Ronaldo hails Modrić a 'legend of football' after Croatia's World Cup exit ends their rivalry

Cristiano Ronaldo called Luka Modrić a “legend of football” after Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in the World Cup round of 32 at Toronto Stadium on Thursday, a match that is widely expected to mark the end of Modrić’s international career at the age of 40.

The two players have shared a pitch 233 times across their careers — 222 as Real Madrid teammates between 2012 and 2018, and 11 as opponents — making Thursday’s meeting in Toronto likely their last.

“I played with Luka so many years,” Ronaldo said after the final whistle. “We’re nearly the same age. I think he’s a legend of football. He’s still a legend of football.”

Before kick-off, the pair exchanged smiles and an embrace at the coin toss. After the final whistle, they met again on the pitch, hugged, and shared a few words — a quiet farewell to one of football’s most celebrated rivalries and partnerships.

Modrić, who turns 40 this year, guided Croatia to a runners-up finish at the 2018 World Cup and third place in 2022. Thursday’s defeat ends what had been a final attempt for both aging stars to claim the one major honour that has eluded them at international level.

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić acknowledged the moment, saying it was “probably” Modrić’s last World Cup, though he left the door slightly ajar. “Only God knows what will happen in the next four years,” Dalić said. “We’ll see. We’ll talk about it in Croatia.”

Ronaldo, 41, continues in Portugal’s campaign, while Modrić departs a tournament stage that has defined much of his legacy — and leaves behind a partnership with Ronaldo that spanned more than a decade at the highest level of the game.