Tuesday, June 2, 2026
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Breaking News
    • Fact Check
    • Investigations
    • Explainers
  • Politics
    • Global Politics
    • Elections
    • Government & Policy
    • Diplomacy
    • Conflicts & Security
    • Political Analysis
  • Business
    • Global Economy
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Startups
    • Energy
    • Finance
  • World News
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Asia Pacific
    • Africa
    • Europe
    • Middle East
  • Africa
    • Central Africa
    • East Africa
    • West Africa
    • Southern Africa
  • Health
    • Global Health
    • Public Health
    • Health Policy
    • Medical Research
    • Diseases & Conditions
    • Mental Health
    • Nutrition
    • Climate & Health
    • Health Explainers
  • Sports
    • Athletics
    • Basketball
    • Boxing
    • Cricket
    • Football
    • Formula 1
    • Golf
    • Rugby
  • Weather
    • Climate Business
    • Climate Change
    • Climate Solutions
    • Living Green
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • Film & TV
    • Food
    • Music
    • Lifestyle
    • Travel
  • Opinion
    • Editorials
    • Letters
  • Behind The Brand
REGISTER
LOGIN
No Result
View All Result
The Kenya Times
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Breaking News
    • Fact Check
    • Investigations
    • Explainers
  • Politics
    • Global Politics
    • Elections
    • Government & Policy
    • Diplomacy
    • Conflicts & Security
    • Political Analysis
  • Business
    • Global Economy
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Startups
    • Energy
    • Finance
  • World News
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Asia Pacific
    • Africa
    • Europe
    • Middle East
  • Africa
    • Central Africa
    • East Africa
    • West Africa
    • Southern Africa
  • Health
    • Global Health
    • Public Health
    • Health Policy
    • Medical Research
    • Diseases & Conditions
    • Mental Health
    • Nutrition
    • Climate & Health
    • Health Explainers
  • Sports
    • Athletics
    • Basketball
    • Boxing
    • Cricket
    • Football
    • Formula 1
    • Golf
    • Rugby
  • Weather
    • Climate Business
    • Climate Change
    • Climate Solutions
    • Living Green
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • Film & TV
    • Food
    • Music
    • Lifestyle
    • Travel
  • Opinion
    • Editorials
    • Letters
  • Behind The Brand
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Breaking News
    • Fact Check
    • Investigations
    • Explainers
  • Politics
    • Global Politics
    • Elections
    • Government & Policy
    • Diplomacy
    • Conflicts & Security
    • Political Analysis
  • Business
    • Global Economy
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Startups
    • Energy
    • Finance
  • World News
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Asia Pacific
    • Africa
    • Europe
    • Middle East
  • Africa
    • Central Africa
    • East Africa
    • West Africa
    • Southern Africa
  • Health
    • Global Health
    • Public Health
    • Health Policy
    • Medical Research
    • Diseases & Conditions
    • Mental Health
    • Nutrition
    • Climate & Health
    • Health Explainers
  • Sports
    • Athletics
    • Basketball
    • Boxing
    • Cricket
    • Football
    • Formula 1
    • Golf
    • Rugby
  • Weather
    • Climate Business
    • Climate Change
    • Climate Solutions
    • Living Green
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • Film & TV
    • Food
    • Music
    • Lifestyle
    • Travel
  • Opinion
    • Editorials
    • Letters
  • Behind The Brand
No Result
View All Result
The Kenya Times ~ Trending, Breaking News and Videos
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT

From a Refugee to Ballon d’Or Winner, Story of Luka Modrić

Wiltord OtienobyWiltord Otieno
June 26, 2025
Reading Time: 7 mins read
Luka Modrić: From Refugee To Ballon D’or Legend

Luka Modrić: From Refugee to Ballon d’Or Legend

FacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWhatsApp
Advertisement

Luka Modrić

AGE      39 Years
GENDER     Male
OCCUPATION  Footballer

2018 Ballon d’Or winner and 11-time Croatian Footballer of the Year Luka Modrić has confirmed his exit from European football giants Real Madrid and is set to join AC Milan.

Born on September 9, 1985, in Zadar, Croatia, Modric rose from a war-torn childhood to becoming one of the greatest midfielders in history.

As a kid in war-torn Croatia, Modrić was a ball boy for NK Zadar. He’d kick stones around refugee camps, honing the skills that made him a Galáctico.

Luka Modrić Family

Modrić’s wife, Vanja Bosnić, is his high school sweetheart and a woman he describes as his “biggest cheerleader”. Married since 2010, she’s his unofficial manager, handling his contracts and keeping him grounded.


