Modric vs Iniesta: A head to head comparison of two of the greatest midfielders

Modric vs Iniesta: A head to head comparison of two of the greatest midfielders

Helix Odhiambo
updated at December 15, 2023 at 12:45 PM
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Luca Modric and Andres Iniesta are two of football's most talented creative midfielder. The two are known for their incredible ball-controlling, dribbling and passing skills. The Modric vs Iniesta debate has brought endless arguments among fans with diverse opinions on who is the better between them.

Modric vs Iniesta who is better?
Croatia's Luka Modric (L) and Andres Iniesta (R) are among the best midfielders in football history. Photo: Hrach Khachatrya, Gerrard Julien (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

The two midfielders have won dozens of titles and produced magical moments that fans applauded. So, is Modric better than Iniesta? The two veterans have never played together but faced one another numerous times. This article compares the duo's stats, achievements, and head-to-head record.

Modric vs Iniesta, who is the better player?

Andres Iniesta is a Spanish midfielder who plays for Emirates Club in UAE. He spent most of his career at Barcelona before joining Vissel Kobe in Japan. Modric is a Croatian international who plays for Real Madrid in Spain. He began his career at Dinamo Zagreb before joining Tottenham Hotspur and Madrid.

Why is Modric so special? The Croatian skipper can influence a game by controlling its tempo. He is also among the best passers in the sport. Iniesta has also established himself among the best dribblers. His ability to beat his opponents quickly or in one-on-one duels makes him unique.

So, between Modric and Iniesta, who is the best? Here is a breakdown of Luca Modric vs Iniesta's all-time stats and achievements.

Modric vs Iniesta goals and assists

Modric vs Iniesta goals and assists
Andres Iniesta of Spain celebrates scoring against the Netherlands in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final at Soccer City Stadium on 11 July 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo: Jamie McDonald
Source: Getty Images

The Spanish midfielder has played more games than his Croatian counterpart. Football statistics show Andres has slightly more goals than Luca as of December 2023. The table below breaks down Modric vs Iniesta assists, goals, minutes per goal, and games.

Andres Iniesta

Luca Modric

Games

867

758

Goals

90

85

Assists

162

125

Minutes per goal

671

681

Modric vs Iniesta trophies

The former Barcelona star has won more titles than the Real Madrid star. He also helped Spain with their first World Cup in 2010. Luka guided his nation to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final but lost to France.

Andres won two historic trebles at Barca. He has 24 domestic titles and 14 international, while Luka has 15 domestic and 14 international titles. The Croatian has five Champions League winners medals compared to his counterpart's four.

Modric vs Iniesta's personal achievements

Modric vs Iniesta personal achievements
The two midfielders have scooped multiple awards, recognising their efforts for their teams. Photo: AMA, Franck Fife
Source: Getty Images

Luka has a Ballon d'Or award he won in 2018 and a World Cup golden ball. His former El Cassico rival is missing the prestigious accolades on his portfolio. Andres boasts the 2012 UEFA Best Player in Europe award.

Modric vs Iniesta head to head

The two midfield maestros have met 12 times at club and national team level, with Andres winning their head-to-head battle. The Spaniard scored and assisted more when they met on the pitch.

Andres Iniesta

Luka Modric

Games

16

16

Goals

2

-

Assists

4

2

Minutes played

1,218

1,252

What did Modric say about Iniesta?

Although the midfield masters are not close friends, they respect and appreciate each other's talent. The Croatian chose Iniesta as his toughest opponent during an interview in February 2023.

"I always say Iniesta because it was so difficult to defend against him," Modric declared to BT Sport. "He played on the left, I was playing on the right and when we played against Barcelona, it was so difficult, so good on the ball, quick thinking." He added.

Andres formed a dynamic trio with Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets at Barcelona and in the national team. Luka is known for his chemistry with Casemiro and Toni Kroos, who won Real Madrid titles.

Iniesta's remarks on Modric

Modric and Iniesta, who is the best?
Barcelona's midfielder Andres Iniesta (L) vies with Real Madrid's Croatian midfielder Luka Modric during their La Liga match at the Camp Nou in Barcelona on 26 October 2013. Photo: Javier Soriano
Source: Getty Images

The Spaniard also hailed his former rival as one of the best midfielders in football history. In an Interview in November 2022, Andres described Luka's talent and abilities.

"We are players with different profiles but at the same time similar in terms of position on the field, conception of the game, handling the ball. He is one of the best midfielders there is and will ever be. He is a reference for his team, and it is not easy to spend so many years at a club like Madrid making a difference," Iniesta told AS.

Who is the richest between Modric and Iniesta?

The former El Classico adversaries have made millions in their careers. Sources reveal that the Barcelona star has more wealth than his counterpart. Andres has an estimated net worth of $120 million as of 2023, while Modric is worth around $75 million.

Final word

Modric vs Iniesta, who is better? Picking one of the two midfielders would seem injustice to the other, but their talent and abilities remain unmatched. Many young midfielders look up to them ahead of their careers.

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Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.