Croatia winger Ivan Perisic believes his country can produce another Ballon d’Or winner despite the unique achievements of Luka Modric, saying the nation’s long history of developing elite talent gives him confidence about the future.
Perisic made the remarks as Croatia intensify preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will once again look to challenge the world’s football powers despite a population of fewer than four million people.
Modric remains Croatia’s only Ballon d’Or winner after ending the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to claim the award in 2018.
Speaking about whether another Croatian player can reach similar heights, Perisic pointed to the country’s remarkable record of producing global sporting stars.
He said: “Croatia has always had great talent, especially in football. For a country with fewer than four million people, what we’ve achieved over the years is truly special.”
The PSV Eindhoven winger said Modric’s achievement served as proof that Croatian players can compete with the very best in world football.
Perisic said: “Luka’s Ballon d’Or win reminded the world that Croatia can reach the very highest level of excellence.
“I feel strongly that there will be many more great achievements for Croatia in the future and hopefully more football wins.”
Croatia’s sporting success extends beyond football, with tennis stars Goran Ivanisevic and Marin Cilic winning Grand Slam titles, while Toni Kukoc played a key role in the Chicago Bulls dynasty alongside Michael Jordan.
In football, players such as Davor Suker, Zvonimir Boban and Robert Prosinecki paved the way before Modric helped Croatia reach the 2018 World Cup final and establish itself among the game’s elite nations.
Perisic is expected to be part of Zlatko Dalic’s squad at the World Cup and admitted excitement is building ahead of another appearance on football’s biggest stage.
He said: “I’m feeling excited and focused! Each World Cup is indescribable because we feel the support and the high expectations of the entire country.”
The 37-year-old added that the pressure associated with representing Croatia is also a source of motivation.
Perisic said: “It’s a lot of pressure but the greatest motivator and it’s always an honor to represent Croatia on the world stage.”
The veteran winger also spoke about the pride he feels whenever he wears his country’s colours.
He said: “Whenever I see the Croatian colours, I feel an enormous sense of pride, and I think the whole team feels the same way.”
Perisic, who has represented Croatia since making his debut in 2011, described playing for the national team as a privilege.
He said: “Wearing these colours on and off the pitch is always a huge honour.
“It’s not everyone who gets to wear their country’s colours as part of their job, so it feels like a privilege to do so.”
As Croatia prepare for another World Cup campaign, Perisic believes the country’s tradition of producing world-class talent remains strong and could eventually deliver another player capable of matching Modric’s historic achievements.
More details here...
