On this day — 9 Sept
2 football memories for 9 Sept 2026 — years ago today.
Football moments that fell on 9 Sept across the years.
41 years ago today
Luka Modrić born (1985)
Luka Modrić grew up a refugee during the Croatian War of Independence, his grandfather killed by Serb forces — a backstory that makes his rise to become the game's most unlikely Ballon d'Or winner, in 2018, all the more remarkable in an era otherwise monopolised by Messi and Ronaldo. He starred for Tottenham before moving to Real Madrid, where he's since won a record six Champions League titles.
63 years ago today
Roberto Donadoni born (1963)
Roberto Donadoni was the flying winger of AC Milan's all-conquering Sacchi and Capello sides, winning three European Cups inside five seasons as the club produced some of the most dominant football the continent had ever seen. He later returned to management, taking charge of the Italian national team.
Sources
- FTZ Today Memory calendar — Second tier source