"As I've already said, according to everything Luka Modrić presented during the last season, and according to his contribution to Real Madrid's and Croatia's historic achievements, he deserved every single individual award he had received and he is, I believe, about to receive by the end of the year", said Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić.

"Luka makes his teammates, and his teams, better. With his intelligence and skill he makes a difference on the field of play. It's an incredible success for a Croatian player to win such an award, and even though I'm aware Luka prefers team success, this individual award is a recognition of his entire career, of his effort and hard work he had invested to make the world of football congratulate him, and applaud to the last year's best player in the world. He really is the best, and he can be proud, alongside all of us who had - and still have - the privilege of working with him. My sincere congratulations!"