At an age when most midfielders have long stepped away from elite football, Luka Modrić continues to redefine longevity. Now 40, Modrić remains a central figure in AC Milan’s Serie A campaign and is quietly building toward what could be the final chapter of a legendary career – the 2026 World Cup.
Rather than fading into a ceremonial role, Modrić is influencing matches with intelligence, rhythm, and leadership, proving that elite midfield play is as much about the mind as the legs.
Experience Over Time: Modrić’s Value at 40
Modrić’s importance to AC Milan goes far beyond minutes played. In a league defined by tactical discipline and game management, his calm decision-making offers Milan something few squads possess – control under pressure.
At 40, Modrić excels in:
- Dictating tempo in high-stakes matches
- Managing transitions between defense and attack
- Providing leadership during tense phases of games
Milan’s younger midfielders benefit directly from his presence, while opponents are forced to adjust their pressing schemes to account for his positioning and awareness.
AC Milan’s Title Ambitions and Modrić’s Role
The Serie A title race is often decided by fine margins. For Milan, Modrić represents reliability when chaos threatens to take over.
In tight away matches and late-game scenarios, his ability to:
- Retain possession
- Draw fouls in dangerous zones
- Slow the game at critical moments
has proven invaluable. While Milan may not rely on him for constant high-intensity pressing, they rely heavily on his game intelligence, especially against direct title rivals.
Modrić may not dominate highlight reels every week, but his influence is felt in the structure and balance of Milan’s performances.
2025/2026 Season Snapshot (as of January 14, 2026)
While Modrić’s role has been carefully managed, his output remains impressive given his age and responsibilities.
Luka Modrić – 2025/26 (All Competitions, Approximate):
- Appearances: 21
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 2
These numbers reflect a player optimized for efficiency rather than volume – a hallmark of elite veterans adapting intelligently to their physical limits.
Leadership That Cannot Be Measured
Beyond statistics, Modrić’s impact is cultural. His professionalism, preparation, and composure set standards inside the dressing room. Younger players frequently reference his influence in training, while coaching staff value his ability to execute tactical instructions precisely.
In a long Serie A season, this leadership often proves decisive in the final months.
One Final Goal: World Cup 2026
As the club season unfolds, the long-term horizon remains clear – FIFA World Cup 2026. For Modrić, it represents the likely final act of an international career that has already defined a generation.
Regular minutes at AC Milan help ensure:
- Match sharpness at the highest level
- Tactical rhythm against elite opposition
- Continued leadership within the Croatian national setup
If selected, World Cup 2026 would serve as a fitting farewell on the global stage for one of football’s greatest midfielders.
Can Modrić Drive Milan to the Title?
AC Milan’s title hopes will ultimately depend on squad depth, fitness, and execution. But in decisive moments, Modrić’s presence could tilt the balance.
At 40, he may not run the most – but he still thinks the fastest.
If Milan lift the Scudetto, Modrić’s contribution will not be remembered for raw numbers, but for the calm authority that guided them through the season’s most difficult moments.
