Luka Modric hailed by Spanish press after Real Madrid star wins Ballon d'Or

Luka Modric has drawn further plaudits from the Spanish press on Tuesday after the Real Madrid midfielder won the Ballon d'Or.

The 33-year-old ended Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's 10-year dominance over the gong when he was honoured with the award in Paris on Monday night.

It comes after the midfielder spearheaded Croatia's charge to the World Cup final - and was named player of the tournament in the process - after helping Madrid win an unprecedented third straight Champions League title.

Both Marca and AS have Modric on their front pages on Tuesdsay. Marca use Modric's quote of: 'My dream since childhood was to be a player in a great team, the Ballon d'Or is more than a dream.'

AS, meanwhile, quote Modric saying: 'If I've won its because I've done something special' alongside a picture of him with the trophy.

Speaking after winning the trophy, Modric admitted the emotion of winning nearly got the better of him.

'It's difficult to find the words to express how I feel,' Modric said. 'I'm very happy and grateful to everyone who recognised my journey.

'I held back the tears, it's been an exceptional night to form part of these players who have won this prize.'

Modric was also congratulated over social media by Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos.

Ramos shared a picture of him watching the Ballon d'Or ceremony unfolding from home and wrote the caption: 'Congratulations, my Croatian brother. Well deserved!'

Modric and Ramos will resume league action for Madrid on Sunday away to Huesca, as they look to battle their way back into the top four of La Liga after a stuttering start under former manager Julen Lopetegui.

They are currently fifth in the Spanish league with 23 points, five  behind leaders and rivals Barcelona.