REAL MADRID and Croatia star Luka Modric has claimed the 2018 Ballon d’Or at a ceremony in Paris.
It is the first time since 2007 that the award has gone to a player other than Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
Modric described Ronaldo and Messi as “phenomenal players”, adding: “To win means I did something really special on the pitch this year, that’s why 2017-18 was the year for me.”
The prize completes and fine 12 months for Modric, who won the Champions League with his club at the end of last season and was named Best FIFA Footballer of the Year in September after helping his country reach the World Cup final in
Russia, where he was awarded the Golden Ball.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Modric, the first Croatian player to win the award. “It’s a big pleasure to be here among all these players.
“I am still trying to realise that I have become part of a group of exceptional players to win the Ballon d’Or.”
The former Tottenham midfielder, who began his senior career with Dinamo Zagreb, thanked his parents for the “sacrifices” they made to allow him to become a professional.
“In my career I’ve realised that hard work and persistence in difficult moments sets the foundation to show your talent,” he added.
“One phrase I like to say: ‘The best things never come easy.’ For me to achieve all this, nothing was easy.”
Griezmann’s international team-mate Kylian Mbappe was named in fourth place, with Messi fifth.
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