Modric lived the same situation as Messi in 2014. They are not the only ones: it was repeated in the last six World Cups.

Having been chosen as the best player in the 2018 World Cup in Russia was not enough consolation for the Croatian Luka Modric, who like the Argentine Lionel Messi in 2014, received the Golden Ball while looking askance - and with sadness - the jackpot : the world Cup.

The Real Madrid player and the captain of the National Team have that same spine stuck: they won the prize but no champions were consecrated. But they were not the only victims of this curse: it was repeated consecutively in the last six World Cup matches.

Ronaldo, France 1998

The Brazilian was chosen as the best player of the contest, but could not hide the sadness after losing the final 3-0 to the host at the Stade de France.

Oliver Kahn, Korea-Japan 2002

The German goalkeeper also suffered the curse. And who took away the illusion of lifting the Cup was just Ronaldo, who scored twice in the final for Brazil to lift the fifth in its history.

Zinedine Zidane, Germany 2006

He won the Golden Ball of the World Cup and could have cut the streak. But Italy stole the illusion to France in the definition on penalties, where he could not kick: he hit a header to Marco Materazzi in overtime and the Argentine referee, Horacio Elizondo, expelled him.

Diego Forlán, South Africa 2010

He is the only one of the six who won the prize despite not having reached the final. In any case, he showed off with Uruguay and was vital in the fourth position he won his national team. His goal against Germany was chosen as the best of the tournament, according to FIFA.

Lionel Messi, Brazil 2014

It hurts to remember how close he was to lifting the World Cup with the Argentine National Team in Brazilian territory. But he had to pass by and continue to receive a prize almost consolation: the best player. He scored 4 goals in the tournament, all in group stage.

Luka Modric, Russia 2018

He carried the captain's tape in Croatia and commanded it to the first final in its history. France snatched the dream - it was victory 4 to 2- and the prize could not draw a smile on his face. He scored one of his two goals against Argentina, for Group D.