Modric is Best in world
TOP AWARD: Luka Modric LUKA MODRIC was crowned the Best FIFA Men’s Player last night after seeing off competition from Mo Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder enjoyed a stunning campaign last season, winning the Champions League before captaining his country to the final of the World Cup.
The former Spurs star, 33, said of his prize: “It’s a great honour and beautiful feeling to stand here with this amazing trophy.
“This trophy is not just mine it is for all my Real Madrid and Croatia team-mates and all the coaches I have played for.
“This trophy is also for my family, without whom I would not be the player and person I am.”
Modric also dedicated his award to Zvonimir Boban, who skippered Croatia to the World Cup semi-finals in 1998.
Ronaldo, who also lost out to Modric for the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year prize, was a no-show at the glitzy ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Solo
It is the first time since 2007 that the award has not gone to either Ronaldo or Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.
It was not all bad news for Salah, who beat Gareth Bale among others for the FIFA Puskas Award for the best goal.
The Liverpool hitman’s stunning solo effort against Everton last December was deemed better than Bale’s Champions League Final overhead kick, receiving 38 per cent of the vote.
Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois picked up the Best FIFA Goalkeeper award ahead of Leicester’s Kasper Schmeichel and Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris.
The Best FIFA Men’s Coach went to Didier Deschamps for leading France to World Cup glory.
Premier League stars David De Gea, N’Golo Kante and Eden Hazard were selected in the FIFA FIFPro World XI chosen by professional footballers around the globe.
Brazil skipper Marta was rewarded for leading her country to glory in the Copa America Femenina with the Best FIFA Women’s Player prize.
The FIFA Fan Award went to the supporters of Peru after 40,000 travelled to Russia in the summer to watch their country’s return to the World Cup for the first time in 36 years.