Luka Modrić vs Kaká: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Croatia (born 1985, retired 2024) · Attacking Midfielder, Brazil (born 1982, retired 2017)
There is something timeless about weighing Luka Modrić against Kaká. Strikers are judged on goals, and on that raw currency both men delivered extraordinary returns. By the end Luka Modrić had 90 goals from 900 caps and club outings; Kaká had 237 from 594. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Luka Modrić is listed at 150 and Kaká at 0 where figures survive. The honours ledger favours Luka Modrić with 9 major trophies (6× UEFA Champions League (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024)) against Kaká's 6 (1× FIFA World Cup (2002)). Luka Modrić scored with a creative that defined his era, while Kaká's finishing carried a intelligent all of its own. The wider career context matters too: Luka Modrić peaked around 2018 after representing Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, while Kaká's defining level came around 2007 across São Paulo, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Orlando City. Whichever side you land on, both belong in any conversation about the finest of their generation.
173 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.”
Brazilian attacking midfielder and 2007 Ballon d'Or winner; Champions League winner with AC Milan in 2007.
“A tall, graceful attacking midfielder who glided past defenders and finished with precision.”
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× FIFA World Cup (2002)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2007)
- 2× FIFA Confederations Cup (2005, 2009)
- 1× Serie A (2004)
- 1× La Liga (2012)
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.
- 2001 São Paulo breakthrough
- 2002 World Cup winner (limited role)
- 2003 Signed for AC Milan
- 2005 Lost the Champions League final in Istanbul
- 2007 Champions League winner and Ballon d'Or winner
- 2009 Record transfer to Real Madrid
- 2017 Retired at Orlando City
The verdict
Taking goals, assists, silverware and overall profile together, Luka Modrić takes it by a narrow margin.
Luka Modrić edges it (a narrow margin)
