URB · UEFA Europa League · Attacker · #0 · Bosnia and Herzegovina · 38 yrs
News is not available yet.
With AC Milan missing out on Champions League qualification, Luka Modric is reportedly weighing the possibility of hanging up his boots after the 2026 World Cup. Missing out on Champions League qualification has thrown Luka Modric‘s future into sharp relief, with his contract at AC Milan expiring in June 2026. Facing that uncertain landscape, the Croatian legend is reportedly weighing retirement after the 2026 World Cup. In what Modric has described as his childhood club, the 40-year-old made an immediate impact in his debut season, revitalizing Milan’s 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 Champions League qualification spot, and with the veteran set to turn 41 in September, speculation about his next move is already swirling. According to transfer insider Nicolo Schira, Modric is “oriented to announce” his retirement from professional soccer once his participation in the 2026 World Cup concludes. The immediate priority remains representing Croatia at what would be his fifth World Cup, with a formal announcement expected to follow. La Gazzetta dello Sport‘s Marco Guidi has also reported that Modric could have played his final game for AC Milan, 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. Luka #Modric is oriented to announce his retirement from football as player after the World Cup. #transfers 🇭🇷— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) May 26, 2026 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. Starting over from scratch under a new structure holds little appeal for a player who arrived in Milan driven by competitive ambition. In his debut season, Modric made 37 appearances, contributing two goals and three assists, 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. Arguments in favor of Modric staying at AC Milan With virtually the entire executive structure at Milan set for a reset and only Zlatan Ibrahimovic remaining as a familiar face, the absence of Champions League revenue will further constrain the club’s financial flexibility. On the surface, that environment would seem unattractive for a player of Modric’s ambition, but several personal factors could still tip the balance toward one final season in Italy. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Modric has settled happily into life in Milan, where the unwavering affection of the supporters has meant a great deal to him, and his daughter has even joined the club’s youth setup. The 2026-27 season in the Europa League could be framed as a “redemption year” 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.
Following a disappointing end to the season, AC Milan have decided to shake things up, firing Massimiliano Allegri and giving Zlatan Ibrahimović more authority. As a result, Rafael Leão is reportedly set to leave the team, while Christian Pulisic will remain a key player. AC Milan started the 2025–26 season in great form, but suffered a drop in performances that left them out of the UEFA Champions League. Following this, Massimiliano Allegri and other key figures were dismissed, causing a revolution within the team. Far from ending there, Zlatan Ibrahimović appears set to make changes to the roster, reportedly leaving Rafael Leão out of the team, while Christian Pulisic would continue with the Rossoneri. According to Pietro Mazzara, via MilanNews.it, Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimović reportedly believe that Rafael Leão’s time at AC Milan has reached its end. With this in mind, they are open to letting him leave, valuing him at around €40 million. With only two years remaining on his contract and a strained relationship with the fanbase, both sides could look to secure a swift exit before the situation becomes more complicated in 2027. Unlike the Portuguese winger, Christian Pulisic appears increasingly likely to remain with AC Milan. As per multiple Italian outlets reports, Gerry Cardinale is keen for the USMNT star to continue at the club despite a dip in form during the second half of the season. They reportedly value his adaptability and ability to fit into different tactical systems, viewing him as an important piece of the project. As a result, a contract renewal may reportedly take place in the near future. Despite Zlatan Ibrahimović appearing to have a very clear vision for AC Milan’s sporting project, he may avoid making immediate decisions. With they still needing to appoint both a sporting director and a head coach, Pulisic and Leão’s futures could be shaped once the club’s staff structure is fully in place. In addition, strong performances from either player at the 2026 World Cup may attract renewed interest from several European clubs. Rafael Leao of AC Milan interacts with Christian Pulisic Iraola’s possible arrival would give Rafael Leão a boost at AC Milan Looking ahead to next season, Zlatan Ibrahimović and AC Milan appear to be targeting Andoni Iraola as the next head coach. Set to leave AFC Bournemouth, the Spanish manager could prove to be an ideal appointment thanks to his dynamic playing style and ability to bring consistency to the team. In addition, Iraola could push for the continuity of Rafael Leão, potentially helping him rediscover his best form on the left wing. Under Massimiliano Allegri, Rafael Leão did not have chances to shine as a left winger, as his formation only had two forwards. Nevertheless, Andoni Iraola always relied on two fast wingers in the Premier League, something he could repeat at AC Milan. Being one of the most skillful dribblers and differential players in the world, Rafael could be seen by Andoni as a key piece to boost the team’s offense. Despite his possible continuity, AC Milan would have to negotiate a contract renewal, as they would seek to avoid him entering his final contract year in 2027. In case of not accepting a new contract, Rafael Leão could be sold without question, having several approaches from the Premier League, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahçe.
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.