NAMES & FACES

Luka Modric

The midfielder broke a decade of award dominance by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi after being crowned world footballer of the year by FIFA. Modric was voted FIFA’s best player in the 2017-18 season by winning the Champions League for a fourth time in five seasons with Real Madrid and leading Croatia to its first World Cup final, in which it lost to France. At 5-foot-8, the playmaker was doubted early in his career. “These things were not a burden, they only further motivated me,” Modric, 33, said at the World Cup. “You don’t have to be a strapping lad to play football.” On the women’s side, Marta won the award for a record sixth time.

Andrew Jones

The Texas junior guard continues to regain strength following his diagnosis with leukemia, basketball coach Shaka Smart said. Although Jones, a full-time student, probably would like to play this season, Smart wasn’t ready to say whether he will be able to get on the court. Texas said Jan. 10 that Jones had been diagnosed with leukemia after complaining of constantly feeling tired, and he didn’t play the rest of last season. “Andrew’s a guy who has high expectations for himself. If he’s out there, he wants to be able to play like himself. We’re excited about the growth he’s making. There’s more to come,” Smart said.

Associated Press