The Balloon of Gold of Luka Modric, a 'wink' that never received Xavi or Iniesta

There were some doubts on if it would jump the surprise, but finally the prognoses fulfilled and Luka Modric conquered the Balloon of Gold 2018. The Croat has aimed all the distinctions of the course after proclaiming champion of the Champions and reach the subcampeonato of the World-wide with his selection, breaking a tendency that had lengthened during a decade.

Since Kaká carried it to Milan in an already far 2007 up to now, Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo had delivered the award, that elevated until in five occasions to each one. There were some seasons in which they deserved it of clear form and others in which the distances were more equalised, and is in these last where opened a window to which, in spite of everything, anybody attained to show.

The 'wink' of 'France Football' to the footballer of Zadar has resurrected the disappointment that supposed not seeing to Xavi Hernández or Andrés Iniesta in the highest, when both went equally determinants in the best stage in the history of the FC Barcelona. The three headed the generation of gold of the Catalan group, and the two midfield players also did it with the Spanish selection.

His big opportunity appeared, perhaps, after the World-wide of South Africa 2010, in which the 'red' was the champion under the direction of the stars culés. That Balloon of Gold was for Leo Messi, with a season to dream in the Camp Nou, beside his two inseparable mates, but with the difference that it went back to remain backwards with the combined of Argentina.

'France Football' Asked pardon to Andrés Iniesta

It is clear that the attainments of Messi and Christian are spare deserved, but is odd that the recognition did not reach to two legends like Xavi and Iniesta. The goals command and in this register there is not colour, but the football is much more and this has showed it Luka Modric, that has imposed in an usually decanted vote did the shine that stands out to the forwards.

In fact, when Don Andrés meditaba his goodbye to the Barça, 'France Football' already asked him pardon by not to distinguish him with a Balloon of Gold, an absence that, according to his director, Pascal Farré, is "painful". At least, his spectacular contribution always will remain in the memory, and will be very above the individual recognitions that in his day could reach.