The Croatian midfielder opened the scoring in Real Madrid’s victory over Girona FC with a fantastic strike from 24 metres out.
2024/25 is the 20th season of Luka Modrić’s professional career and he continues to perform at the highest level.
The Croatian midfielder is now 39 years of age and remains one of the most important members of the Real Madrid squad. In Sunday’s 2-0 victory against Girona FC, he proved that once again, by producing a sublime piece of skill to open the scoring.
With the scores locked at 0-0 and with halftime approaching, Real Madrid won a corner. The initial cross was cleared into the air, dropping towards Modrić some 24 metres away from goal.
As cool as possible, the veteran midfielder chested the ball down and then blasted a thunderous strike on the half-volley, leaving Paulo Gazzaniga with no chance.
The shot and the goal almost seemed to catch the Bernabéu crowd by surprise, but Modrić knew what he was doing all the way through. “I was on my own there, I hit it and it went in,” he stated after the game. “Sometimes you have to shoot.”
IN HIS BEST FORM
This was the fourth goal Modrić has netted this season, and all four of them have been scored in 2025. Only two other members of the Real Madrid squad have scored more goals in 2025 than the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner: Kylian Mbappé (14) and Rodrygo (seven).
As the business end of the season approaches, Modrić is well and truly in his best form.
In addition to his strike against Girona FC, he also scored in the 2-1 comeback win against Valencia CF in LaLiga EA Sports at the beginning of January, as well as in Copa del Rey wins over CD Minera and CD Leganés. He boasts six assists as well, with two of those coming in the first two months of 2025 too.
Ancelotti’s praise for Modrić: “He is a gift for football”
Modrić’s current contract expires at the end of this season and it’s unclear if he’ll continue for yet another season with Real Madrid. Asked about this following Sunday’s win, Carlo Ancelotti was full of praise for the man who is Real Madrid’s club captain.
The Italian coach told the media: “Modrić is a gift for football. He should continue for as long as he wants. I had another player who reached 40 years of age, in the case of Paolo Maldini, who won a Champions League.
"You can compare the two in terms of what a footballer should be, as they’re both fantastic examples. Genetics matter, but also the seriousness, commitment and attitude you bring to the sport. That’s the only way you’ll last until 40 as a footballer, like Maldini did and like Luka Modrić will.”
TIGHT TITLE RACE
For now, Modrić is focused on the 2024/25 campaign and on the very tight title race in LaLiga EA Sports, where Real Madrid are level on points with FC Barcelona and just one point ahead of Atlético de Madrid.
With a derby coming up in the Champions League, and a Copa del Rey semifinal tie against Real Sociedad, there is so much still to play for and the Croatia international is looking to add to his haul of 28 trophies won with Real Madrid, which is already a club record.
If he keeps scoring goals like he has done to begin 2025, he has every chance of lifting more silverware this season.
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