Luka Modric faces major career decision after World Cup exit as Real Madrid monitor situation

Luka Modric faces major career decision after World Cup exit as Real Madrid monitor situation Croatia’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup last night has brought Real Madrid legend Luka Modric’s future back into focus, with the veteran midfielder now expected to decide what comes next in his career. The 40-year-old had postponed any decision until after the tournament, but with Croatia’s campaign now over, he must choose whether to remain at AC Milan, begin a new chapter elsewhere, or retire from professional football. And, as per Mundo Deportivo , Real Madrid are closely monitoring the situation as they are open to the idea of bringing Modric back to the club if he announces his retirement . Ronaldo’s Portugal eliminated Modric’s Croatia from the World Cup. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) AC Milan situation has changed Several factors will influence Modric’s decision, and not all of them favour staying at AC Milan. The Rossoneri failed to qualify for next season’s Champions League, while significant changes have taken place behind the scenes. Head coach Massimiliano Allegri, sporting director Igli Tare and technical director Geoffrey Moncada have all departed. Modric enjoyed a strong relationship with that group, making their exits another factor in his decision-making. Milan have appointed Ruben Amorim as their new coach, but the club’s sporting structure remains incomplete after Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche rejected an initial approach from the Italian side. Several options on the table Modric now has several possible paths to consider. The first is to remain at Milan and complete a second season with the club before potentially retiring in June 2027. Another possibility is ending his time in Italy and pursuing one final challenge in another league. What next for Modric? (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) Retirement is also under consideration, with Modric approaching his 41st birthday in less than two months. Should he decide to end his playing career, the veteran midfielder could remain in football. One option would see him join Milan’s sporting structure. Another possibility is a return to Real Madrid in a sporting or technical role, particularly following Jose Mourinho’s return to the club. Mourinho was the coach who signed Modric for Madrid in the summer of 2012, and the two continue to share a strong relationship . With the World Cup now behind him, the Croatian legend must decide whether to continue playing, embark on a new adventure or begin the next chapter of his career away from the pitch.