Luka Modric has added another remarkable chapter to his international career, scoring for Croatia at the age of 41 and extending his own record as the country’s oldest goalscorer.
The veteran midfielder found the net in Croatia’s 2-1 victory over Czechia in the UEFA Nations League. Modric scored in the 47th minute after receiving the ball outside the penalty area, before producing a fine right-footed strike to beat the goalkeeper.
He was 41 years and 17 days old when he scored, making him the oldest player to score for Croatia in an international match. The latest achievement means Modric has once again raised a record that he had previously set himself.
His first record came in June 2024. During Euro 2024, Modric scored against Italy when he was 38 years and 289 days old. That strike made him Croatia’s oldest international goalscorer and also saw him become the oldest player to score in the history of the European Championship.
Before Modric took the Croatian record, it belonged to Niko Kovac. The former Croatia midfielder scored against Kazakhstan in September 2008 at the age of 36 years, 10 months and 22 days.
Ivan Perisic later moved past Kovac. At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Perisic scored at the age of 37 years, five months and one day, putting him second on Croatia’s list of oldest goalscorers. Modric’s latest effort has now extended his lead over the other players to have reached the milestone.
The record was achieved on a successful night for Croatia as well. Modric’s opener put his side ahead, but Czechia responded through Adam Karabec to level the match. Marko Pasalic then restored Croatia’s lead with the decisive goal, securing a 2-1 victory.
Modric’s involvement had been uncertain in the hours leading up to kick-off. He had been suffering from a fever and was unable to attend the pre-match press conference. Despite the illness, he recovered sufficiently to take part in the match and ultimately made a significant contribution.
The latest goal is another indication of Modric’s remarkable longevity at international level. While many players have moved away from top-level football by their early or mid-thirties, the Croatian has continued to feature for his country and contribute on the scoresheet.
His record has also developed in stages. At 38 years and 289 days, he set the previous benchmark against Italy in 2024. Just over two years later, he has raised it to 41 years and 17 days.
For Croatia, the evening brought both a valuable victory and another individual milestone from one of the most experienced figures in their squad. For Modric, it was yet another occasion when age became part of the record book rather than a barrier to his performance.