Also Read: List of Players Who Have Played for Both Arsenal & Chelsea

ADVERTISEMENT

Luka and Vanja have three kids: Ivano (born 2010), Ema (2013), and Sofia (2017).  Modrić is the eldest of three siblings, with sisters Jasmina and Diora. He’s the protective big brother, often flying them to Madrid for games.

Properties Owned

Luka Modrić, has made significant investments in real estate, reflecting his financial success and strategic planning for the future.

Modrić purchased a five-bedroom mansion worth over Ksh150.9 million in Swansea, Wales, following his acquisition of a minority stake in Swansea City, a Championship football club.

The mansion, reportedly bought from former Swansea midfielder Leon Britton, includes amenities and is located close to the beach, a short drive from the club’s training ground.

In 2019, Modrić acquired a modern Ksh1.8 billion mansion in the upscale La Moraleja neighbourhood of Madrid. The 10,000-square-meter property features 2,700 square meters of living space, including nine bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a massage parlour, a gym, a swimming pool, and a large living room, with most of the living space on one floor. This home served as his primary residence while playing for Real Madrid.

In May 2024, through his company Modrić Family SL, Modrić purchased three apartments near Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex for Ksh905.3 million and invested over Ksh1.5 billion through Modrić Family SL in 941 square meters of land in Madrid’s elite El Viso district.

ADVERTISEMENT

Modrić owns a 220-square-meter penthouse on Tkalčićeva Street in Zagreb, located atop a modern building designed to be resistant to earthquakes and fires.

In 2017, Modrić purchased a 286-square-meter luxury villa in the prestigious Pantovčak neighbourhood of Zagreb, previously owned by former footballer Zvonimir Boban. The villa was later transferred to the ownership of his wife, Vanja Modrić.

Modrić owns a luxurious seaside villa in Kožino, near his hometown of Zadar. This property provides privacy and comfort for family stays in Croatia.

Luka Modrić Car Collection

Modric is known for his private lifestyle, but his car collection cannot be avoided. He owns:

Bentley Continental GT: A grand tourer with a 6.o-liter twin turbo W12 engine, producing 626 horsepower and valued at Ksh29.6 million.

Audi RS7: A high-performance version of the A7, equipped, producing 553 horsepower and valued at Ksh15.9 million.

The Audi SQ5: A premium SUV with a 3.0-liter turbo-V6 engine, producing 354 horsepower valued at Ksh25 million.

Audi Q8: A mid-size SUV with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine and electric motor, producing 469 horsepower and valued at Ksh 10.7 million.

BMW iX: A premium luxury electric SUV with a 77-kWh battery, producing 326 horsepower and valued at Ksh17 million.

BMW i4: An electric gran coupe with a single motor producing 281 horsepower and a range of up to 300 miles valued at Ksh2.5 million.

 

Luka Modrić Watch Collection

Luka Modrić’s watch collection showcases his affinity for luxury timepieces. Here are some of the notable watches he owns:

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5726/1A: Features an Annual Calendar and moon-phase display with a blue dial, valued at Ksh20.7 million.

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A: A stainless-steel watch with a dark grey square pattern and orange accents, priced at Ksh15.6 million.

Patek Philippe Nautilus Perpetual Calendar 5740: A grand complication watch in white gold with a blue sunburst dial, valued at Ksh32.3 million.

Omega Speedmaster 50th Anniversary Silver Snoopy Award: A timepiece presented on a blue nylon fabric strap with a silver dial and embossed Snoopy medallion, valued at Ksh 3.2 million.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak: A luxury watch with a stainless-steel case, valued at Ksh32.3 million.

Football as the Remedy to War

Modric’s childhood was shaped by the Croatian War of Independence (1991–1995), with his family fleeing their home in Obrovac, becoming refugees when he was just six.

Despite these hardships, football became Modrić’s escape. In his book, My Game, he describes kicking a ball around hotel parking lots where his family stayed, honing his skills on rough surfaces.

“Football was my freedom,” he writes, explaining how kicking the ball comforted him amidst the deafening explosions and gunfire outside their compound in Zadar’s Hotel Kolovare for years.


Also Read: KRU Announces Trials for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games


As a child in war-torn Croatia, Modrić was a ball boy for NK Zadar, dodging danger while dreaming of football. He’d kick stones around refugee camps, honing the skills that made him a Galáctico.

Modric to Milan

Luka Modrić, a childhood Milan fan, has delayed his medical examinations until after the Club World Cup out of respect for Real Madrid, where he played since 2012, winning 28 major trophies, including six Champions Leagues and the 2018 Ballon d’Or.

Modrić’s move is motivated by his desire to stay in Europe, maintain top form for the 2026 World Cup, and avoid facing Real Madrid in European competitions, as Milan will not play in Europe next season.

