Luka Modrić extends AC Milan stay for another season

Luka Modric, Qatar 2022

The Croatian captain will remain at San Siro through the 2026-27 campaign after returning from his fifth World Cup, extending a career that will see him turn 41 during the upcoming season.

On 24/07/2026 at 16h00

Luka Modrić will remain at AC Milan for another season after the Serie A club announced on Thursday that the Croatian midfielder had signed a one-year contract extension.

The new deal will keep the former Ballon d’Or winner at San Siro through the 2026-27 campaign, during which he will celebrate his 41st birthday.

“One of the finest and most iconic players in world football, the Croatian will continue his journey in the Rossoneri shirt,” Milan said in a statement.

The announcement came shortly after Modrić returned from his fifth FIFA World Cup, where he captained Croatia and started all four of the team’s matches. During the tournament, he also surpassed 200 appearances for the national team.

Croatia’s campaign ended in the round of 32 with a 2-1 defeat to Portugal after a late goal was controversially ruled out. The tournament marked the end of a memorable World Cup era for Croatia, which included a runner-up finish in 2018 and a bronze medal in 2022, when they defeated Morocco in the third-place playoff.

Modrić joined Milan ahead of the 2025-26 season after an illustrious spell at Real Madrid. In his first campaign with the Rossoneri, he made 37 appearances, scored two goals and helped the club finish fifth in Serie A.

Milan will compete in the UEFA Europa League next season under new head coach Ruben Amorim as they look to improve on back-to-back underwhelming domestic campaigns.

By Youssef Labchir
On 24/07/2026 at 16h00