featuredThe 40-year-old Croatian midfielder will remain at San Siro until June 2027 after a productive first season in Italy

Luka Modric, AC Milan’s 40-year-old Croatian midfielder, has signed a one-year contract extension in Milan, Italy, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, committing his future to the Serie A club until June 30, 2027, in a welcome boost for a side preparing to rebuild under manager Ruben Amorim.

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The Luka Modric AC Milan extension means the veteran playmaker will continue wearing the Rossoneri’s number 14 shirt after an encouraging first campaign at San Siro.

AC Milan confirmed the agreement in an official statement, describing Modric as a key figure who has contributed his experience and quality both on and off the pitch. (AC Milan)

Modric joined AC Milan in July 2025 after bringing his remarkable 13-year spell at Real Madrid to an end.

His original contract ran until June 30, 2026, with an option for a further season, an option the club has now exercised to keep the Croatian in Milan for the 2026-27 campaign. (AC Milan)

The midfielder made 37 appearances across all competitions in his first season with Milan and scored twice.

His presence offered the club a wealth of experience during a campaign in which Milan finished fifth in Serie A and reached the last 16 of the Coppa Italia.

Modric said he was delighted to continue his journey with the club and acknowledged the warm reception he received after arriving from Spain.

“I am thrilled to stay at AC Milan, where you made me feel welcomed and loved from the very first day,” Modric said.

The Croatian also admitted that Milan’s previous campaign had fallen short of expectations, but said the determination to improve remained strong.

“After a season below our expectations, the desire to bounce back is immense. A new season and a new challenge await us, a project I believe in and that motivates me,” he said.

His decision to remain comes as Milan begin a new chapter under Amorim, the former Manchester United coach. The club’s official statement underlined the importance of Modric’s influence as it looks towards a more competitive campaign.

“One of the finest and most iconic players in world football, the Croatian will continue his journey in the Rossoneri shirt with the ambition to reach new, important milestones,” AC Milan said. (AC Milan)

For Modric, the extension adds another chapter to an extraordinary career that has already taken him from Dinamo Zagreb and Tottenham Hotspur to the summit of European football.

He spent 13 seasons at Real Madrid after joining the Spanish giants from Tottenham in 2012.

During that period, Modric became the most decorated player in the club’s history, collecting 28 major trophies, including six European Cups, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups and four La Liga titles. (Real Madrid)

His individual honours have been equally distinguished. Modric won the Ballon d’Or in 2018 after helping Croatia reach the World Cup final and establishing himself as one of the defining midfielders of his generation.

His six Champions League triumphs also place him among the competition’s most successful players. UEFA records that Modric has won six Champions League finals, a figure matched by former Real Madrid team-mate Dani Carvajal. (UEFA.com)

The veteran midfielder’s continued presence at Milan also offers Amorim a player with an exceptional understanding of elite football and the demands of competing at the highest level.

Modric, who turned 40 in September 2025, has also remained an influential figure for Croatia.

AC Milan identified him as the most-capped player in the history of the Croatian national team when he joined the club, highlighting the leadership and experience he brings beyond domestic competition. (AC Milan)

The Luka Modric AC Milan extension therefore represents more than the retention of an experienced midfielder.

For a club seeking to recover from an underwhelming season, it provides continuity, leadership and a player whose career has been built on the kind of resilience Milan will hope to rediscover.

Modric, meanwhile, is already looking ahead to the challenge.

“I’m ready to continue to give everything again for this shirt, and I’m so proud to keep wearing these colours,” he said. “Can’t wait to return to San Siro and feel your roar.”

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With his future now secured until June 2027, Modric will have another opportunity to leave his mark on one of European football’s most storied clubs while helping Milan pursue a stronger campaign under Amorim.