Luka Modric returns to Sánchez‑Pizjuán menaces Spain in Nations League

Spain and Croatia will face each other this Tuesday at the Sánchez‑Pizjuán in Seville, a Nations League clash that will decide the leadership of Group C. The match is marked by the return of 41‑year‑old Luka Modrić to a Spanish stadium after his spell at Real Madrid and his signing with Milan.

A return steeped in history

Modrić, who left Real Madrid in July 2025 after winning 28 titles, returns to Spain with the aim of boosting Croatia. At 41, he matches Cristiano Ronaldo in age and surpasses Lionel Messi, remaining one of the key figures of the Croatian side.

The Croatian captain scored the first goal of his national team's opening match in the group stage against the Czech Republic, a game Croatia won 2‑1. That goal underlines his continuity as a leader both on and off the pitch.

A generation that remains relevant

Alongside Modrić, Croatia arrives in Seville with several players who formed the golden age of Balkan football: Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Ivan Perišić, Andrej Pašalić and Dominik Livaković, all over thirty but still essential.

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There are also established youngsters such as Franjo Ivanović, Igor Matanović, Josko Gvardiol and Luka Sučić from Real Sociedad, who started against the Czech Republic.

Spain, world champions, debuted its second star by beating England 3‑2 at Wembley, demonstrating the host team's ambition.

This Tuesday's clash will bring together two sides with recent histories of success, while Modrić seeks to bring Croatia back to the top and Spain aims to consolidate its leadership in Group C.