At 40, Luka Modric remains the master of Serie A’s midfield, reaffirming his legendary caliber through superior stats in offense and defense.
Even at 40, Luka Modric demonstrates why he is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in football history. In the 2025/26 Serie A season, the Croatian playmaker not only symbolizes experience but also completely dominates key performance metrics, clearly showing his timeless class.
According to statistics, Modric leads the entire league in five crucial categories: successful passes (300), successful passes in the opponent’s half (169), through balls (46), ball recoveries (31), and interceptions (10). This highlights his dual role in orchestrating play and actively engaging in defense, balancing the entire tactical system.
The figure of 300 successful passes reflects Modric’s reliability and precision in every action. Among them, 169 passes in the opponent’s half show he is a key link in controlling the game and maintaining offensive pressure. Notably, 46 through balls confirm his ability to unlock defenses—a rare skill for a player aged 40.
Defensively, Modric excels with 31 ball recoveries and 10 successful interceptions, demonstrating he still possesses the speed, alertness, and game-reading ability to control the midfield. Beyond creating plays, he directly disrupts opponents’ attacks, helping his team maintain balance.
Experts say it is rare for a player at this age to lead in so many categories simultaneously. Modric is a living proof that football relies not only on physical strength but also on intelligence, endurance, and resilience.
By topping all five key statistics, Luka Modric not only confirms his legendary status but also shows he remains the “king of the midfield” in Serie A, controlling tempo, creating chances, and commanding every match.