Modric extends AC Milan contract until June 2027 at age 40
Synopsis
At 40, Luka Modric has chosen to play on — extending his AC Milan contract through June 2027 rather than retire after Croatia's 2026 World Cup exit. The decision keeps one of football's most decorated midfielders in Serie A for a second season, now under new head coach Ruben Amorim.
Key Takeaways
Luka Modric has signed a one-year contract extension with AC Milan , running until 30 June 2027 .
The Croatian turns 41 in September, making him one of the oldest active players in top-flight European football.
Modric made 37 appearances and scored 2 goals in his debut Milan season; the club finished fifth in Serie A .
Croatia exited the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the round of 32 , losing to Portugal .
Modric will play under new Milan head coach Ruben Amorim , who replaced the sacked Massimiliano Allegri in June .
He will retain the No.
14 shirt and is described by the club as having 'ambition to reach new, important milestones.'
Croatian midfielder Luka Modric has signed a one-year contract extension with AC Milan, committing to the Serie A club until 30 June 2027, the Rossoneri confirmed on 24 July. The deal keeps the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner at the San Siro as he approaches his 41st birthday in September — making him one of the oldest active players in top-flight European football.
Official Club Statement
AC Milan confirmed the extension in an official release, which read: 'AC Milan is pleased to announce that Luka Modric has signed a contract for a further season, until June 30, 2027.' The club added that Modric had brought 'experience and quality to the service of the team, both on and off the pitch, with humility and great passion,' describing him as 'one of the finest and most iconic players in world football.' He will continue to wear the No. 14 shirt next season.
A Debut Season of Modest Returns
Modric's original contract with Milan had expired on 30 June, following a debut campaign in which he made 37 appearances and scored two goals. The season was a difficult one for the club overall — Milan finished fifth in Serie A and were eliminated at the last-16 stage of the Coppa Italia. Despite the underwhelming collective result, the club evidently values Modric's experience and influence in the dressing room highly enough to retain him for a second year.
World Cup Exit Preceded the Decision
Modric had previously indicated he would assess his future — including the possibility of retirement — after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Croatia exited the tournament in the round of 32, losing to Portugal. With the World Cup chapter closed, the veteran chose to continue his club career rather than hang up his boots.
From Bernabeu Legend to Rossoneri
Modric joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 and spent 13 seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, accumulating nearly 600 appearances and close to 30 major trophies — including a record six UEFA Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns. His 2018 Ballon d'Or victory, which broke the long-standing Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly, cemented his status as one of the generation's defining midfielders. He departed Madrid in 2025 and joined Milan shortly after.
New Coach, New Chapter
For the upcoming season, Modric will play under Ruben Amorim, the former Manchester United head coach who was appointed at Milan in June following the sacking of Massimiliano Allegri. Whether Amorim can integrate the veteran Croatian into a system that restores Milan to Champions League contention remains the central question heading into the new campaign.
Point of View
With a modest debut season behind him and a World Cup exit fresh in the memory, most players would walk away — yet Milan have chosen to keep him, and he has chosen to stay. The real test is whether Ruben Amorim, a coach who favours high-intensity pressing systems, can find a meaningful role for a player whose value is now cerebral rather than physical. Milan's fifth-place Serie A finish last season demands improvement; retaining an ageing midfielder only makes sense if the squad around him is substantially upgraded. If it is not, the sentimentality of the Modric project could quietly cost the club competitive ground.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Luka Modric signed a new contract with AC Milan?
Yes. AC Milan confirmed on 24 July that Modric has signed a one-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until 30 June 2027. He will continue to wear the No. 14 shirt.
How old is Luka Modric and why is this extension notable?
Modric turns 41 in September 2026, making him one of the oldest active players in top-flight European football. His decision to continue playing rather than retire after the 2026 World Cup makes the extension particularly notable.
How did Modric perform in his first season at AC Milan?
Modric made 37 appearances and scored two goals in his debut season at Milan. The club finished fifth in Serie A and were knocked out of the Coppa Italia at the last-16 stage.
Why did Modric consider retirement before extending his contract?
Modric had previously stated he would decide on his future after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Croatia exited in the round of 32, losing to Portugal. Following that exit, he chose to continue his club career with Milan rather than retire.
Who is the new AC Milan head coach Modric will play under?
Modric will play under Ruben Amorim, the former Manchester United head coach who was appointed at AC Milan in June after the club sacked Massimiliano Allegri.
