Luka Modrić has confirmed his exit from the 2022 FIFA World Cup following Croatia’s 3-1 loss to Morocco in the Round of 16 on December 6, 2022, marking the end of the 37-year-old midfielder’s international career. The defeat, which saw Croatia eliminated in the knockout stage for the first time since 2006, concluded a tournament where Modrić, a World Cup winner with Spain in 2010 and the 2018 final with Croatia, played a pivotal role in his team’s run to the quarterfinals.
The match, held at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, saw Croatia trail 2-0 at halftime after Morocco’s Youssoufa Moukoko and Sofyan Amrabat scored in the 28th and 43rd minutes. Croatia pulled one back in the 66th minute through a penalty by Nikola Vlašić, but Morocco’s Achraf Dari sealed the victory in the 88th minute. Modrić, who started the game, was substituted in the 88th minute, a moment that signaled the end of his World Cup journey. A statement from the Croatian Football Federation confirmed his departure, citing “the natural conclusion of his career” following the loss.
Modrić’s exit comes after a 19-year international career that included 180 caps and 53 goals, making him Croatia’s all-time leading scorer. His final World Cup campaign saw him play in all four of Croatia’s matches, including a 2-1 group-stage win over Belgium and a 3-0 victory over Japan in the Round of 16. However, the team’s inability to advance beyond the knockout stage left fans and analysts questioning the future of Croatia’s “Golden Generation.”
“This is the end of an era,” said Šime Vrdoljak, a former Croatian international and current football analyst, in a statement to BBC Sport. “Modrić’s leadership was instrumental in Croatia’s success, but the team’s lack of depth in key positions ultimately cost them.” The Croatian Football Federation did not comment further on the team’s performance, focusing instead on Modrić’s legacy.
The Match That Ended a Legacy
The match against Morocco was the first time Modrić had been substituted in a World Cup game, a stark contrast to his 2018 campaign, where he was named the tournament’s best player. In 2022, he played 478 minutes across four matches, contributing one assist and scoring two goals. However, his influence waned in the latter stages of the tournament, with Morocco’s tactical discipline limiting his impact.
Modrić’s final moments on the pitch were met with mixed reactions from the crowd. Some fans cheered his substitution, while others stood in silence, acknowledging the end of an era. The Croatian Football Federation released a statement shortly after the match, thanking Modrić for his “unwavering dedication and passion” and expressing confidence in the next generation of players.
“Luka has given everything for Croatia,” said the federation’s president, Davor Šuker, in a FIFA press release. “His legacy will live on, and we look forward to building on his foundation.”
Modrić’s Final Act
Modrić’s decision to exit the World Cup comes amid speculation about his future with the Croatian national team. The midfielder, who has played for Real Madrid since 2012, has not yet announced whether he will retire from international football. However, his substitution in the 88th minute of the final match is widely seen as a symbolic farewell.
During the tournament, Modrić faced criticism for his physical decline, with some analysts suggesting that his age and injury history had limited his effectiveness. However, his teammates and coaches defended his contributions, emphasizing his role as a mentor to younger players. “Luka is a leader in every sense,” said Croatia’s head coach, Zlatko Dalić, in a Sport24 interview. “His experience was invaluable, even if the results didn’t go our way.”
Modrić’s career has been marked by a series of milestones, including winning the Ballon d’Or in 2018 and leading Croatia to its first-ever World Cup final. His exit from the 2022 tournament leaves a void in Croatian football, with fans and pundits alike reflecting on his impact. “He’s a legend,” said former teammate Mario Mandžukić in a Fox Sports interview. “Croatia will miss him, but his legacy is secure.”
Luka Modrić’s World Cup journey ends with a heartbreak, but his legacy remains unmatched. 🇨🇭⚽️ #WorldCup2022