The transfer is expected to be finalized in early July 2025, with medicals in Croatia and a contract signing in Milan.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.

Luka Modrić: From Refugee To Ballon D’or Legend
Luka Modrić: From Refugee to Ballon d’Or Legend. PHOTO/MODRIC

 

Tags: Luka ModricReal Madrid
Wiltord Otieno

Wiltord Otieno

Wiltord Otieno is a passionate journalist at The Kenya Times with a keen eye for impactful stories. He specializes in sports writing, digital content, and storytelling that informs and inspires. Wiltord is driven by curiosity, delivering clear, engaging narratives that inform, challenge, and inspire audiences, and always ready to grow in this fast-evolving media landscape. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from The Technical University of Kenya. He can be reached at [email protected]

Related Posts

Stars Abroad: Moses Shumah, Kenyan Striker Breaking Records In Zambia

Stars Abroad: Moses Shumah, Kenyan Striker Breaking Records in Zambia

June 1, 2026
In 2007, At The Age Of 9, Corazone Aquino Started Her Football Career At The Masa Babes Club And Is Currently Known As President Kimbrow.

Corazone Aquino: Kenyan Star Named After Philippines’ Former President

June 1, 2026
Harambee Stars Have Made Changes To Their June Fifa International Window Squad Following The Initial Fixture Changes Involving Palestine On June 3 And Kyrgyzstan On June 6.

Benny McCarthy Makes Changes to Harambee Stars Squad Days After Unveiling 24 Players

June 1, 2026
Lionel Messi Lifting The World Cup Trophy In 2022.

The Innocent Mistake That Could Send World Cup Fans to U.S. Prison for a Year

May 30, 2026
ADVERTISEMENT

The Kenya Times Facebook

LATEST ARTICLES

  • KNEC Announces 2026/2027 TVET Examination Registration Dates
  • PS Oluga Clarifies Nationality of 37 People Quarantined After Returning from Congo
  • How to Send Money Internationally: Cheapest Methods in 2026
  • Where CCTV Cameras Should Not Be Installed Under Kenyan Law
  • Profile of Henry Wooster, Trump’s Nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Kenya
  • Mudavadi Asks Africa to Stop Depending on Aid
  • KeNHA Advances Plans for Mau Summit-Eldoret Road Upgrade After Securing Funding
  • Sasini PLC Appoints New Company Secretary
  • Pressure on Ruto to Allow Atheism in All Schools Countrywide
  • Here Are The 6 Things That Make Certain Sports a Lot More Popular
  • Emotional Utumishi Girls Survivor Recounts Horrific Night That Killed Classmates, Calls for Justice
  • Ruto Recalls How Leaders Warned Him Against Appointing Francis Ogolla
  • Trump Nominates Diplomat Henry Wooster as US Ambassador to Kenya
  • High Court Orders Govt to Disclose All Agreements and Approvals on Ebola Facility
  • Opinion | How Kenya Failed the Girls of Utumishi Academy
ADVERTISEMENT

Company

About Us

Our Authors

Our Experts

Social Media

Policies

Privacy Policy

House Rules

Standards and Policies

Terms and Conditions

Subscription

My Account

Contact Us

Contact Us

Join Our Team

Advertise With Us

© Copyright 2026 | The Kenya Times | All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Sign In with Facebook
Sign In with Google
Sign In with Linked In
OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Sign Up with Facebook
Sign Up with Google
Sign Up with Linked In
OR

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
Your Privacy and Cookies
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
LOGIN | REGISTER
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Cart
No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Breaking News
    • Investigations
    • Explainers
    • Fact Check
  • Politics
    • Global Politics
    • Conflicts & Security
    • Elections
    • Diplomacy
    • Government & Policy
    • Political Analysis
  • Business
    • Global Economy
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Startups
    • Energy
    • Finance
  • World News
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Asia Pacific
    • Africa
    • Europe
    • Middle East
  • Africa
    • East Africa
    • West Africa
    • Southern Africa
    • Central Africa
  • Health
    • Global Health
    • Public Health
    • Health Policy
    • Medical Research
    • Diseases & Conditions
    • Mental Health
    • Nutrition
    • Climate & Health
    • Health Explainers
  • Sports
    • Athletics
    • Basketball
    • Boxing
    • Cricket
    • Football
    • Formula 1
    • Golf
    • Rugby
  • Weather
    • Climate Business
    • Climate Change
    • Climate Solutions
    • Living Green
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • Film & TV
    • Food
    • Lifestyle
    • Music
    • Travel
  • Opinion
    • Editorials
    • Letters
  • Behind The Brand
  • Contact Us

Not enough quota to unlock this post
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?