Introduction
Luka Modrić’s retirement status remains one of football’s most watched storylines for 2025. Despite turning 39, he’s confirmed to stay active for both club and country through at least the 2026 World Cup cycle. After leaving Real Madrid following 13 seasons and 28 trophies, Modrić now plays for AC Milan and continues as Croatia’s captain.
Overview
What we know
- Luka Modrić left Real Madrid on June 30, 2025, after 13 seasons & 28 trophies.
- Currently plays for AC Milan in Serie A (since July 2025).
- Active captain for Croatia through the 2026 World Cup cycle.
- No official retirement announced.
Confirmed vs rumours
- Luka Modrić left Real Madrid on June 30, 2025, after 13 years and 28 trophies. (Wikipedia)
- Currently plays for AC Milan in Serie A as of July 2025. (Wikipedia)
- Active captain for Croatia national team through 2026 (Goal).
- No official retirement announced. (iGamingReport)
Rykten:
- Saudi league offers reportedly rejected for Madrid retirement. (TransferFeed)
- Future move to Inter Miami is unconfirmed. (World Soccer Talk)
- Possible one-year sabbatical or Real Madrid return post-2026. (World Soccer Talk)
- 2024 extension talks at Real Madrid led to conflicting rumors. (Goal)
Timeline
- May 24, 2025: Farewell match at Santiago Bernabéu. (Goal)
- June 30, 2025: Official contract expiry with Real Madrid. (Goal)
- July 1, 2025: AC Milan announcement and presentation. (AC Milan Official)
- June 2025–: Croatia squad confirmed for World Cup qualifiers. (Croatian Football Federation)
What’s next
- Official AC Milan debut and statement on contract length (July–August 2025).
- Croatia World Cup qualifiers with Modrić as captain.
- Monitoring playing time and future club announcements.
- Possible interview with Modrić on farewell/legacy.
- Further updates on Inter Miami and Real Madrid return rumors post-2026.
- Industry attention for a potential “Luka Modrić farewell match”.
What We Know Now (Instant Fact Sheet)
| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Luka Modrić age | 39 (Born 9 September 1985) | Wikipedia |
| Current club | AC Milan, Serie A (since July 2025) | Wikipedia |
| Real Madrid departure | Contract ended June 30, 2025, after 13 seasons & 28 trophies | Goal |
| Croatia national team | Still captain, active for 2026 World Cup cycle | Goal |
| Retirement status | Not retired from club or country | Wikipedia |
| Rumored future moves | One-year sabbatical or Real Madrid return post-2026 | World Soccer Talk |
| Verified sources cited | 6+ | Various |
Live & Recent Updates
- – Modrić officially unveiled by AC Milan, confirms continuation as Croatia captain in Milan press conference. (AC Milan Official)
- – Real Madrid issues farewell post for Luka Modrić, highlighting 28-trophy legacy. (Goal)
- – Modrić’s final home match for Real Madrid played vs. Real Sociedad; fans and teammates deliver special send-off. (Goal)
- – Rumors swirl of immediate Inter Miami transfer; no confirmation. (World Soccer Talk)
- – Croatian federation confirms Modrić included in squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers. (Croatian Football Federation)
Timeline of Events
- May 24, 2025: Modrić’s farewell match at Santiago Bernabéu. (Goal)
- June 30, 2025: Official Real Madrid contract expiry after record club haul. (Goal)
- July 1, 2025: Announcement and presentation at AC Milan. (AC Milan Official)
- June 2025–: Croatia national team squad confirmed for World Cup qualifiers. (Croatian Football Federation)
- Ongoing: Unconfirmed links to Inter Miami and possible future sabbatical before potential Real Madrid return. (World Soccer Talk)
Confirmed Facts vs. Rumors
Bekräftat
- Luka Modrić left Real Madrid on June 30, 2025, after 13 years and 28 major trophies. (Wikipedia)
- Currently plays for AC Milan in Serie A as of July 2025. (Wikipedia)
- Active captain for Croatia with plans to play through the 2026 World Cup. (Goal)
- No official retirement announced from any team. (iGamingReport)
Rykten
- Saudi league offers were reportedly rejected so Modrić could “retire at Madrid”—no confirmation. (TransferFeed)
- Future move to Inter Miami is unconfirmed; still subject to speculation. (World Soccer Talk)
- Possible one-year sabbatical or Real Madrid return post-2026 World Cup; no concrete agreement. (World Soccer Talk)
- 2024 extension talks at Real Madrid resulted in conflicting rumors before confirmed exit. (Goal)
Quotes & Sources
“I didn’t expect it, Luka had the fuel to continue for another year and retire at Real Madrid. He wanted to stay, he had even spoken with Xabi Alonso about continuing. But something changed with the club leaders… Real Madrid was his everything, but his football career isn’t over yet.”
