Modric dethrones Messi and Ronaldo in a dreamy 2018

On 31st December, Luka Modric will end a dreamy 2018.

The Croatian has had twelve months of success, including another Champions League with Real Madrid, a run to the World Cup final, the Club World Cup title in Abu Dhabi and being chosen as the best athlete in his country.

Such recognition completes a circle that began last December, with the second consecutive Club World Cup.

The conquest of the Champions League was the most special moment, Los Blancos writing history again with the third consecutive title in the modern format, something unheard of until that moment.

"Not everything in football is about goals," the Croatian dared to say, to vindicate his way of playing the sport.

Qualities that haven't gone unnoticed by others, as has been demonstrated by the awarding of UEFA's Best Player and France Football's Ballon d'Or.

After conquering Europe for the third time in a row, the midfielder managed to lead Croatia into the World Cup final.

One month afterwards, UEFA named him the best player of the season which no one disputed, except Cristiano Ronaldo.

Goal, GQ and Sportke Novosti were just three of many others that chose him as their number one for 2018.

While all this was happening, he continued to fight for all the titles, both team and individual.

By winning the Ballon d'Or, he ended the dominance of Lionel Messi and Ronaldo, with the Portuguese again not shy in showing his displeasure.

That was in stark contrast to the Argentinian who praised his contemporary, as did Xavi Hernandez and many others from the football world.

To close the year, with Modric at the centre, Los Blancos lifted title number 24 under Florentino Perez, the Croat decisive in ensuring that Real Madrid made more history with their third consecutive Club World Cup.