Luka Modrić, the legendary Croatian midfielder and 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, appears to be at a crossroads in his international career. According to reports from Spanish newspaper AS, the 39-year-old is now reconsidering his earlier decision to retire from the national team following the appointment of Slaven Bilić as Croatia's head coach. Bilić, who previously led Croatia from 2006 to 2012, replaced Zlatko Dalić after the country's mixed results in recent qualifiers. The news has sent ripples through the football world, as Modrić had been widely expected to end his international career after the 2024 European Championship.
Modrić's relationship with Bilić runs deep. The two worked together during Bilić's first stint as national team boss, when Modrić was emerging as a key player after moving from Dinamo Zagreb to Tottenham Hotspur. Over the years, they maintained a close friendship, often dining together when Bilić visited Madrid. That bond is said to be a decisive factor in Modrić's potential U-turn. 'Luka was aware of the negotiations between Bilić and the Croatian Football Federation,' a source close to the player told AS. 'He made it clear that if his friend took over, his retirement would be revisited.'
This development comes as a surprise to many, given that Modrić had hinted at stepping aside to allow younger players to lead Croatia into the 2026 World Cup cycle. The Vatreni have experienced a transitional period after the golden generation that reached the 2018 final and 2022 semi-finals. Players like Ivan Rakitić and Mario Mandžukić have already retired, while Modrić remained the last pillar of that era. His potential return would provide invaluable experience and leadership for a squad that still features stars like Mateo Kovačić, Marcelo Brozović, and rising talents such as Lovro Majer.
On the club front, Modrić's future remains equally intriguing. After leaving Real Madrid in July 2024 to join AC Milan on a free transfer, he had a solid but not spectacular season with the Rossoneri. Milan finished third in Serie A and were eliminated early from the Champions League, leading to the dismissal of coach Stefano Pioli. In his place, Portuguese tactician Ruben Amorim was appointed after impressing at Sporting CP. Amorim has wasted no time in reaching out to Modrić, expressing a strong desire to build his midfield around the Croatian maestro. 'Ruben called Luka personally and outlined his tactical vision,' a Milan insider revealed. 'He sees Modrić as the ideal metronome for the team, capable of controlling tempo while mentoring younger players like Tommaso Baldanzi and Yunus Musah.'
However, Modrić's family's happiness in Milan is a significant factor. His wife, Vanja, and their three children have settled well in the Lombardy capital, with the children attending school and enjoying the city's cultural offerings. 'Luka and his family feel at home in Milan,' a friend said. 'That makes any decision about his playing future more complex.' The midfielder's current contract runs until June 2026, but exit clauses and mutual agreements could facilitate a move should he desire one.
Meanwhile, rumors of a sensational return to Real Madrid have surfaced. Florentino Pérez, the club's president, has long admired Modrić, and the midfielder's departure left a creative void that not even Jude Bellingham could fully fill. However, sources within the Santiago Bernabéu indicate that no formal contact has been made. 'Real Madrid have not approached us regarding Luka,' Modrić's agent, Vjekoslav Mamić, told a Croatian radio station. 'Given their current midfield depth with Valverde, Tchouaméni, and Camavinga, a return seems unlikely unless there is an injury crisis.' The club is also focusing on younger talent, having recently signed 18-year-old midfielder Javi Guerra from Valencia.
From a broader perspective, Modrić's potential decision to continue with Croatia—and possibly move clubs—has implications for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Croatia are drawn in Group L alongside Panama, Czech Republic, and Faroe Islands. Bilić's appointment has injected new energy into the squad, and his first official match will be against Panama in March 2025. If Modrić plays, he would become the first Croatian player to appear in a sixth World Cup, breaking his own record. The prospect is tantalizing for fans who remember his sublime performances in Russia and Qatar.
Bilić himself has been diplomatic when asked about Modrić. 'Luka is a legend, and his quality is undisputed,' he said at his introductory press conference. 'But I respect any player's personal decision. I will not pressure him. If he decides to continue, I'd be delighted. If not, we have other talented midfielders ready to step up.' The coach's approach reflects his broader strategy of blending experience with youth, a hallmark of his earlier tenure when he integrated Modrić alongside senior stars like Niko Kovač and Darijo Srna.
Analyzing Modrić's enduring prowess, it is clear that age has not diminished his vision, passing range, or tactical intelligence. At Milan last season, he averaged 2.3 key passes per game and maintained a pass accuracy of 88%, stats that rival his prime years. His fitness regime, which includes a strict diet, cryotherapy, and personalized recovery sessions, has kept him in peak condition. 'Luka is a freak of nature,' said Milan's former fitness coach, Matteo Perri. 'His body fat percentage is lower than players ten years younger. He could easily play at the top level for another two seasons.'
Yet, retirement decisions are seldom purely physical. Emotional factors, legacy, and the desire to go out on one's own terms play a role. For Modrić, the allure of playing under a trusted friend like Bilić may outweigh the exhaustion of international travel. Additionally, the prospect of leading Croatia to another deep World Cup run—perhaps even surpassing the 2018 silver—could be the perfect capstone to an already glittering career.
Off the pitch, Modrić's influence extends beyond the field. He remains a national hero in Croatia, a symbol of resilience and excellence. His involvement in charity work, particularly through the Luka Modrić Foundation, which supports children's education and healthcare, has cemented his status. Bilić's return could also reignite interest in the national team among younger generations, many of whom idolize Modrić and may be inspired to take up the sport.
As the March 2025 international break approaches, all eyes will be on Modrić. He is expected to make a final decision within the next few weeks. Should he confirm his return, the football world will witness one of the greatest players of this generation extend his international saga. And if he chooses to hang up his boots, he will do so having given Croatia everything—a World Cup final, a Ballon d'Or, and a legacy that transcends statistics.
Source: Yahoo! Actualités News