Luka Modrić vs David Luiz: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Croatia (born 1985, retired 2024) · Centre-Back, Brazil (born 1987, retired 2023)
There is something timeless about weighing Luka Modrić against David Luiz. Where pure finishing is concerned, this is a shootout between two of the most feared marksmen of their time. Across his senior career Luka Modrić notched 90 goals in 900 appearances (0.10 per game), while David Luiz recorded 35 in 650 (0.05 per game). In chance creation, Luka Modrić tallied 150 assists to David Luiz's 25. Trophy counts give Luka Modrić 9 and David Luiz 6, with 6× UEFA Champions League (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024) and 1× UEFA Champions League (2012) the standout honours respectively. Where Luka Modrić was a orchestrating presence in the box, David Luiz offered a resolute approach to goalscoring. Context beyond the headline totals is important: Luka Modrić's landmark level arrived around 2018 with a career spanning Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid; David Luiz's came around 2013 across Vitória, Benfica, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Arsenal, Flamengo. Whichever side you land on, both belong in any conversation about the finest of their generation.
170 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
Player profiles
The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner who ended a decade of Messi-Ronaldo dominance, Modrić was the metronomic heartbeat of Real Madrid's record-extending Champions League dynasty and led Croatia to the World Cup final.
“A supremely elegant, tireless playmaker whose close control and range of passing let him control games from deep or advanced positions alike.”
An eccentric, unpredictable Brazilian centre-back famed for his wild hairstyles and thunderous free-kicks, David Luiz won trophies across three major European leagues.
“An unorthodox, high-risk centre-back who combined bold attacking instincts and a huge shot with occasionally erratic positioning.”
Head-to-head stats
Career goals by season
Representative career seasons — goals per season for each player across their documented clubs.
Attribute radar
Attribute ratings are peak-era, 0–100. Different positions naturally skew the profile.
Attribute comparison
Trophy breakdown
- 6× UEFA Champions League (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024)
- 3× La Liga (2017, 2020, 2022)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2012)
- 2× UEFA Europa League (2013, 2019)
- 2× Premier League (2015, 2017)
- 1× FA Cup (2018)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2003 Professional debut for Dinamo Zagreb
- 2014 Won UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid
- 2017 Won La Liga with Real Madrid
- 2018 Reached the peak of his powers at Real Madrid
- 2024 Retired after a final spell at Real Madrid
- Finished his career with 90 goals in 900 appearances and 9 major honours. Finished his career with 90 goals in 900 appearances and 9 major honours.
- 2006 Professional debut for Vitória
- 2012 Won UEFA Champions League with Chelsea
- 2018 Won FA Cup with Chelsea
- 2013 Reached the peak of his powers at Chelsea
- 2023 Retired after a final spell at Flamengo
- Finished his career with 35 goals in 650 appearances and 6 major honours. Finished his career with 35 goals in 650 appearances and 6 major honours.
The verdict
The numbers give Luka Modrić the lead — a decisive margin, courtesy of a sharper goalscoring record.
Luka Modrić edges it (a decisive margin)
