Luka Modrić vs George Best: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Croatia (born 1985, retired 2024) · Winger / Forward, Northern Ireland (born 1946, retired 1984)
Luka Modrić against George Best is the kind of comparison that fuels pub arguments for hours. Both built reputations on finding the back of the net, but they did it in markedly different ways. Luka Modrić finishes with 90 career goals from 900 games — a 0.10 strike rate — against George Best's 214 from 616 at 0.35 per match. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Luka Modrić is listed at 150 and George Best at 0 where figures survive. In major honours Luka Modrić collected 9 — headlined by 6× UEFA Champions League (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024) — whereas George Best amassed 5, led by 1× European Cup (1968). Luka Modrić scored with a creative that defined his era, while George Best's finishing carried a flair-driven all of its own. The wider career context matters too: Luka Modrić peaked around 2018 after representing Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, while George Best's defining level came around 1968 across Manchester United, Fulham, others. Arguments will run and run, which is exactly why the matchup endures.
188 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.”
Northern Irish winger and Manchester United icon; Ballon d'Or winner in 1968 after helping Manchester United win their first European Cup.
“A balance-perfect winger who combined dribbling flair with an eye for goal and a rock-star aura.”
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× European Cup (1968)
- 2× English First Division (1965, 1967)
- 2× FA Charity Shield (1965, 1967)
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.
- 1963 Manchester United debut aged 17
- 1965 First English First Division title
- 1968 European Cup winner and Ballon d'Or winner
- 1968 Joint top scorer in the First Division
- 1972 Brief retirement then return to Manchester United
- 1974 Left Manchester United
- 1984 Made final professional appearances in the United States
The verdict
Taking goals, assists, silverware and overall profile together, Luka Modrić takes it by a clear margin.
Luka Modrić edges it (a clear margin)
