Cristiano Ronaldo Praises Luka Modric After Portugal's World Cup Victory

In a heartfelt post-match interview, Cristiano Ronaldo lauded Luka Modric as a 'football legend' after Portugal's dramatic 2-1 win over Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Reflecting on their shared history at Real Madrid, Ronaldo expressed admiration for Modric's enduring quality on the pitch. The match saw Portugal secure a comeback victory, with Ronaldo scoring from the penalty spot and Goncalo Ramos netting a stoppage-time winner. This encounter also marked a poignant moment for Modric, potentially signaling the end of his World Cup career. Read on for more insights from this thrilling match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 3, 2026, 09:35 IST

Ronaldo Celebrates Modric's Legacy

In a recent interview with a sports network, Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Portugal, expressed his admiration for Luka Modric, calling him a 'football legend' following Portugal's narrow 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

After the match, Ronaldo reminisced about their time together at Real Madrid, where they shared many successful moments on the field. He stated, 'I've played alongside Luka for many years. We're nearly the same age. He remains a football legend, continuing to perform at an exceptional level. It's truly remarkable.'

Ronaldo also shared a heartfelt message with Modric post-match, saying, 'Congratulations on everything. It was wonderful to see you again, and I wish you all the best in the coming years of your career. It was fantastic to compete against you once more.'

Portugal's thrilling comeback saw them secure a place in the Round of 16, with Goncalo Ramos scoring a last-minute header to clinch the win. Croatia initially took the lead with a goal from Ivan Perisic, who became the nation's all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. However, Ronaldo equalized from the penalty spot after a VAR review.

Despite having two goals disallowed for offside, Croatia fought hard, but Portugal managed to hold on, setting up a highly anticipated match against Spain. This game also marked a significant moment for Luka Modric, potentially concluding his World Cup journey.