Veteran midfielder Luka Modric produced a memorable performance on his 39th birthday, scoring the only goal as Croatia beat Poland 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League.

The star of Real Madrid and Croatia, Luka Modric, demonstrated that youth is nothing more than a number during a crucial match for his team in the UEFA Nations League 2024–25. Modric, who is 39 years old, scored the game-winning goal to help Croatia defeat Poland 1-0 at home in Osijek.

Days had passed since Croatia’s opening-round 2-1 loss to Portugal. In addition to scoring goals as captain, Modric was also the clear winner of the Man of the Match award.

In the 52nd minute, Modric scored the game’s lone goal with a spectacular free kick from the edge of the penalty box. The Polish custodian had little chance of save when his shot soared over the defensive wall and into the top corner.

Luka Modric scored the only goal of the match from a free kick.

This match also marked a memorable milestone in Modric’s career when he won his 180th cap for Croatia. This achievement helped him become the second most capped European player in history, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo with 214 caps for Portugal.

The win is crucial for Croatia in their Nations League campaign. After losing to Portugal in their opening match, the Balkan side needed a positive result to keep their hopes of progressing further in the tournament alive. With three points, Croatia are currently second in their group, behind only Portugal.

Modric’s performance once again confirmed his importance to the Croatian national team. Although he is no longer young, his experience, vision and technique are still indispensable elements in the team’s style of play. Coach Zlatko Dalic has repeatedly emphasized Modric’s role in leading the younger players and maintaining the team’s fighting spirit.

Poland did not have many significant chances against Croatia.

For Modric, this match is also an important step towards his goal of attending the 2026 World Cup. The 39-year-old midfielder has previously shared that continuing to play at the highest level with Real Madrid and maintaining a stable form is the key to being able to wear the national team jersey at the biggest tournament on the planet for the fourth time in his career.

At Real Madrid, although no longer a first-choice starter, Modric remains an important player. His one-year contract extension and appointment as captain last summer showed the club’s confidence in his leadership and contribution on the pitch.

The captain of Real Madrid and the Croatian national team officially turns 39 years old today (September 9).

The match against Poland also saw significant efforts from the visitors, especially striker Robert Lewandowski. However, the crossbar denied Poland an equalizer, helping Croatia hold on for a slim victory.

At 39, Modric still has many goals ahead of him. Continuing to contribute to Real Madrid, leading Croatia to major tournaments, and perhaps another World Cup, are all goals the midfielder is aiming for. With his current form and spirit, there is no reason to doubt that Luka Modric will continue to create miracles in the future.