A career of longevity
Luka Modric, the Croatian midfield maestro, has announced that the 2026 World Cup will be his final tournament as a professional footballer. The decision was revealed in a recent interview, where he explained that the absence of Champions League football at his current club, AC Milan, played a pivotal role in his choice to retire.
Modric spent 13 years at Real Madrid, where he made 597 appearances and collected 28 trophies, including multiple UEFA Champions League titles. In the summer of 2025 he transferred to Milan, a move that placed him back in Italy but also meant playing outside the elite European competition.
The 2026 World Cup will see him represent Croatia one last time, closing a chapter that began with his debut in 2006. His 196 international caps place him among the most capped players in his nation's history, and his experience will be a cornerstone for the team's campaign.
Real Madrid have pledged to honor Modric upon his retirement, acknowledging his contributions to the club's golden era. The tribute will be part of a series of events that celebrate his impact on and off the pitch.
According to Nicolo Schira, the midfielder’s farewell will also be marked by reflections on his influence over younger teammates such as Dani Carvajal, David Alaba and Alvaro Arbeloa, who have cited his leadership as a defining factor in their own careers.
Fans across the globe will remember his graceful performances, and the football community awaits the final chapter with a mixture of nostalgia and admiration.