Leaving Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi behind, Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric collected the Best FIFA Men's Player 2018 award in London on Monday evening.
Speaking to FIFA, Modric said "It's an incredible feeling. I am proud and honoured to be here. It's been a special night for me and a special moment in my career".
Along with the Best Men's Player, he also won the adidas Golden Ball at Russia 2018 and bagged the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid.
Modric beat out Liverpool's Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Ronaldo, who along with Messi did not attend the awards ceremony in London.
The absence of Ronaldo and Messi, who were in action for Juventus and Barcelona on Wednesday, stirred a lot of controversy.
When asked about the absence, Modric said "Everyone has their own reasons," adding, "Obviously I would have liked them to be here but they aren't."
Modric scored twice and also netted in penalty shootout wins over Denmark and Russia, but it was his playmaking ability that caught the eye in winning the Golden Ball for the best player at the World Cup.
"It was an unbelievable season, the best season in my life," said Modric.
(Featured Image: Getty Images)
