Luka Modric Becomes 4th Footballer In The World To Play 200 International Matches
Luka Modric Becomes 4th Footballer In The World To Play 200 International Matches Published By, Last Updated: June 24, 2026, 03:52 IST Modrić is the
Luka Modric Becomes 4th Footballer In The World To Play 200 International Matches Published By, Last Updated: June 24, 2026, 03:52 IST Modrić is the first Croatian and only the fourth player in the world to play 200 or more international matches. He made his international debut on March 1, 2006. Luka Modric becomes 4th player to play 200 international matches. (Picture Credit: AP) 2018 FIFA World Cup runners-up Croatia are taking on Panama in their second Group L match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday (Wednesday IST). The fixture at BMO Field in Toronto is a special occasion for captain Luka Modrić, as he is making his 200th appearance for the Croatian senior men’s national team. Modrić is the first Croatian and only the fourth player in the world to play 200 or more international matches. The record for the most appearances in international football is held by Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old has played 230 matches for Portugal so far. He is followed by Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa, while Argentina’s Lionel Messi occupies third place with 201 appearances.
Most matches in international football RANK PLAYER COUNTRY Confederation Caps Debut Latest 1. Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal UEFA 230 August 20, 2003 June 23, 2026 2. Bader Al-Mutawa Kuwait AFC 202 September 4, 2003 June 14, 2022 3. Lionel Messi Argentina CONMEBOL 201 August 17, 2005 June 22, 2026 4. Luka Modrić Croatia UEFA 200* March 1, 2006 June 23, 2026 5. Soh Chin Ann Malaysia AFC 195 November 19, 1969 October 18, 1984 6. Ahmed Kano Oman AFC 193 September 25, 2003 December 2, 2019 7. Hassan Al-Haydos Qatar AFC 187 August 9, 2008 June 13, 2026 8. Ahmed Hassan Egypt CAF 184 December 29, 1995 May 22, 2012 9. Andrés Guardado Mexico CONCACAF 180 December 14, 2005 October 15, 2024 Sergio Ramos Spain UEFA 180 March 26, 2005 March 31, 2021 Modrić, who led Croatia to the FIFA World Cup final in 2018, made his international debut on June 1, 2006, and has scored 29 goals for his country. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid star will be hoping to add to his tally against Panama and help Croatia secure their first win of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Luka Modric’s matches for Croatia (year-by-year) YEAR MATCHES GOALS 2006 12 2 2007 10 1 2008 11 3 2009 3 1 2010 8 0 2011 9 1 2012 9 0 2013 10 0 2014 11 2 2015 4 0 2016 8 1 2017 8 1 2018 15 2 2019 9 2 2020 6 0 2021 13 4 2022 16 3 2023 10 1 2024 12 3 2025 10 1 2026 6* 1 Total 200* 29 Croatia faced England in their opening Group L match on June 17 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington but suffered a disappointing 4-2 defeat. England captain Harry Kane scored twice in that match, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also found the back of the net to seal the victory for the Three Lions. A win over Panama on Tuesday (Wednesday IST) will keep Croatia in contention for a place in the Round of 32, whereas a defeat would eliminate them from the tournament at the group stage. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Harshit Bisht Senior Sub-editor Harshit Bisht is a sports journalist with CNN-News18 since July 1, 2024, and covers cricket with a sharp eye for records, trends, and match analysis.
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