“Luka Modric: The Timeless Maestro of Real Madrid’s Legacy”

may be the oldest player in Real Madrid's history, but he continues to showcase his remarkable talent on the pitch. As Sid Lowe notes, it’s not just the moments of brilliance or the joy he brings to the game; it’s something more profound, often referred to as ‘the eternal solution.’ Reflecting on the club's storied past, one can’t help but think of Ferenc Puskas, who joined Real Madrid in 1958 at the age of 31. At that time, he was 18kg overweight and had been banned by FIFA for defecting after the Hungarian uprising, meaning he hadn’t played football for two years. Puskas himself was skeptical about his ability to perform at such a high level, telling the club’s president, Santiago Bernabéu, that they might have made a mistake in signing him. “I was the size of a large balloon,” he recalled, and even the coach, , was unsure how to utilize him. Bernabéu, however, was confident that it was their issue to resolve, not his. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. Puskas, blessed with an unparalleled left foot, went on to score 242 goals for the club, leaving many to wonder what might have been had he arrived sooner. ñoncito pum! (!), he was affectionately teased by Alfredo Di Stéfano, who called him “little cannon big belly.” That summer, Puskas trained rigorously, wrapped in plastic and heavy jumpers to shed the excess weight. By the end of his first season, he had already scored the goal that propelled Real Madrid to the European Cup final. The following year, he made history by scoring four goals in the final, although he graciously handed the match ball to Erwin Stein. Despite being labeled as past his prime when he joined, Puskas played a pivotal role in helping Madrid secure three more European titles. He scored a hat-trick in 1962 and participated in the 1964 final. However, by the time the 1966 final arrived, eight years after his debut, his time had come to an end. He was left behind while the team traveled to Brussels, having played in a makeshift cup team against Betis just days before, far from the grand stage. As Modric continues to defy age and expectations, he carries on the legacy of players like Puskas, proving that talent and determination can transcend the years.