Luka Modric may be Real Madrid’s oldest ever player but he’s still got it – Sid Lowe
It’s not just the moments or the music, or even the joy in how he plays. There’s something more fundamental about “the eternal solution.”
Sid Lowe, Mon 21 Oct 2024
Ferenc Puskas had a unique character that his teammate Amancio Amaro illustrated perfectly when he said, “He played pregnant.” When Puskas joined Real Madrid in 1958, he was already 31, weighed 18 kilos over his ideal weight, and, thanks to being banned from FIFA for defecting during the Hungarian uprising, hadn’t set foot on the pitch for two years. He confided to club president Santiago Bernabéu, “Signing me is well and good, but have you seen me? I was the size of a large balloon.” The coach, Luis Carniglia, was equally unsure how to utilize him. Bernabéu, however, dismissed these concerns as their problem, not his. And what followed was nothing short of remarkable: Blessed with an extraordinary left foot, Puskas scored 242 goals, leaving only one lingering question—why hadn’t he arrived sooner?
He was affectionately called Cañoncito pum! (Little Cannon Bang!) by most, but Alfredo Di Stéfano added a humorous twist, calling him the “little cannon, big belly.” That first summer, Puskas trained wrapped in plastic and bulky sweaters. By the end of the season, he had scored the goal that propelled Real Madrid to the European Cup final. A year later, he scored four in the final, but graciously handed the match ball to Erwin Stein. Despite arriving at the club under the guise of being finished, he played a pivotal role in helping Madrid reach three more finals, netting a hat trick in 1962 and contributing in 1964. However, by the time the 1966 final rolled around, he had aged significantly. He was left behind while the team traveled to Brussels, having played for a makeshift cup team against Betis just three days earlier.
On May 8, 1966, Puskas played his last match at 39 years and 36 days old, making him the oldest player to don a Madrid jersey until Luka Modric stepped onto the field last Saturday. An hour into their game against Celta Vigo, Carlo Ancelotti called on Modric to step up, a familiar task for the veteran. Celta had just equalized, and the atmosphere was electric. But Modric’s immediate impact reignited Madrid’s spirit. Just over two minutes later, Madrid was back in the lead, with Vinícius Júnior celebrating Modric’s brilliant pass.
Though Celta played admirably and deserved more, Madrid claimed the victory—highlighted by AS’s headline: “Celta play, Madrid win.” The match featured flashes of brilliance from Kylian Mbappé, Thibaut Courtois, and Vinícius, but it was Modric who received a commemorative shirt celebrating his 250 wins, a moment that he humorously acknowledged, saying, “I don’t like being reminded of my age, but it’s amazing.”
Marca heralded him as “the eternal solution.” Luka Modric remains firmly in the lineup not out of nostalgia, but due to sheer talent and competitiveness. His record—547 games and 27 trophies—speaks volumes, yet his influence isn’t solely measured in statistics. From guiding the team through challenging games to unforgettable plays against top teams, Modric’s continued brilliance shines through. It’s not just about the highlights; it’s about his simplicity and craftsmanship on the pitch. He has an innate ability that still sets him apart.
Even as he approaches 40, Modric has faced moments of uncertainty regarding his future—especially during his negotiations with Inter in 2018 after being named a World Cup finalist and winning three Champions League titles consecutively. Blocked from leaving Madrid unless someone paid his €750 million buyout, he has since re-committed, signing annual contracts and earning every extension.
Modric’s determination and character have kept him at Madrid, even amid the transition of younger talents like Aurélien Tchouaméni and Jude Bellingham. He continues to produce when it matters—his presence on the field remains unmatched. “I always tell Vini to run into space; if he does, the ball will come,” he said, explaining the intuitive connection he shares with his teammates.
Even after a challenging Champions League semifinal against Manchester City in May 2023, when retirement seemed a real possibility, Modric carried on. This season, as he continues to play—recent matches showcasing his ability to control the game—he proves why Ancelotti considers him invaluable. “Luka changed the match,” Ancelotti remarked. “He brought control at a difficult moment. We’re lucky to have him. Even if he’s not a kid anymore, he’s still a fantastic footballer.”
In a sport that often overlooks the wisdom of experience, Modric stands as a reminder that age doesn’t define ability. As he holds on to his remarkable career, his contributions to Real Madrid leave an enduring legacy.
