In a world often marked by crisis and disaster, there are moments that bring hope and humanity to the forefront. One such moment occurred just a few minutes ago in Texas, when six private planes loaded with nearly three tons of food took off from Dallas toward the flooded areas of the state. But what made this moment truly unforgettable was the revelation that Croatian soccer star Luka Modrić was behind this generous humanitarian action. His name was emblazoned on the planes, a gesture that sparked not only surprise but also profound emotion, moving millions of people around the world to tears.
Texas has been hit by devastating flash floods in recent days, devastating entire communities and claiming numerous lives. According to reports from tagesschau.de and other news sources, flooding in Kerr County alone has caused at least 75 deaths, including many children at a summer camp. The flash floods, triggered by heavy rains that caused the Guadalupe River to swell eight meters in a matter of minutes, caught residents by surprise and left chaos and despair in their wake. Amid this tragedy, which, according to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, still leaves at least 40 people missing, the need for humanitarian aid has become more urgent than ever.
The operation that grabbed headlines today was not only a logistical masterpiece, but also a powerful symbol of solidarity. Six private planes, normally used for luxury or business travel, were quickly converted to transport food. Nearly three tons of non-perishable food, including preserves, nuts, water, and baby formula, were carefully packaged and airlifted to the affected areas. The decision to use private planes allowed for a quick and efficient delivery, as in many places the infrastructure had been destroyed by flooding and roads were impassable. But the real surprise came when the planes landed and the inscription “Luka Modrić” became visible on their fuselages.
Luka Modrić, the 39-year-old captain of the Croatian national team and Real Madrid star, is world-renowned for his exceptional performances on the football field. But his story, marked by the adversities of the war in Croatia, makes him more than just an athlete. As DW.com reports, Modrić grew up as a refugee in Zadar, where, despite difficult circumstances, he developed his talent in a hotel parking lot. These experiences have shaped him into someone who understands the importance of helping in times of crisis. His decision to plan this action anonymously and reveal his identity only when the planes landed demonstrates a humility that is rare in the world of professional sports.
The revelation of Modrić’s involvement unleashed a wave of emotions. Videos and images of the planes circulated on social media platforms like Platform X, accompanied by comments like “A true hero, on and off the pitch” and “Luka Modrić shows what humanity means.” Many people in Texas who lost their homes and livelihoods expressed tears of gratitude upon learning who was behind the aid. The action was not only a source of material support, but also a powerful message that no one is alone in times of need.
The logistics of the operation were impressive. According to sources such as sats-logistics.com, which specializes in transportation between the United States and other countries, the use of private aircraft requires precise coordination. The food was collected in Dallas, a city spared from the floods, and loaded within a few hours. Opting for planes instead of trucks was crucial, as many roads in affected areas like Kerrville are impassable. The operation also underscores the need to use unconventional means to deliver aid quickly in times of crisis.
The response to Modrić’s action was overwhelming. Local Texas authorities praised the initiative and emphasized that the food would help thousands of people in the coming days. Governor Greg Abbott, who, according to tagesschau.de, declared a state of emergency, personally thanked Modrić in a short video message. International media also reported on the action, with many highlighting the soccer star’s human side. Modrić himself remained reserved, stating in a brief statement: “I just wanted to help. Texas is suffering, and if I can do something, I will.”
This action also highlights the challenges of food transport in times of crisis. As websites such as shiatsu-austria.at and oekokiste.de highlight, air transport of food is often harmful to the environment, emitting up to 170 times more CO2 equivalent than sea transport. But in a disaster like this, where speed is crucial, the end justifies the means. Modrić’s initiative demonstrates that even the most controversial transport methods can make a difference in exceptional situations.
Luka Modrić’s humanitarian gesture will be remembered for a long time. He is proof that celebrities can use their influence and resources for good. At a time when Texas is grappling with the aftermath of one of the worst natural disasters in its history, Modrić brought not only food, but also hope. His action reminds us that humanity and compassion know no boundaries, neither geographical nor cultural. As rescue efforts continue in Texas and the search for missing people continues, Modrić’s name remains a symbol of solidarity and caring.
