Top 10 active footballers apart from Ronaldo and Messi 

#9 Luka Modric (Real Madrid)

Modric rose to stardom at Tottenham before joining Real Madrid

The Croatian's rise to stardom in the Premier League saw him join Real Madrid in the summer of 2012. Needless to say, Jose Mourinho's decision is reaping handsome dividends even after four years since his departure from the Bernabeu

From being termed as one of the worst Real Madrid signings, Luka Modric has come a long way to be counted as one of the greatest midfielders to play for the Los Blancos. Following a frustrating debut-season at the Santiago Bernabeu, Modric has now graced the highest echelons in the world of football

Perhaps the most striking quality of the Croatian might not be his passing, but the ability to make the game look so easy even if it isn't. He is the perfect combination of technique and vision, which helps him command games fluidly from the centre.

Over the years, the diminutive midfielder has operated in various positions in the middle. Needless to say, Modric has been equally effective in every role he has played in his career. Winning two back-to-back Champions League medals is the hallmark of his illustrious career with the Los Merengues.

There is no doubt the world will miss Modric's escapades and his elegance with the ball, once he decides to call it a day.