Luka Modric surpasses Real Madrid legend to claim historic La Liga record
Publish : Sunday, 2024-05-05 ( Europe/London )
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric sets a new La Liga record during the 3-0 win over Cadiz.
Luka Modric has become one of football's most influential stars since joining Real Madrid in 2012, blossoming into an all-time legend during his time at the Bernabeu.
The Croatia international isn't relied upon as frequently by Los Blancos in more modern times, with manager Carlo Ancelotti juggling impressive midfield talents like Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.
Fellow veteran Toni Kroos also seems to be sticking around, meaning 38-year-old Modric, whose contract expires soon, may end up departing this summer for more game time.
While the focus will naturally be on the title win, Modric set some personal history by becoming Madrid's oldest player ever to feature in a La Liga game. Aged 38 years, seven months and 25 days, the former Tottenham wizard surpassed fellow club legend Ferenc Puskas, who was 38 years, seven months and 19 days old when he last played in Spain's top flight for Madrid.
Oldest Real Madrid players in La Liga history
Position | Player | Date | Fixture | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Luka Modric | 04/05/2024 | Real Madrid 3-0 Cadiz | 38 years, 7 months, 25 days |
2. | Ferenc Puskas | 21/18/1965 | Sevilla 2-1 Real Madrid | 38 years, 7 months, 19 days |
3. | Paco Buyo | 16/03/1996 | Real Madrid 2-0 Albacete Balompie | 38 years 2 months, 3 days |
4. | Jerzy Dudek | 21/05/2011 | Real Madrid 8-1 Almeria | 38 years, 1 month, 28 days |
5. | Alfredo di Stefano | 26/04/1964 | Real Madrid 1-0 Real Oviedo | 37 years, 9 months, 22 days |
It's another age-related feat for Modric, who only recently became Madrid's oldest competitor in the Champions League when he came on as a substitute in the 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in their semi-final first leg.
The 2018 Ballon d'Or made his 16th league start of the season in Saturday's 3-0 win over Cadiz, grabbing the assist for Brahim Diaz's opener in the 51st minute before Jude Bellingham and Joselu got in on the scoring.
A rotated team selection saw starts given to the likes of Arda Guler, Dani Ceballos and Fran Garcia while there was a return between the sticks for Thibaut Courtois, but Ancelotti is expected to make sweeping changes again for Wednesday's second leg with a place in the Champions League final on the line.
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