Toni Kroos ranks Luka Modric above Iniesta and Xavi among football’s greatest midfielders

Toni Kroos has named Luka Modric as the greatest midfielder in football history, placing his former Real Madrid team-mate at the top of a personal five-man ranking.

The German, who retired from football in 2024 while still performing at the highest level, revealed his choices on the Einfach mal Luppen podcast on Wednesday. His list consists entirely of distinguished midfielders from the modern era, with Modric in first place.

Andres Iniesta was ranked second, followed by his Spain team-mate Xavi Hernandez. Former England captain Steven Gerrard occupied fourth place, while Germany international Michael Ballack completed Kroos’ top five.

Kroos’ decision to put Modric ahead of the other four players underlines the esteem in which he holds the Croatia international. The pair formed one of the defining midfield partnerships of the modern game during a decade together at Real Madrid.

They played alongside one another for 10 seasons, from Kroos’ arrival at the Spanish club in 2014 from Bayern Munich until the German ended his playing career in 2024. During that period, they were central figures in a Real Madrid side that enjoyed a highly successful era.

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro completed the trio that became the foundation of the team’s midfield. Together, Kroos, Modric and Casemiro helped Real Madrid win five Champions League titles during the time they shared the pitch.

Kroos made 465 appearances for Real Madrid before retiring. Modric, meanwhile, played 597 matches for the club during a spell that began in 2012 and lasted until 2025.

Modric is currently a player with Milan, while Kroos’ ranking places him ahead of three other midfielders who also played leading roles for their clubs and national teams. Iniesta and Xavi were key figures for Barcelona and Spain, Gerrard was a long-serving presence for Liverpool and England, and Ballack represented Germany at the highest level.