He has experienced the highs and lows of the game, and on Monday night in Leipzig, he felt them both against Italy.
The 38-year-old stepped up when Croatia needed him most, coming back fast from the disappointment of watching a penalty saved to give his team the lead a few minutes later.
After that goal put them through to the round of 16 at Euro 2024, but with Modric no longer on the field, Italy stunned them with an equalizer in the 98th minute, sending the reigning champions through instead.
Croatia is not expected to advance as one of the top third-placed teams in Group B with two points, and the outlook.
