Modric's dad chokes back tears in moving Ballon d'Or tribute
Luka Modric’s tearful father has left the football world scrambling for tissues after a beautifully moving tribute at the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony.
Modric claimed the trophy as the world’s best footballer for the first time to end the 10-year stranglehold of five-time winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
There was barely a dry eye in the house when images of Modric’s parents flashed up on the big screen during the ceremony.
While both parents had beautiful words of praise for their son, it was a tearful tribute from the Croatian’s father Stipe that proved the most moving.
Modric’s father, who was also present at the awards ceremony, was seen choking back tears as the video showed his initial reaction to news his son was going to be the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner.
“My son, I am the happiest and proudest father in the world,” he said.
“You are my genius. I can’t find words. I am very happy.”
In one of those wonderful times when actions (or emotions in this case) speak louder than words, Modric’s father didn’t need to say any more to convey his love for his son.
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Modric’s father did compose himself a moment later to pay tribute to his son’s tireless professionalism.
“It is by your great work and your efforts that you got it.
“Your father, your mother and the whole family are proud. I am happy.”
Modric helped Real Madrid win a third successive Champions League title in May and captained Croatia to their first World Cup final, being named player of the tournament despite his side losing 4-2 to France.
“As a kid we all have dreams. My dream was to play for a big club and win important trophies,” Modric, who is the first Croatian to win the prestigious award in its 62-year existence, said.
“The Ballon d’Or was more than just a dream for me and it is really an honour and a privilege to hold this trophy.”
The award, voted for by journalists and organised by French magazine France Football, has been dominated by Messi and Ronaldo since 2008.
Ronaldo was second in the voting followed by France forward Antoine Griezmann, his national teammate Kylian Mbappe was fourth while Messi was fifth – the first time he has been outside the top three since 2007.
Liverpool’s Egypt forward Mohamed Salah was sixth, Real Madrid’s Frenchman Raphale Varane was the highest-placed defender in seventh while Premier League trio Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and Harry Kane rounded out the top 10.
The last player to win the Ballon d’Or before Ronaldo and Messi was Brazil midfielder Kaka with AC Milan in 2007.
Modric dislodged Ronaldo as the FIFA world player of the year in September.
The 19-year-old Mbappe – the youngest player to score in a World Cup final – won the inaugural Kopa Trophy awarded to the best young player.
Norwegian forward Ada Hegerberg won the inaugural women’s Ballon d’Or with Matildas star Sam Kerr fifth in the voting.
Hegerberg is a three-time Women’s Champions League winner with French side Lyon and scored a tournament-record 15 times last season.
“I want to say thanks to France Football. It’s a huge step for women’s football,” Hegerberg said.
“I want to end this speech with a message to all young girls in the world; Believe in yourselves.”
France Football magazine has been awarding the Ballon d’Or since 1956, and created a women’s award for the first time this year.
With agencies