Modric makes history becoming Croatia’s oldest goalscorer

Luka Modric overcame a fever to score and become Croatia’s oldest-ever goalscorer as his side opened their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 2-1 win over Czechia in Prague on Saturday (September 26).

Modric, who had missed Croatia’s pre-match press conference because of illness, put the visitors ahead in the 47th minute with a right-footed strike from outside the box. The goal was his 30th for Croatia and came at the age of 41.

Czechia levelled seven minutes later through Adam Karabec, but Croatia restored their lead in the 77th minute when Marco Pasalic headed home from an Ivan Perisic assist. A late Czech equaliser was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

Modric was substituted in the 76th minute and received an ovation from the Prague crowd as he left the field. His latest milestone adds to a remarkable international career in which he has already become Croatia’s most-capped player, with more than 200 appearances.

The veteran midfielder had also become the oldest scorer in European Championship history when he scored against Italy at Euro 2024, aged 38 years and 289 days.

Croatia will next face reigning world champions Spain in Seville on September 29.