Luka Modrić, the superstar of Real Madrid and a football legend from Croatia, has risen from the ashes of a war-ravaged countryside to become a household name in the soccer world.
His journey from a young boy amidst civil unrest to a UEFA Champions League-winning captain and recipient of prestigious individual awards is a testament to his resilience and talent.
However, amidst his triumphs, there’s a lingering sense of sorrow for the loss of his beloved grandfather, who couldn’t share in his later years of success.
Born in 1985 in the Modrici region, a small suburb on the slopes of the Velebit mountain range, Luka Modrić’s early years might seem ordinary at a glance, much like thousands of other children. His parents, Stipe and Radojka, toiled in a steel factory, leaving young Luka in the care of his grandfather, affectionately known as Grandpa Luka. A bond so strong formed between the elder and the child that it seemed impossible to separate them.
While the warmth of their home contrasted with the tumultuous world outside, the region was immersed in conflict. The struggle for autonomy led to uprisings and unrest. Croatia, once a part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, grew weary of foreign rule and yearned for independence. Concurrently, many Serb citizens living in Croatia vehemently opposed this secession, demanding the return of territories they considered their own. Failed negotiations inevitably gave way to armed conflict.
Modrić’s determination shone through even in his childhood, as he played football amid the fires of the Croatian civil war.
In an instant, Luka’s homeland became a strategic front in the conflict, and his father was drafted into the Croatian military.
Yet, true tragedy struck on December 18, 1991. Grandpa Luka, as on any other day, was herding livestock near their home. But this day, halfway up the hill, he was apprehended by Serbian forces. Alongside him, six other elderly villagers were rounded up and taken to Jesenice for execution. In the weeks that followed, the town was littered with landmines. The specter of death loomed near. Faced with the direst circumstances, Luka’s parents hurriedly gathered their belongings and their children, embarking on a perilous journey towards refuge. An uncertain and hazardous future awaited them.
The city of Zadar marked the final stop for the Modrić family. Here, they found temporary shelter at one of the city’s largest hotels, the Kolovare. Deep within their hearts, every refugee shared a common hope for a brighter future. To glimpse that light at the end of the tunnel, they were willing to shed everything but their patience. Fortunately, the Modrić family never lost their steadfast resolve throughout their journey.
Luka Modrić’s rise to greatness on the football field might be extraordinary, but his journey from war-ravaged origins to global recognition demonstrates his unyielding spirit. Despite the odds stacked against him, Modrić’s story remains a testament to the power of perseverance and the human will to overcome adversity.
