{"id":361159,"date":"2026-05-27T11:12:59","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T11:12:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/som2nynetwork.com\/?p=361159"},"modified":"2026-05-27T11:12:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T11:12:59","slug":"luka-modric-reportedly-considering-retirement-after-2026-world-cup-following-ac-milans-champions-league-miss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/som2nynetwork.com\/?p=361159","title":{"rendered":"Luka Modric reportedly considering retirement after 2026 World Cup following AC Milan\u2019s Champions League miss"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Missing out on Champions League<\/strong> qualification has thrown Luka Modric<\/strong><\/a>\u2018s future into sharp relief, with his contract at AC Milan<\/strong> expiring in June 2026. Facing that uncertain landscape, the Croatian legend is reportedly weighing retirement after the 2026 <\/strong>World Cup<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

In what Modric has described as his childhood club, the 40-year-old made an immediate impact in his debut season, revitalizing Milan\u2019s midfield in a way that surprised many who had doubted his ability to perform at that level. However, the 2-1 defeat to Cagliari on the final day cost the Rossoneri their <\/strong>Champions League<\/strong><\/a> qualification spot<\/strong>, and with the veteran set to turn 41 in September, speculation about his next move is already swirling.<\/p>\n

According to transfer insider Nicolo Schira, Modric is \u201coriented to announce<\/em>\u201d his retirement from professional soccer once his participation in the 2026 World Cup concludes<\/strong>. The immediate priority remains representing Croatia at what would be his fifth World Cup, with a formal announcement expected to follow.<\/p>\n

La Gazzetta dello Sport<\/em>\u2018s Marco Guidi has also reported that Modric could have played his final game for AC Milan<\/strong><\/a>, grouping him alongside Rafael Leao among players whose futures at the club are genuinely uncertain. Had Milan secured Champions League play, a contract extension would have been almost a foregone conclusion, but without it, the Croatian veteran will carefully consider his options<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The broader situation at the club adds further complexity. Milan have gone through a sweeping overhaul in the front office and coaching setup, with head coach Massimiliano Allegri, who had a close relationship with Modric, among those departing<\/strong>. Starting over from scratch under a new structure holds little appeal for a player who arrived in Milan driven by competitive ambition.<\/p>\n

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see also<\/p>\n

Report: Massimiliano Allegri\u2019s dismissal paves the way for Andoni Iraola to become AC Milan\u2019s new head coach<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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In his debut season, Modric made 37 appearances, contributing two goals and three assists<\/strong>, and remarkably returned for the final game against Cagliari even after suffering a cheekbone fracture, donning a protective mask to show his commitment to the club. Yet that cameo, as symbolic as it was, could prove to have been the final act of his club career.<\/p>\n

Arguments in favor of Modric staying at AC Milan<\/h2>\n

With virtually the entire executive structure at Milan set for a reset and only Zlatan Ibrahimovic remaining as a familiar face<\/strong>, the absence of Champions League revenue will further constrain the club\u2019s financial flexibility. On the surface, that environment would seem unattractive for a player of Modric\u2019s ambition, but several personal factors could still tip the balance toward one final season in Italy.<\/p>\n

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport<\/em>, Modric has settled happily into life in Milan<\/strong>, where the unwavering affection of the supporters has meant a great deal to him, and his daughter has even joined the club\u2019s youth setup<\/strong>. The 2026-27 season in the Europa League could be framed as a \u201credemption year<\/em>\u201d at the club of his idol Zvonimir Boban, and the dream of winning a trophy with Milan, something he has spoken about repeatedly since his arrival, has not yet been realized.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n