by croatiaweek
September 22, 2025
in
Croatian internationals Luka Modrić, Joško Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić have been recognised among the 100 best footballers in the world from last season, according to a study by the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES), the Croatian Football Federation reported.
The ranking, reported by the Croatian Football Federation, is based on a detailed statistical model.
Performances were measured across six key areas of play: aerial duels, ground duels, build-up involvement, successful passes in the opposition half, successful dribbles, assists, and shots on goal. The level of competition and results of matches were also taken into account.
At the top of the global list is Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal, followed by Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Yamal’s teammate Pedri. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk is fourth, with Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise rounding out the top five.
Croatia’s captain Luka Modrić was ranked 35th overall, Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol 45th, and City midfielder Mateo Kovačić 73rd.
Interestingly, when looking only at on-field performance, Kovačić is placed as high as 18th in the world.
💯 best players in the world over the past year by @CIES_Football statistical method! 👇
3⃣5⃣ @lukamodric10
4⃣5⃣ @JoskoGvardiol4
7⃣3⃣ @mateokovacic8
🇭🇷💪#Family #Vatreni❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/vOHvjpc46r
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) September 22, 2025
Modrić, alongside Lionel Messi and Nicolás Otamendi, is among the three oldest players to make the top 100. On the other end of the spectrum, the youngest are Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Désiré Doué.
Virgil van Dijk leads the list in terms of experience, while the three standout performers on the pitch were judged to be Mbappé, Yamal and Messi.
While waiting to find out the real winner of France Football’s Ballon d’Or, @CIES_Football ourely statistical ratings for last year matches crowns #LamineYamal ahead of #KylianMbappe & #Pedri ❗️
Full methodology and top 💯 👉 https://t.co/vUZskWPc8G pic.twitter.com/KUsU2opkRm
— CIES Football Obs (@CIES_Football) September 22, 2025