Luka Modric’s recent accolades and custom footwear offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of football awards and personalized gear. Last week in London, the Real Madrid maestro was honored with the 2018 FIFA Men’s Best Player Award, beating out high-profile competitors like Mo Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo. His exceptional performances in the Champions League and World Cup during the 2017/18 season were key to his win.

To celebrate, Nike presented Modric with a unique pair of Mercurial Vapor 360 boots. These special edition boots, adorned with a stunning multi-chrome upper, showcased a striking iridescent finish. However, it appears Modric has opted for a more understated design in his training sessions—a pair of Mercurial Vapors with a gold and black upper and a gold soleplate.

This choice might reflect Modric’s preference for a subtler aesthetic or simply his comfort with a more classic look. Despite the glamorous presentation, Nike has confirmed that the chrome boots are a one-of-a-kind creation, reserved exclusively for Modric and not available for public purchase.

As Modric prepares to return to Moscow for Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with CSKA, expect him to make a memorable appearance, possibly debuting the special edition boots that celebrate his remarkable achievements.