Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric embraced after Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Croatia in the 2026 World Cup last 32, marking an emotional conclusion to Modric’s World Cup journey.
Portugal’s dramatic win sent Ronaldo and his team-mates into the last 16, while Croatia’s defeat ended Modric’s hopes of winning the World Cup for the first time.
The moment after the final whistle drew particular attention, as the two former Real Madrid team-mates shared a long embrace following a match that brought together two of football’s most experienced and celebrated players.
Portugal’s victory ensured Ronaldo’s pursuit of a first World Cup title remains alive. Modric, meanwhile, leaves the tournament without the trophy that had eluded him despite reaching the 2018 World Cup final with Croatia.
The Portuguese side joined Paraguay, Brazil, France, Canada, Morocco, Spain, the United States, Belgium, Norway, Mexico and England in the last 16 following the 2-1 win.
A final World Cup meeting
The Portugal-Croatia match was the 11th meeting between Ronaldo and Modric during their respective careers.
Ronaldo has now won 10 of those encounters, with the remaining match ending in a draw. Modric did not record a victory against his former club colleague.
Their post-match embrace reflected the long professional relationship between the pair, who spent several successful years together at Real Madrid.
Both players became central figures during one of the club’s most successful modern periods, combining individual quality with a sustained run of major trophies in domestic and European football.
Their shared history has made their latest meeting particularly significant, with the World Cup providing a final setting for Modric’s international ambitions and another step forward for Ronaldo.
Real Madrid partnership defined by success
Modric ranks seventh among the players who have made the most appearances alongside Ronaldo during his career.
The pair played 222 matches together for Real Madrid in domestic and continental competitions.
Ronaldo joined the Spanish club from Manchester United in 2009 in a deal estimated at about 94m euros. Modric arrived three years later from Tottenham Hotspur for 35m euros.
During their time together, Ronaldo scored 226 goals, including 14 assisted by Modric. Modric scored 12 times, with two of those goals assisted by Ronaldo.
Their partnership formed part of a Real Madrid side that won four Champions League titles, one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey, two Spanish Super Cups, two European Super Cups and three Club World Cups.
Different paths after Portugal win
Portugal will now continue their World Cup campaign with Ronaldo still chasing the one major international trophy missing from his record.
The forward’s side will seek to build on their narrow victory over Croatia as they prepare for the next stage of the competition.
For Modric, the defeat closes his World Cup story with Croatia. His international career included a run to the 2018 final, but the golden trophy remained beyond his reach.
The final whistle therefore brought contrasting emotions for the two players: one moving closer to a historic ambition, and the other departing the tournament after another demanding World Cup campaign.
Their embrace provided a fitting image of that contrast, while also recalling a partnership that helped deliver one of Real Madrid’s most successful eras.
