Luka Modrić makes history as oldest ever Real Madrid player

Luka Modrić (Photo credit: Богдан Заяц/Football.ua/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Croatia captan Luka Modrić (39) tonight became the oldest player to play for Real Madrid in the club’s 122-year history.

Modrić set a new record tonight when he came on for the Spanish champions in their 2-1 win against Celta Vigo tonight in the 63rd minute at the age of 39 years and 41 days old.

He was quick to make an impact too, setting up Vinicius Junior to score the winner in the 66th minute. 

The Croatian broke the record held by Hungarian striker Ferenc Puskás, who played in a cup match for Real against Betis in 1966 at the age of 39 years and 36 days.

Modrić joined Real Madrid in 2012, just two weeks before his 27th birthday. Since then, he has won 27 trophies in the white shirt, making him the most decorated player in the club’s history.

“I could never have imagined achieving all this, nor that I would be here for so many years,” he said in June after lifting the Champions League trophy.

He attributes his longevity to good genetics, a healthy lifestyle, intense training, and competing with young players at Real Madrid who challenge him for a spot in the team, pushing him to improve.

There was also another milestone for Real Madrid tonight with manager Carlo Ancelotti leading the side in his 200th league match.