Croatia's Luka Modrić Becomes Oldest Goalscorer in European Championship History

Patrick Andres | Jun 24, 2024

Dec 17, 2022; Doha, Qatar; Croatia midfielder Luka Modric (10) kicks the ball past Morocco midfielder Hakim Ziyech (7) in the first half for the third-place match during the 2022 World Cup at Khalifa International Stadium. / Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Nearly two decades into his illustrious international career, Croatia midfielder Luka Modrić continues to defy Father Time.

Modrić's goal in the 55th minute of the Croatians' European Championship group match against Italy Monday in Leipzig made him the oldest player ever to score in that tournament. The Zadar, Croatia native is 38 years old; he will turn 39 on Sept. 9.

The goal came almost immediately after Modrić missed a penalty kick, awarded when Italian midfielder Davide Frattesi was whistled for a handball.

Modrić is far and away the most-capped Croatian in history, having played 43 more international matches than longtime defender Darijo Srna.

54': Donnarumma saves Luka Modrić penalty
55': Luka Modrić scores to put Croatia on top

Absolutely wild 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/yRAcQ5jQSb

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 24, 2024

With that goal for Croatia Luka Modrić just became the oldest goal-scorer in Euros history 👏🇭🇷 pic.twitter.com/uQR6pu2eEw

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 24, 2024

He won the Golden and Bronze Balls at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, in which Croatia finished second and third, respectively.

At the club level, Modrić is one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport, with seven league titles, four cup titles, and six Champions League titles to his name between Dinamo Zagreb and Real Madrid.