Croatia
Croatian international and Real Madrid midfielder, Luka Modric, has been named the best European player by the continent’s football governing body, UEFA.
Modric, was an integral part of Madrid’s Champions League winning team, before leading his national side to runners-up position at the 2018 World Cup. He has adjudged the best player at the tournament in Russia.
? WINNER ?
— UEFA Champions League (ChampionsLeague) August 30, 2018
?lukamodric10
? realmadrid
??HNS_CFF#UEFAawards #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/l0JxMnAEXw
He fended off competition from former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, now with Italian giants Juventus. Ronaldo also led Portugal to the World Cup but they were beaten by eventual winners France in the knock-out stages.
The other contender was Egypt and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. Salah scored 44 goals for Liverpool last season, helping the English club reach the Champions League final where they lost to Real Madrid.
The awards were presented at this season’s Champions League group-stage draw in Monaco earlier today. The trophy returns to Madrid given that the holder till today was Ronaldo.
The Portuguese, who has three wins in total, and is the only player to have made the shortlist every year since UEFA created the award in 2011.
Go to video
Swallows draw after ending 673-minute goal drought in South Africa
01:22
Senegal to face Spain, Portugal in the upcoming Beach Soccer Cup
01:16
Eager for the next 2022 World Cup qualifiers? Here's what you need to know
02:12
African stars continue shining in various leagues across continents
01:27
Casa Sports overcome Diambars to be crowned Senegal Cup champions
01:00
Ex-Cameroon Striker Eto'o Targets Federation Presidency