Modric still has goals to meet with Real Madrid and Croatia. Getty Images Hearing that Croatia and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has become a co-owner and investor at Swansea City was a little bizarre on Monday. A legendary and still active player is suddenly involved with a Welsh team going nowhere fast in second-tier soccer. Yet here we are. Modric—whose investment sum remains undisclosed and whose initial focus is winning games with Los Blancos—spots potential in the Swans, adding his name to a four-name shareholder group: American trio Andy Coleman, Brett Cravatt, and Jason Cohen, plus the British businessman Nigel Morris. Swansea, mid-table in the English Championship, has been absent from the Premier League, where it played a brand of soccer the 39-year-old would have appreciated, for seven years. Newly through the doors, Modric may not be the quick fix to promotion or making the club immediately profitable; the latest financial statements show a loss of around €17 million ($19 million), not quite as steep as the previous report. However, the ex-Ballon d’Or champ’s value predictably lies in the on-field department. Although Real, eliminated from the Champions League and behind Barcelona in the La Liga race, has dipped markedly in 2024/25, Modric has figured in many a successful dressing room. He’s won an unmatched 28 trophies over 13 seasons in Madrid and led Croatia to second and third-placed finishes at World Cups. The most decorated player at the most decorated club in Europe, he knows what an elite sporting environment looks like. Beyond spreading that understanding to his colleagues in southern Wales, Modric can be hands-on. As graceful and subtle as he seems, one leading by example, he’s not afraid to speak out and demand the best from his teammates. If he offers that and sells the Swansea project to some of his contacts, standards will rise, and signings could upgrade the current squad. MORE FOR YOU Trump Approval Rating Tracker: Majority Disapprove In Latest Poll As Americans Reject New Tariffs Microsoft Warns Millions Of Windows Users—Do Not Update Your PC Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Wednesday, April 16th At which point, the whole thing—concerning someone who’s already had an eye on business outside the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu—doesn’t appear so strange. And high-profile people sensing opportunity at clubs below the elite is nothing novel. In Spain, Real Valladolid has suffered after Brazil icon Ronaldo’s takeover. Meanwhile, Málaga hopes for a brighter future under a multi-club structure with Liverpool should a deal go through. Those are two cases. Coached by Alan Sheehan, Swansea is halfway down the Championship standings. Getty Images Of course, the Swans’ subplot has a U.S. flavor and is not alone. Controlled by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham is eyeing a third consecutive promotion under the pair—entailing fixtures against Swansea in the Championship from August onwards. As Swansea looks to cement itself as the country’s dominant force, whether Modric—a European who’s experienced English soccer at Tottenham Hotspur—complements or disrupts the U.S. owners’ thinking will be fascinating. Such ties are becoming more common due to the transatlantic presence in European soccer. On the challenge ahead, Modric said, “This is an exciting opportunity. Swansea has a strong identity, an incredible fanbase, and the ambition to compete at the highest level. Playing at the highest level, I believe I can provide my experience to the club. My goal is to support the club’s growth in a positive way and to help build an exciting future.” Success largely depends on the extent of Modric’s participation. While the number 10’s contract with the Spanish titan runs down this summer and may not renew, he is still operating at a high level and targeting what would surely be his final international tournament with Croatia in 2026. Soon enough, his sphere of influence will spread further. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades