Veteran midfielder Luka Modric produced a memorable performance on his 39th birthday, scoring the only goal as Croatia beat Poland 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League.

Luka Modric – Real Madrid and Croatia star, proved that age is just a number when he shone in his team’s important match in the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 . On his 39th birthday, Modric scored the decisive goal, giving Croatia a 1-0 victory over Poland at home in Osijek.

The match came just days after Croatia lost 2-1 to Portugal in their opening match. As captain, Modric was in excellent form, not only scoring but also being voted Man of the Match.

The only goal of the game came in the 52nd minute, when Modric took a stunning free-kick from the edge of the penalty area. His shot flew over the defensive wall and into the top corner, giving the Polish goalkeeper no chance of saving.

Luka Modric scored the only goal of the match from a free kick.

This match also marked a memorable milestone in Modric’s career when he won his 180th cap for Croatia. This achievement helped him become the second most capped European player in history, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo with 214 caps for Portugal.

The win is crucial for Croatia in their Nations League campaign. After losing to Portugal in their opening match, the Balkan side needed a positive result to keep their hopes of progressing further in the tournament alive. With three points, Croatia are currently second in their group, behind only Portugal.

Modric’s performance once again confirmed his importance to the Croatian national team. Although he is no longer young, his experience, vision and technique are still indispensable elements in the team’s style of play. Coach Zlatko Dalic has repeatedly emphasized Modric’s role in leading the younger players and maintaining the team’s fighting spirit.

Poland did not have many significant chances against Croatia.

For Modric, this match is also an important step towards his goal of attending the 2026 World Cup. The 39-year-old midfielder has previously shared that continuing to play at the highest level with Real Madrid and maintaining a stable form is the key to being able to wear the national team jersey at the biggest tournament on the planet for the fourth time in his career.

At Real Madrid, although no longer a first-choice starter, Modric remains an important player. His one-year contract extension and appointment as captain last summer showed the club’s confidence in his leadership and contribution on the pitch.

The captain of Real Madrid and the Croatian national team officially turns 39 years old today (September 9).

The match against Poland also saw significant efforts from the visitors, especially striker Robert Lewandowski. However, the crossbar denied Poland an equalizer, helping Croatia hold on for a slim victory.

At 39, Modric still has many goals ahead of him. Continuing to contribute to Real Madrid, leading Croatia to major tournaments, and perhaps another World Cup, are all goals the midfielder is aiming for. With his current form and spirit, there is no reason to doubt that Luka Modric will continue to create miracles in the future.