Luka Modric claimed the highest honor a footballer could get in the FIFA World Cup, but that individual accomplishment doesn't seem to guarantee a collective title...at least in the last six FIFA World Cup editions.
Contrary to other World Cup editions, the Silver and Bronze Ball winners were not announced, leaving Modric as the only player to collect his trophy. Today, the Croatian midfielder became the sixth straight to walk away with a trophy in his hands, but maybe it wasn't the one he wanted to win.
#CRO Luka Modric won the Golden Ball award.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 15, 2018
He is the 6th straight Golden Ball winner NOT to win the #WorldCup. pic.twitter.com/YbzYUwcYN4
FIFA World Cup Golden Ball winners since 1998.
Did they win the World Cup?