Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Luka Modrić: Real Madrid ex-teammates face off in 2026 World Cup

Football icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić, who shared six successful seasons at Real Madrid, are set to clash again on the world stage in the 2026 World Cup.

The upcoming match between Portugal and Croatia in the round of 16 features two of the most influential players of the past decade. Ronaldo and Modrić were key figures in Real Madrid's golden era, between 2012 and 2018, contributing to numerous titles, including four UEFA Champions League trophies, three Club World Cups, and two La Liga titles.

After Ronaldo's departure to Juventus in 2018, their paths diverged, yet both have maintained their status as elite international players. Ronaldo captained Portugal to their first major titles, the Euro 2016 and the 2019 UEFA Nations League, and became the first male player to score in six World Cups. Modrić led Croatia to their historic runner-up finish in the 2018 World Cup, earning the Golden Ball, and secured a third-place finish in Qatar 2022.

Remarkably, both players continue to perform at the highest level despite their age. The 41-year-old Ronaldo remains the star for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, while the 40-year-old Modrić recently began a new chapter with AC Milan after a distinguished 13-year spell at Real Madrid. Their presence in the 2026 World Cup highlights their extraordinary longevity in the sport.

This encounter is particularly significant as it marks the first time in World Cup history that two outfield players over 40 years old will face each other. Beyond the competition for a spot in the next round, this match could potentially be the final World Cup meeting between these two legendary figures.

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Cristiano Ronaldo 🇵🇹 (41 years) and Luka Modrić 🇭🇷 (40) are facing each other today. It is the FIRST time in the ENTIRE history of the World Cup that two outfield players over 40 years old are facing each other.