Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic became an unlikely star of the Russia 2018 World Cup with her flashes of fervent support for the eventual losing finalists, endearing herself to football fans all around the world.

Grabar-Kitarovic is already a star in her homeland, having become the youngest ever president of the country when she was appointed in 2015 at 46 years of age. She won over watching fans with her fervent support of the tiny nation on the Adriatic coast on their march to the final.

The president could be seen mixing with fans in economy class on flights and in the supporters section of the stadium during the tournament, but also made her presence felt from the VIP box, where she wore the famous red-and-white checkered jersey.

This is the lady who inspired Croatia tonight. She was present. She shouted horse. She screamed. She jumped. She shook Dimitr's hand. Yes, she is more than a mother to the Croats. Hail Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović. pic.twitter.com/H4QeNvh5z7

— Philip Etale (@EtalePhilip) July 7, 2018

It was reported that of the over 250,000 online mentions worldwide of the country during Sunday's final in Moscow, Grabar-Kitarovic was written about more than any player, receiving 25 percent more mentions than team captain and Golden Ball winner Luka Modric.

So from the cheers to the tears, RT Sport gives you the rundown of Grabar-Kitarovic's signature moments that etched her name into World Cup 2018 history.

Celebrating in Sochi 

We kick off in Sochi where Grabar-Kitarovic burst onto the World Cup scene and inadvertently became a meme star at Croatia’s quarter-final match against hosts Russia.

Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev (right) is not amused by the celebration by Croatian president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović (left in red & white) #RUS #CRO #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/gn0K1FX6Sd

— Marcus Gilmer (@marcusgilmer) July 7, 2018

Looking glamorous in a Croatia jersey tucked into garish red trousers, the 50-year-old cut a stylish figure in the VIP box at Fisht Stadium, as she stood and waved to the crowd and double-fist-pumped at every Croatia chance as the team eventually ousted the hosts 4-3 on penalties after 120 minutes of football failed to separate the two sides at 2-2.

Cutting a slightly more reserved figure and sitting just two seats away was Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, with whom the president shook hands, creating a chasm in charisma to say the least. 

Presenting Putin with a personalized shirt...and getting flowers in return

Having got acquainted with the prime minister - and leaving him rather unimpressed-looking - Grabar-Kitarovic went about making amends with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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