To me FIFA has made so many mistakes like voting MO Salah's goal for the best goal, they've made mistakes like including Tibaut coutois as the best goal keeper when De Gea of Manchester united even did better in all ramifications.
However in Modric's case the only choice was between Ronaldo and MO Salah, however I won't say Modric flawlessly claimed the award because Xavi and Iniesta in their days were better players and they never won this award.
However did Modric deserve it? Yes? and why is this? He's been hardworking, single handedly taking Croatia to the world cup final, being a consistent leader for Real Madrid in the midfield.