Kroos selects Modric to lead his five greatest midfielders in football history

Toni Kroos has placed former Real Madrid team-mate Luka Modric at the top of his list of the five greatest midfielders in football history.

The former Germany international revealed his selection on Wednesday during the “Einfach mal Luppen” podcast, ranking Modric ahead of three other renowned European midfielders.

Kroos’ list is:

1. Luka Modric 2. Andres Iniesta 3. Xavi Hernandez 4. Steven Gerrard 5. Michael Ballack

Modric, who is currently a Milan player, shared the Real Madrid midfield with Kroos for 10 seasons. Their partnership began when Kroos moved to the Spanish club from Bayern Munich in 2014 and continued until the German retired from football in 2024.

The Croatian’s position at the top of the list reflects the high regard in which he is held by his former team-mate. Together with Brazil international Casemiro, Kroos and Modric formed the central midfield of a Real Madrid side that enjoyed an era of significant success.

The trio contributed to Real Madrid winning five Champions League titles during the period in which they played together.

Kroos made 465 appearances for Real Madrid, while Modric played 597 matches for the club. Modric’s spell in Madrid lasted from 2012 until 2025.

Kroos ended his playing career at the peak of his level after a decade at Real Madrid. Modric’s time at the club extended for three more years than his former midfield partner, having arrived in 2012.

The pair were key figures in one of the most successful periods in Real Madrid’s history, with their technical quality and experience at the centre of the team’s midfield for much of that era.

Iniesta and Xavi, ranked second and third by Kroos, were long-standing Barcelona midfielders, while Gerrard spent the defining years of his career with Liverpool. Ballack, the fifth player on the list, is another Germany international and former team-mate of Kroos at national level.