When we speak of Luka Modric, one aspect that truly captivates people’s admiration is the fact that he once surpassed both Ronaldo and Messi to claim the FIFA The Best award in 2018. During the era of dominance by these two players, Modric stood as the sole individual capable of breaking their streak of prestigious personal accolades.
But Modric’s story extends beyond the football pitch, as his love and marriage have been praised as exemplary in the world of football. He has enjoyed a 12-year-long marriage, blessed with four children, a truly happy and fulfilling family life.
Vanja Bosnic, Modric’s wife, who is three years his senior, even graced the stage with him during the FIFA The Best awards in 2018, acknowledging her significant role in his success.
Although not considered a standout in terms of beauty among the WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) of football, Vanja possesses a gentle demeanor combined with a sharp wit, garnering widespread admiration. Many praise the fortunate encounter that brought Luka into her life.
Their paths crossed when Modric was just 19 years old. In 2004, while he was playing for Dinamo Zagreb, Vanja, an employee of Mamic Sport Agency, was assigned to work with him.
From the very first meeting, Modric was enchanted by Vanja, despite her not fitting the conventional standards of beauty, being taller and three years older than him. At that time, Modric was 19, and Vanja was already 22.
Love often leads to pursuit, and Modric was no exception. Their affection for each other grew day by day, with Luka making phone calls to Vanja, despite his demanding training schedule, until he finally won her heart.
Once together, Modric handed over the management of his off-field activities to his girlfriend, allowing him to focus solely on football matters. It was through Vanja’s talents that a new chapter of glory in Luka Modric’s career began to unfold.
Vanja’s role in shaping her husband’s success extended beyond the football pitch. Working in player agency herself, she recognized that Dinamo was not the ideal platform for Modric’s development. She aimed for bigger arenas, pushing for his move abroad to play in the Premier League, the proving ground where success would elevate his career, and the doors of any club worldwide would open.
Initially resistant, Modric eventually agreed, and Vanja’s negotiation skills facilitated his move to Tottenham for a then astonishing fee of £15.8 million, an unheard-of sum at that time for a young player like him.
In 2008, Vanja resigned from Mamic and joined her partner in the UK, becoming his sole representative.
Their wedding in 2010 in Zagreb, the place where their paths first crossed, was soon followed by the arrival of their first child, a son named Ivano, just three weeks later.
Vanja continued to stand by her husband through every step of his development. As a legitimate couple, she played a more direct role in managing Modric’s off-field affairs. It can be said that she managed all aspects of their life outside football, enabling Luka to concentrate solely on the game. Her talent and effort became evident, opening new doors for the Croatian football star, including the historic move to Real Madrid.
Modric’s transition to Real Madrid in 2012 was a significant step forward, and it was a moment of shared glory for both him and Vanja. When he was introduced at Bernabeu, he didn’t walk out onto the field alone; he held the hands of his wife and their son. For Modric, every triumph was intertwined with Vanja’s unwavering support.
At Real Madrid, Vanja stood beside her husband as he went from one achievement to the next. The pinnacle of his personal success was undoubtedly receiving the FIFA The Best award, a dream that every footballer aspires to touch in their career.
It is not an exaggeration to say that Vanja is the woman behind the scenes, paving the way for Luka Modric’s moments of glory. Without her, it’s likely that Modric would not be where he is today.
Their 12 years of marriage have seen them build a strong and happy family. In their spare moments, Modric devotes his time to his family and their three children. He frequently shares heartwarming photos and expresses his love for his wife and family on his social media.
After winning his third consecutive Champions League title with Real Madrid, Modric posted a picture of his family alongside the silver trophy, captioned, “I am so fortunate to have an amazing family like this. They are my motivation to fight and move forward every day.”
Luka Modric, both on and off the field, owes much of his success to his loving and talented wife, Vanja. Her contributions and guidance have been instrumental in shaping his career, from the early days in Croatia to the heights of Real Madrid. Their love story is a testament to the power of partnership, commitment, and unwavering support in the world of football and beyond.