LUKA MODRIC

AGE: 37 COUNTRY: CROATIA NUMBER OF FIFA WORLD CUPS:

The Croatian superstar was named the best Fifa player in the world in 2018. A world cup for his country, however, has eluded him.

Modric knows he’s slowing down. “I am aware that I am of a certain age and that this is my last competition in the Croatian national team,” he says.

But it’s an honour, he adds. “People ask why I keep playing for the national team instead of focusing on my club. I keep playing because it’s still something special for me.”

The midfielder, who captains the national side, has made his mark since his world cup debut against Argentina in 2006. He’s made more than 152 appearances for Croatia, scoring 22 times and carrying his team to the finals of the 2018 tournament.