LUKA MODRIC has had an incredible career, including winning the 2018 Ballon d’Or and leading his country out to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals.

But his journey to adulthood couldn’t have been more difficult.

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The Croatian and Real Madrid superstar was just six years old when his entire life was turned upside down when his beloved grandfather passed away.

But despite those hardships, that didn’t stop the ambitious youngster from becoming one of the best players on the planet and still a global superstar at the age of 37.

In 2018, he was voted the best player on the planet, ending Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s decade-long dominance of the award.

It’s a rags-to-riches story that demonstrates the dedication and determination of the five-time Champions League winners.

“I was six years old. It was a really tough time. I remember it very well but it’s not something you want to remember or think about.

“I remember my first shin pads were of the Brazilian Ronaldo and I loved them.

It’s that mental toughness that has served Modric well throughout his career.

He married Vanja Bosnic, who is also his agent, in 2010 in the Croatian capital Zagreb. The couple first met at the sports agency Mamic, where she worked.

Modric’s former Tottenham and Croatia team-mate Vedran Corluka was best man at their wedding.

The couple’s first child, son Ivano, was born just three weeks after their big day.

They have since had two daughters; five-year-old Ema and Sofia, born in 2017.