Two Croatians on Guardian’s world’s 100 best footballers list

Joško Gvardiol and Luka Modrić

The British Guardian has once again compiled its annual list of the world’s top 100 footballers.

On Wednesday, the newspaper published the rankings for players placed between 41st and 100th, and among them are two Croatians.

Joško Gvardiol Ranked 45th

The highest-ranked Croatian, according to the Guardian, is Joško Gvardiol, who has claimed the 45th spot.

This marks a climb of nine places compared to last year when he was ranked 54th. However, his best-ever ranking on this list remains 31st, achieved in 2022.

“Five goals in April and May, followed by three more in September and October, were an additional contribution and suggest an X-factor, especially if his goal-scoring proves to be a lasting asset for a defender who excelled in the left-back position despite uncertainties about transitioning from a central defensive role.

Gvardiol struggled during his club’s dip in form. He was at fault for the first two Tottenham goals in Manchester City’s 4–0 home defeat in November. However, his manager Pep Guardiola expressed his support: ‘I won’t forget Joško: he played every minute during the toughest periods. I admire that,’” reads the Guardian article.

Luka Modrić Ranked 58th

Croatian captain Luka Modrić has dropped 25 places compared to 2023 and is now ranked 58th. According to the Guardian, Modrić was the best player in the world in 2018.

“It seems incredible that anyone at 39 could still play elite football, let alone a central midfielder standing just 172 centimetres tall and lacking in pace and strength. But that’s always been the case with Modrić, whose quality on the ball remains unquestionable.

Last season, the Croatian secured his sixth Champions League title with Real Madrid—more than any other player in the history of the competition. Over the summer, Modrić became the oldest player to score at the Euros. With Toni Kroos retiring, Modrić’s influence in Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield has become even more significant,” the Guardian noted.

With both Modrić and Gvardiol named, it seems unlikely any other Croatian will be named in the top 41.

You can view the full list so far HERE.