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PARIS, Dec. 3-- Midfielder Luka Modric playing for Real Madrid opened a new chapter in the Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) history as he became the first Croatian to claim the best player award here on Monday. The 33-year-old Modric received his trophy during a ceremony held in the iconic Grand Palace in the French capital. "It feels amazing. I'm proud to win this beautiful award. It's difficult to express my emotions by words. It's something unique for me," admitted Modric. It was the latest recognition for his achievement and contribution throughout the year, following the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award and the Best FIFA Men's Player. Modric ended the past decade dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for the award, as the two superstars claimed it five times apiece. The Croatian had also terminated Ronaldo and Messi's 10-year duopoly in the FIFA award in September. Modric beat Ronaldo, Frenchman Antoine Griezmann and another France World Cup winning member Kylian Mbappe in the vote. Messi finished fifth. Prior to Modric's honor on Monday, Brazil's Kaka was the last one to have won the award in 2007 before Ronaldo and Messi's supremacy loomed. Modric spearheaded Croatia into the World Cup final for the first time in history in Russia, winning the tournament's Golden Ball himself. On club side, the playmaker won the third straight UEFA Champions League title with Real Madrid, their fourth in the past five years. | 
