Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has won the Ballon d’Or, breaking the decade-long dominance of the award by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Modric, who won FIFA’s The Best award in September, led Croatia to their first ever World Cup final and helped Real Madrid to this season’s Champions League crown.
“As a kid we all have dreams. My dream was to play for a big club and win important trophies,” Modric said upon receiving the award.
“The Ballon d'Or was more than just a dream for me and it is really an honour and a privilege to hold this trophy.
“2018 is a dream year for me. Throughout my career, I realised hard work, persistence and belief in yourself in difficult moments are the foundations of success.”
Modric lifted the award ahead of Ronaldo – who finished second – while Antoine Griezmann completed the top three.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe was fourth while Lionel Messi was voted fifth.
