Luka Modrić Sets Retirement Date After World Cup 2026.

Luka Modrić's Career-Ending Plans

According to Novyny.live: Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić has announced he will retire from professional football following the 2026 World Cup. At age 41, he will leave the sport, turning down a contract extension with AC Milan, where he spent his final season—a campaign that ended with a 5th-place finish in the league.

Throughout his career, Modrić has represented several clubs, including:

• Dinamo Zagreb
• Inter Zaprešić
• Zrinjski (Bosnia)
• Tottenham Hotspur (England)
• Real Madrid

The 2026 World Cup will be his fifth appearance at the tournament, underscoring his long-standing presence on the international stage.

Achievements and Legacy

Modrić holds the record for most appearances for the Croatian national team, with 196 caps. He gained global recognition by winning the Ballon d'Or in 2018. His contributions to football have left a lasting impact, and his retirement after the next World Cup will be a major moment for fans worldwide.

Modrić's retirement after the 2026 World Cup marks not only the end of an era for one of modern football's greatest players but also a pivotal moment for Croatia, which will lose its leader and a master of the game.

His achievements—including the Ballon d'Or and his record number of international matches—highlight his influence on the sport in his home country. The farewell to Modrić is expected to be a significant event for the football community, celebrating his lasting contribution to the game.