Modrić's Landmark Achievement
Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić has been named his nation's Footballer of the Year for a remarkable tenth consecutive time, marking his 14th overall win of the award. This latest accolade follows his move to Italian club AC Milan as a free agent in the summer of 2025. In his debut season with the Rossoneri, the veteran playmaker contributed two goals and three assists across 35 appearances. His legendary 13-year tenure at Spain's Real Madrid prior to this move saw him win the Champions League six times, La Liga four times, and the Copa del Rey twice. This consistent excellence at the highest levels of European football cements his legacy as one of the modern greats.
2026 Champions League Semifinal Matchups
The semifinal pairings for the 2026 UEFA Champions League have now been set. In one tie, French giants Paris Saint-Germain will face Germany's Bayern Munich. The first leg is scheduled for April 28, 2026, in Paris, with the return leg in Munich on May 6, 2026. PSG's squad features Ukrainian defender Illya Zabarnyi.
The other semifinal will see Spain's Atlético Madrid take on England's Arsenal. Their first match is set for April 29, 2026, in Madrid, with the decisive second leg to be played in London on May 5, 2026. The 2026 Champions League final will be held in Budapest on May 30, 2026.
Modrić's sustained success on the international stage highlights a career that continues to thrive even after a major club transfer. His immediate impact at AC Milan underscores his enduring world-class quality. Meanwhile, the upcoming Champions League semifinals promise high-stakes drama, featuring clubs with rich European pedigrees, setting the stage for a highly anticipated final in Budapest.
As Luka Modrić continues to shine on the field, his family also celebrates achievements off it. Recently, his daughter triumphed in the Garino Cup, a victory that the midfielder proudly witnessed via FaceTime. This moment not only highlights the strong family bond but also showcases the ongoing legacy of the Modrić name in sports. To learn more about this exciting event, read about his daughter's recent victory.