Luka Modric continues to defy the passage of time. At 39, the Croatian remains a key player for Real Madrid, thanks to a strict work routine and meticulous attention to his physical and nutritional preparation. His commitment to Real Madrid’s revamped team of specialists and his daily work with his personal fitness trainer have been crucial to his remarkable longevity on the pitch.
Modric and His Commitment to Real Madrid’s New Nutrition Team
GRADA3 has learned that Real Madrid has made significant changes to its injury prevention strategies following a challenging start to the season. The club has hired Itziar González de Arriba, a renowned nutritionist and physiotherapist, who has introduced an innovative method to enhance players’ muscular endurance.
Her expertise has already shown results, as seen in Dani Carvajal, who previously suffered constant muscle injuries before becoming one of the team’s fittest players—his recent knee injury being unrelated to muscle conditioning.
Modric is one of the players most dedicated to González de Arriba’s program, which has helped him remain consistently available for Carlo Ancelotti. The Croatian is fully aware of the importance of nutrition and specialized training in maintaining top-level performance and has rigorously adopted the new methodologies. These changes have allowed the midfielder to sustain a level of performance comparable to much younger players.
The Key to Modric’s Longevity: Personalized Training and Unwavering Dedication
One of Luka Modric’s defining traits throughout his career has been his unwavering perseverance. Over a decade ago, his personal fitness trainer, Vlatko Vucetic, designed a customized training regimen tailored specifically to him. This program includes resistance band exercises, core strengthening routines, and endurance drills aimed at improving injury resistance.
His secret to success? Consistency. Modric follows this routine more than 350 times a year, whether at home or at Real Madrid’s training facilities. He even adds an extra 45-minute training session before each official team practice to ensure his body remains in peak condition.
This level of commitment has helped him avoid the muscle problems that typically affect players his age. Injury prevention plays a crucial role in his training. As Vucetic explains: “From the age of 30, muscle mass deteriorates rapidly. To stay at the same level, you have to work even harder.”
This is why elastic resistance bands and targeted exercises have become fundamental pillars of his preparation.
Modric’s Winning Mentality: The Ultimate Game-Changer
While physical conditioning is critical, Modric’s mentality is what truly sets him apart. His dedication to training is unmatched—even during vacations, the Croatian continues to train rigorously, ensuring he returns to preseason in top form.
As his coach puts it: “Luka never takes a break, even when he doesn’t feel like training. He knows that the only way to maintain an elite level is through discipline.”
This mindset has not only allowed him to extend his career at Real Madrid, but also to continue competing at the highest level with the Croatian national team.
Beyond his physical endurance, Modric’s mental strength gives him an edge over younger players. His superior game intelligence and ability to anticipate plays allow him to conserve energy efficiently while maximizing his impact on the field.
For Luka Modric, age is just a number—and his continued excellence is proof that discipline, preparation, and the right mindset can defy time.