Croatia captain Luka Modric wins Golden Ball award as he becomes the official best player of 2018 World Cup.

Modric helped Croatia to the World Cup final with his outstanding play in the middle of the park, as the nation of just over 4 million people made a fairytale run through the competition with wins over the likes of Argentina, and England along the way.

Despite falling short in the World Cup final to France, Modric has nonetheless got the accolade for his consistent performance during the whole tournament.

Modric has won three official man of the match awards throughout the journey in Russia, but his sheer performance is not enough to send Croatia victorious.

His man of the match performances came early in the competitions against Nigeria (first group fixture), Argentina (second group fixture) and Russia (quarter-final).

Modric becomes the first Croatian player in World Cup history to win the Golden Ball for best player at the tournament.

Belgium's Eden Hazard won the Silver Ball and France's Antoine Griezmann the Bronze Ball to complete the honours' podium.