Luka Modric may have ended up on the losing side as Croatia suffered a 4-2 defeat to England in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, but the Croatian captain still managed to create a talking point that had nothing to do with the scoreline.
Football fans quickly noticed that Modric was wearing a unique jersey unlike anyone else on the field, including his own teammates. The Real Madrid legend carried two special FIFA badges on his sleeve, placing him in an exclusive category that only Lionel Messi currently shares.
The new recognition is part of FIFA's efforts to celebrate iconic careers and unforgettable individual performances on the biggest stage in world football.
FIFA introduces a special Legacy Patch for tournament veterans
One of the badges visible on Modric's jersey is the newly introduced FIFA Legacy Patch.
The honour is reserved for players who have been named in five or more FIFA World Cup squads during their international careers.
At 40, Modric is appearing in his fifth World Cup and joins a legendary list that includes Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manuel Neuer and Japan's Yuto Nagatomo.
According to The Print, the patch is FIFA's way of recognising extraordinary longevity and sustained excellence over multiple generations of football.
Very few players manage to remain at the highest level long enough to achieve such a feat.
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The Golden Ball patch celebrates Modric's unforgettable 2018 campaign
The second badge on Modric's jersey is arguably even more special.
It is the Golden Ball Winner Patch, awarded to players who have previously won the tournament's Best Player award.
Modric earned the honour at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after leading Croatia to a historic final appearance. His performances throughout the tournament saw him become the first player since 2007 to break the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Ballon d'Or monopoly later that year.
According to The Print, FIFA introduced this patch in 2026 to honour players who have left an unforgettable mark on World Cup history.
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Only Lionel Messi shares this rare distinction
What makes Modric's jersey extraordinary is the combination of both badges.
At this World Cup, Lionel Messi is the only other player wearing both the Legacy Patch and the Golden Ball Winner Patch.
Messi qualifies through his six World Cup appearances and his Golden Ball victories in 2014 and 2022.
For football fans, the dual patches represent something bigger than statistics. They symbolise careers built on consistency, leadership and moments that shaped football history.
Despite Croatia's difficult start in a challenging Group L featuring England, Ghana and Panama, Modric's presence remains invaluable.
His side will now shift focus to crucial fixtures against Panama and Ghana as they attempt to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
