Luka Modric wins Croatian Sportsman of the Year

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Luka Modric added to his collection of awards after a successful 2018 when he was named Croatian sportsman of the year on Wednesday.

Sandra Perkovic, five time European champion in discus, won the women's award. The men's national football team, runners-up in the World Cup, were named Croatian team of the year after a vote by 322 journalists.

Modric led his country to the final in World Cup in Russia in July and played a key role in Real Madrid's third straight (and fourth in five years) Champions League title in May.

Modric shows tremendous leadership during Croatia's brilliant run in the Russia World Cup. /VCG Photo

"This is a huge honor. I'd like to congratulate all the other athletes on their successes and efforts," Modric said during the award ceremony in Zagreb.

"Family is the most important thing in the world to me because they're always by my side, especially at the most difficult times, so my special thanks are reserved for them," he added.

Modric was rewarded with the Golden Ball for best player at the World Cup, the Best Men's Player award by FIFA in September, and the Ballon d'Or as the world's best player at the start of December.

He ended a decade of domination by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in FIFA's Best Men's Player and Ballon d'Or awards.

Source(s): AFP