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Can Luka Modric’s extraordinary achievements ever be matched? Ivan Perisic believes so. Speaking to GOAL, the experienced Croatian winger expressed his confidence that his country will eventually produce another Ballon d’Or winner. Modric, the most decorated player to emerge from Croatia, lifted the prestigious Golden Ball in 2018, and Perisic insists that the nation continues to nurture “great talent” capable of reaching similar heights.

From Ivanisevic and Cilic to Suker and Boban, Croatia has a long tradition of producing global sports icons. Despite being a nation of fewer than four million people, its contribution to world sport has been immense. Tennis stars Goran Ivanisevic and Marin Cilic are both Grand Slam champions, while basketball great Toni Kukoc won three NBA titles alongside Michael Jordan in the Chicago Bulls’ legendary lineup.

On the football pitch, long before Modric and his generation took centre stage, Croatia had already produced world-class stars such as Davor Suker, Zvonimir Boban, and Robert Prosinecki — players who shone for clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and AC Milan.

The current era has only strengthened that legacy, with Croatia even reaching the World Cup final — a remarkable feat for a small nation that thrives on defying expectations. Modric’s crowning moment came when he broke the Ballon d’Or dominance of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, cementing his place among football’s all-time greats.

But can Croatia find another player to match Modric’s brilliance? Now aged 40 and still competing at the highest level, Modric is preparing to feature in FIFA’s flagship tournament once again. Asked about the country’s future prospects, Perisic — who has earned 153 international caps — said: “Croatia has always had great talent, especially in football. For a country with fewer than four million people, what we’ve achieved over the years is truly special.”

He added, “Luka’s Ballon d’Or win reminded the world that Croatia can reach the very highest level of excellence. I truly believe that there will be many more great achievements for Croatia in the future, and hopefully more football victories as well.”

As excitement builds for the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off on June 11, Perisic shared his thoughts on how Zlatko Dalic’s squad is preparing for the challenge. Fresh from winning another Eredivisie title with PSV, he said: “I’m feeling excited and focused! Every World Cup is a unique experience — we feel the support and expectations of the entire nation.”

He continued, “It’s a lot of pressure, but also the greatest motivation. It’s always an honour to represent Croatia on the world stage, and arriving in the U.S. wearing our MACKAGE capsule collection makes the experience even more memorable.”

MACKAGE, the official off-field outfitter of the Croatian National Team, has created a wardrobe inspired by one of the most recognisable kits in world sport. Reflecting on the patriotic symbolism of the design, the 37-year-old Perisic, who made his international debut in 2011, said: “Whenever I see the Croatian colours, I feel an enormous sense of pride, and I think the whole team feels the same.”

He added, “Wearing these colours on and off the pitch is always a huge honour. Not everyone gets to wear their country’s colours as part of their job, so it’s a privilege to do so. The MACKAGE capsule really represents Croatia in an elegant and understated way through its colour palette and detailing. It’s subtle, but an incredibly powerful tribute to our country.”

As the official outfitter, MACKAGE draws a parallel between two entities built on precision and dedication: a small nation that consistently ranks among football’s elite, and a brand that has earned global acclaim for its craftsmanship. Croatia’s sporting legacy is driven by discipline and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence — values that also define MACKAGE’s design philosophy. This shared spirit is encapsulated in the brand’s principle: AESTHETICS THAT PROTECT.

Designed for both men and women, the collection celebrates Croatian heritage through the national colours of red, white, and navy. The capsule includes technical outerwear, knitwear, polos, and trousers, with versatile features such as removable bibs and hoods — blending practicality with national pride.

Croatia will begin their 2026 World Cup journey against England at AT&T Stadium in Texas — the home of the Dallas Cowboys — on June 17. They will later face Panama and Ghana in Group L fixtures, aiming to deliver standout performances both on and off the pitch, continuing the proud legacy built by Modric and his teammates.