Modric beats Salah, Ronaldo to UEFA player of the year award

Real Madrid midfielder, Luka Modric, has been awarded the 2018 UEFA men’s player award ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohammed Salah.

The 33-year-old Croatian captain who won the golden ball at the 2018 World Cup was Real Madrid’s midfield engine and chief creator on the road to a third consecutive Champions League crown.

This is the first time the award is being handed out to someone else other than Ronaldo and Lionel Messi since Frank Ribery won it in 2013.

Speaking at the presentation, the former Tottenham midfielder said: “It’s an incredible moment for me – I’m excited and proud.

“Thanks to everyone who voted for me, my club, my team-mates, my coaches who support me in my good moments and less good moments. This award belongs to them too.

“My father is the person who took me to my first training session and pushed me to fight for my dreams and never give up. I owe him a lot for everything.”

Meanwhile, Juventus striker, Ronaldo, was named the best striker in Europe for the 2018 season.

The predatory forward scored 15 goals in last season’s UCL, netting in every group game and did not stop scoring until the second leg of the quarter-final.

His last-minute penalty against Juventus propelled his former club, Real Madrid, into the semi-final.

Real Madrid had a clean sweep of the other awards handed out, with Keylor Navas winning best goalkeeper, while Sergio Ramos was named the best defender.

Former England international, Sir David Beckham, was awarded the honorary president’s award for 2018.

The 43-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder was described by UEFA President, Aleksander Čeferin, as the player that “changed the image of a footballer” with his commercial appeal.