On this day in 2004, exactly 20 years ago, Luka Modrić was awarded the “Filip Šunjić – Pipa” trophy by the Ultras Zrinjski Supporters’ Club!
The winner of the 2018 Ballon d’Or, the greatest Croatian footballer of all time, and a star of Real Madrid, began his professional career wearing the blue and white of Zrinjski as a loaned player from GNK Dinamo Zagreb. He spent the 2003/2004 season at our club, scoring eight goals in 25 official matches.
Modrić arrived at the Mostar club as an 18-year-old alongside two other Dinamo players, Ivica Džidić and Davor Landeka. He made his official debut on August 10, 2003, at the Pecara Stadium in a 0-3 loss to Široki Brijeg.
It was his first senior football match, and although Zrinjski did not excel that season, fans could still enjoy the performances of a player who would later leave a significant mark on Croatian and global football. That’s why the Ultras awarded him the trophy, traditionally given to the player who stood out the most during the season with their dedication, behavior on the field, and relationship with the fans.
Modrić left Zrinjski in the summer transfer window of 2004, just before the season in which the Plemići won their first championship title. He spent the next six months on loan at NK Inter Zaprešić before joining Dinamo for three and a half years.
In the summer of 2008, he continued his career at Tottenham Hotspur in England, and he has been a member of the Royal Club for twelve years now.
