Into Another Record

Just a few hours before the match, his presence was not even completely guaranteed.

Modrić had been dealing with a fever that prevented him from participating in the pre-match press conference. However, the Milan midfielder recovered in time and responded in the way he knows best: on the field.

Shortly after the start of the second half, the captain received the ball outside the box and fired a right-footed shot across goal to give Croatia the lead in Prague. The goal came in the 47th minute and made Modrić, at 41, the oldest player ever to score for the Croatian national team.

It is not the first time age has turned into a record for the midfielder. At Euro 2024, when he was 38 years and 289 days old, his goal against Italy made him the oldest goalscorer in the history of the competition.

Croatia Finds the Winner After Czechia’s Equalizer

Modrić’s goal was not enough to put the match completely under control.

Czechia responded just seven minutes later, with Adam Karabec making it 1-1 and forcing the Croatian side to search for the lead once again.

The response arrived late in the match. Ivan Perišić found space to set up Marco Pašalić, who scored the 2-1 goal that ultimately secured the first three points for Croatia in Group A3.

Modrić had already left the field shortly before the winner. His substitution was greeted with an ovation in Prague, bringing an end to a performance that only hours earlier had been in doubt because of his physical condition.

More Than 200 Appearances and a Story That Is Still Being Written

The record takes on even greater significance considering the stage of Modrić’s career.

After the 2026 FIFA World Cup, there were questions about his international future, but the captain informed new coach Slaven Bilić and the Croatian Football Federation that he remained available to represent his country. Before this match, he had made 202 senior international appearances, comfortably making him the most-capped player in Croatia’s history.

His longevity is not limited to international soccer. Modrić celebrated his 41st birthday on September 9, and Milan highlighted that he had already made 40 appearances for the Italian club, recording two goals and three assists. He also renewed his contract in July through June 2027.

Modrić Faces Another Huge Test Against Spain

The schedule will not allow much time for celebration.

After opening the UEFA Nations League with a victory, Croatia will visit Spain on September 29 in Seville. Matches against England and another meeting with the Spanish national team will follow in a demanding Group A3.

For Modrić, every match provides another opportunity to extend records that once seemed difficult to reach.

At 41, it is no longer simply about continuing to play. He is still capable of deciding matches for Croatia.

• Luka Modrić scored in Croatia’s 2-1 victory over Czechia and, at 41, became the oldest goalscorer in his national team’s history. 
• The captain entered the match after dealing with a fever and still managed to play a decisive role before receiving an ovation as he left the field. 
• Modrić continues to compete at the highest level with Croatia and Milan, where he is under contract through June 2027.

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