Luka Modric surpasses Real Madrid legend to claim historic La Liga record
Luka Modric has become one of football's most influential stars since joining Real Madrid in 2012, blossoming into an all-time legend during his time at the Bernabeu.
The Croatia international isn't relied upon as frequently by Los Blancos in more modern times, with manager Carlo Ancelotti juggling impressive midfield talents like Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.
Fellow veteran Toni Kroos also seems to be sticking around, meaning 38-year-old Modric, whose contract expires soon, may end up departing this summer for more game time.
However, with Madrid needing to rotate their squad as they chase Champions League glory, Modric was included in the starting XI for their 3-0 win over Cadiz on Saturday night. That victory coupled with Barcelona's defeat at Girona later on Saturday night was enough to hand Los Blancos their 36th La Liga title.
While the focus will naturally be on the title win, Modric set some personal history by becoming Madrid's oldest player ever to feature in a La Liga game. Aged 38 years, seven months and 25 days, the former Tottenham wizard surpassed fellow club legend Ferenc Puskas, who was 38 years, seven months and 19 days old when he last played in Spain's top flight for Madrid.
Position
Player
Date
Fixture
Age
1.
Luka Modric
04/05/2024
Real Madrid 3-0 Cadiz
38 years, 7 months, 25 days
2.
Ferenc Puskas
21/18/1965
Sevilla 2-1 Real Madrid
38 years, 7 months, 19 days
3.
Paco Buyo
16/03/1996
Real Madrid 2-0 Albacete Balompie
38 years 2 months, 3 days
4.
Jerzy Dudek
21/05/2011
Real Madrid 8-1 Almeria
38 years, 1 month, 28 days
5.
Alfredo di Stefano
26/04/1964
Real Madrid 1-0 Real Oviedo
37 years, 9 months, 22 days
It's another age-related feat for Modric, who only recently became Madrid's oldest competitor
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