Introduction / Summary: Is Luka Modrić retiring? The Croatian football star left Real Madrid in May 2025 and joined AC Milan in July 2025. He continues to actively play while captaining Croatia through the 2026 World Cup cycle. No official retirement announcement has been made, despite circulating rumors.
Overview
What we know
- AC Milan (joined July 2025)
- Age 39 (turns 40 on September 9, 2025)
- Croatia captain, active through 2026 World Cup
- Real Madrid departure May 2025
- No official retirement
Confirmed vs rumours
- Luka Modrić transferred to AC Milan in July 2025, still playing and captaining Croatia (Wikipedia; IgamingReport.org).
- Departed Real Madrid after a club-record 28 major trophies (Wikipedia).
- No official retirement—actively registered for 2025–26 season (Wikipedia; AC Milan official press release).
Rumour:
- Speculated retirement at Madrid under a one-year extension (TransferFeed – unconfirmed).
- Speculation about a move to Saudi Arabia (TransferFeed – unconfirmed and later refuted).
- Rumor of retirement announcement after Euro 2026 qualifiers (Reddit – unconfirmed).
Timeline
- 2025-06-30: Real Madrid officially bids farewell to Modrić with tribute event (Wikipedia).
- July 2025: Modrić joins AC Milan on a free transfer (Wikipedia).
- 2025-08-15: AC Milan confirms Modrić’s registration for the 2025–26 Serie A campaign (Wikipedia).
- 2025-08-15: Public commitment to pursue 2026 World Cup qualification (IgamingReport.org).
What’s next
- Regular starts and leadership at AC Milan for the 2025–26 Serie A season.
- Continued captaincy of Croatia for Euro 2026 qualifiers and likely 2026 World Cup participation.
- Potential contract extension with AC Milan if performance remains strong (negotiations expected in spring 2026).
- Possible official interviews or statements clarifying his retirement plans in mid-2026.
What We Know Now: Fact Sheet
| Key Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Current Club | AC Milan (joined July 2025) | Wikipedia |
| Age | 39 (turns 40 on September 9, 2025) | Wikipedia |
| National Team | Croatia captain, active through 2026 World Cup | IgamingReport.org |
| Real Madrid Departure | May 2025 (official farewell) | Wikipedia |
| Retired? | No, confirmed active | IgamingReport.org |
| Latest Official Statement | “My dream was to retire at Real Madrid, but I’m continuing my career.” | TransferFeed |
| Source Count | 4+ verified sources | Plan |
Recent Updates & Live Developments
- : AC Milan confirms Modrić’s registration for the 2025–26 Serie A campaign (Wikipedia).
- : Modrić leads Croatia as captain in Euro 2026 qualifiers, dispelling immediate retirement talks (IgamingReport.org).
- : First AC Milan presentation with Modrić unveiled at San Siro (AC Milan official press release).
- : Real Madrid officially bids farewell to Modrić with tribute event at Santiago Bernabéu (Wikipedia).
Timeline: Luka Modrić’s Career & Retirement Rumors
- 2008–2012: Tottenham Hotspur signing and six-year renewal (Wikipedia).
- 2012: Major transfer to Real Madrid; immediate impact and starts in first eleven (Wikipedia).
- 2016–2018: Backbone of three consecutive Champions League victories (Wikipedia).
- 2022–2024: Multiple contract renewals at Real Madrid, salary adjustments, assumes captaincy (Wikipedia).
- May 24, 2025: Real Madrid farewell at Santiago Bernabéu before Club World Cup exit (Wikipedia).
- July 2025: Modrić joins AC Milan on a free transfer (Wikipedia).
- August 2025: Publicly commits to pursuing 2026 World Cup qualification with Croatia (IgamingReport.org).
Confirmed Facts vs. Retirement Rumors
- Confirmed
- Luka Modrić transferred to AC Milan in July 2025, still playing and captaining Croatia (Wikipedia; IgamingReport.org).
- Departed Real Madrid after a club-record 28 major trophies (Wikipedia).
- No official retirement—actively registered for 2025–26 season (Wikipedia; AC Milan official press release).
- Rumors
- Multiple 2024–25 reports speculated Modrić would retire at Madrid under a one-year extension (TransferFeed – unconfirmed).
- Earlier speculation in Spanish media about a move to Saudi Arabia (TransferFeed – unconfirmed and later refuted by official sources).
- Persistent social rumor claims Modrić will announce retirement after Euro 2026 qualifiers, no confirmation as of August 2025 (Reddit – unconfirmed, labeled as rykte).
Quotes & Official Statements
“I would like to retire in the Real Madrid jersey, that’s my dream. But for now, my focus is on Milan and Croatia.”
TransferFeed
“Luka Modrić is officially unveiled at AC Milan and will lead our midfield for 2025–26.”
AC Milan official press release
“Modrić set a new age record for Real Madrid, showing career longevity and elite performance.”
Wikipedia
Context, Background, and Reactions
Career Background & Why It Matters
Modrić’s career timeline is among the most decorated in recent football: 28 major trophies at Real Madrid, 6 Champions League titles, 1 Ballon d’Or (2018), and central roles at both Tottenham and AC Milan. He is hailed as one of the best midfielders of his era, with unmatched career longevity.
Fan & Industry Reactions
Fans expressed regret at his Madrid farewell but excitement for AC Milan Modrić presentation updates. Analysts point out his continued elite impact despite his age and retirement implications, praising his leadership for Croatia ahead of the 2026 World Cup. AC Milan supporters widely view him as a transformative summer signing, while Madridistas recognize an irreplaceable legend. (IgamingReport.org, Wikipedia)
What’s Next for Luka Modrić?
- Regular starts and leadership at AC Milan for the 2025–26 Serie A season.
- Continued captaincy of Croatia for Euro 2026 qualifiers and likely 2026 World Cup participation.
- Potential contract extension with AC Milan if performance remains strong (negotiations expected in spring 2026).
- Possible official interviews or statements clarifying his retirement plans in mid-2026.
Summary & Frequently Asked Questions
The answer to “is luka modric retiring” is: No, Luka Modrić is confirmed active. He left Real Madrid in July 2025 for AC Milan and continues to captain Croatia, with no official announcement of retirement. Key milestones and recent live updates underscore his ongoing commitment to elite football. Eyes now turn to potential World Cup 2026 participation and further club achievements.
FAQ
- How old is Luka Modrić? — He is 39 years old, turning 40 on September 9, 2025. (Wikipedia)
- When is Luka Modrić expected to retire? — There is no official retirement date; he remains active for AC Milan and Croatia into the 2026 World Cup cycle. (IgamingReport.org)
- Is Luka Modrić playing in the 2026 World Cup? — Yes, he is Croatia’s captain and aiming to feature if fit and selected. (IgamingReport.org, Wikipedia)
- What are the latest transfer updates? — He moved from Real Madrid to AC Milan in July 2025 on a free transfer. (Wikipedia)
- What happened to Luka Modrić after leaving Madrid? — He joined AC Milan and continues to compete at the top level, both domestically and internationally. (Wikipedia)
- What are the confirmed facts vs. retirement rumors? — Confirmed: still active, AC Milan move, Croatia captaincy. Rumor: retirement announcements in 2025 or post-Euro unverified. (TransferFeed, Wikipedia)
- Has Modrić won the Ballon d’Or? — Yes, in 2018, ending Messi and Ronaldo’s decade-long streak. (Wikipedia)
- Where can I find more on football retirements? — See related transfer and retirement analyses like our Did Sergio Ramos retire? Transfer rumor and future moves.