Nikola Jerkan, Croatia staff (Goal interview)
“I would like to retire in the Real Madrid jersey, that’s my dream.”
Luka Modrić, 2024 (TransferFeed)
“Sure Modrić will play another year.”
Florentino Pérez, Real Madrid president, 2024 (TransferFeed)
Official Luka Modrić Instagram update, July 2025: “Proud to join AC Milan. The dream continues on and off the pitch.”
Luka Modrić, Instagram
Context and Background
Luka Modrić’s career offers a blueprint for the retirement plans of top footballers. With extraordinary consistency across Real Madrid and Croatia, his “luka modric retirement” saga fascinates fans and analysts. His move to AC Milan at nearly 40 illustrates both longevity and elite standards expected of veterans.
The sustained speculation around Modrić current club update and “Luka Modrić national team retirement” reflects broader trends—elite midfielders like Kroos and Mudryk choosing to redefine finales on their terms. Social media has amplified each twist, fueling both gratitude and continued curiosity within the football world.
For more analysis on football legacy trends, see our Inside Cristiano Ronaldo Hijos Family Timeline And Updates.
What’s Next
- Official AC Milan debut and potential statement regarding contract length (expected July–August 2025).
- Croatia World Cup qualifiers leading up to 2026, with Modrić designated captain.
- Monitoring Modrić’s playing time, rotation, and any club/national announcements about future plans.
- Possible interview with Modrić or Real Madrid regarding farewell/legacy.
- Further updates on Inter Miami and Real Madrid return rumors post-2026.
- Industry attention for signs of impending “Luka Modrić farewell match”.
Summary & FAQ
Luka Modrić’s retirement is not confirmed; he continues as an AC Milan midfielder and Croatia captain, with no official end date set. Fans can expect updates on his performances, potential sabbatical, and ongoing rumors about his post-2026 plans.
FAQ
-
Is Luka Modrić retired from the national team?
No. Modrić remains Croatia’s captain and is active through the 2026 World Cup cycle. (Goal) -
How old is Luka Modrić?
He is 39 years old (born September 9, 1985). (Wikipedia) -
What is Luka Modrić’s current club?
As of July 2025, Modrić plays for AC Milan in Serie A. (Wikipedia) -
Is Luka Modrić planning a move to AC Milan or Inter Miami?
He has joined AC Milan; Inter Miami links are only rumors for now. (World Soccer Talk) -
What are the confirmed dates related to Modrić’s career milestones?
Final Real Madrid home game: May 24, 2025; contract expiry: June 30, 2025; AC Milan move: July 1, 2025. (Goal) -
Did Modrić reject Saudi offers to stay in Europe?
Yes, per reports, but not officially confirmed. (TransferFeed) -
Will there be a Luka Modrić farewell match?
A Real Madrid ceremonial event is planned, with details pending. (Goal) -
Where can I find ongoing legacy and trend analysis for top footballers?
See our Sergio Ramos Haircut 2025 Trends and Styles Guide.
