Luka Modrić (foto: Getty Images)
Luka Modrić consoled Kylian Mbappé after Croatia’s penalty defeat, telling him it’s “not fair” to lose on penalties—but someone has to win.
Luka Modrić showed his trademark class after Croatia’s painful penalty shootout defeat to France in the Nations League, as details emerged of what the veteran midfielder said to Kylian Mbappé in the tunnel post-match.
According to Defensa Central, Modrić congratulated his Real Madrid teammate after France advanced: "It's not fair when one team loses on penalties, but someone has to win—and you were more precise than us."
Mbappé, who failed to score during regular time but converted his penalty in the shootout, helped knock out the Croatians and deny Modrić another shot at winning international gold after a string of near-misses with the national team.
The match marked a disappointing end for the Vatreni, who had already lost the previous Nations League final to Spain. This time, they exited in the quarter-finals, again on penalties—despite holding their own across both legs against France.
Modrić, 39, was substituted before the shootout, with coach Zlatko Dalić deciding to rest him due to the physical toll of two intense matches in three days. His absence from the spot kicks added another layer of frustration for Croatian fans.
The match also featured flashes of tension between the two stars. In their previous meeting in Split, Modrić was seen shouting at Mbappé after accusing him of simulation. Still, their post-match exchange in Paris showed mutual respect.
In a pre-match interview with French media, Modrić praised Mbappé’s character: “Mbappé is one of the best footballers in the world. Everything he does seems effortless. But what impresses me most is his personality—he’s very humble and always up for a joke.”
With international duties over, both players now return to Real Madrid, who remain in the hunt for the treble, with challenges in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey ahead.