At 40 years old, Luka Modrić is still defining what longevity looks like in modern football. The Croatian midfielder, who captains his national team and currently plays for AC Milan, has spent over two decades at the top of the sport. With 34 major trophies, a Ballon d’Or, and a World Cup final appearance to his name, his career continues to generate questions about his personal life, his finances, and what comes next.
Born into hardship during the Croatian War of Independence, Modrić rose from a displaced childhood in the hamlet of Modrići to become the most decorated player in his country’s history. His ability to dictate play from central midfield at an age when most outfield players have long retired marks him as an outlier in elite sport.
Luka Modric’s Personal Life: Age, Wife, and Net Worth
- Luka Modric is 40 years old and still performing at elite level for both club and country.
- He won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, breaking the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly.
- In 2025, he departed Real Madrid after 12 seasons and joined AC Milan, marking a new chapter.
- He led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and a third-place finish in 2022, with 2026 still a possibility.
- Retirement rumors intensify each season, but Modric has not made any official announcement about hanging up his boots.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 9, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Zadar, Croatia (then Yugoslavia) |
| Age | 40 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 1.72 m |
| Weight | 66.2 kg |
| Position | Central Midfielder |
| Current Club | AC Milan (Serie A) |
| National Team | Croatia (captain) |
| Jersey Number | 14 (AC Milan, Croatia) |
| Ballon d’Or | 2018 Winner |
| Estimated Net Worth | $60 million – $80 million |
| Wife | Vanja Bosnić |
Modrić was born on in Zadar. He is married to Vanja Bosnić, a Croatian-Swedish model he met in 2008. The couple has three children: Ema, Sofia, and Ivano. Despite his global fame, Modrić maintains a notably private personal life and rarely discusses family matters in public, according to sources that track his career closely.
His father, Stipe, served as a soldier in the Croatian army, and Modrić’s early years were shaped by displacement during the Croatian War of Independence. That background forged a resilience that has marked his professional journey.
Financial figures surrounding Modrić remain variable. Estimates typically cited in high-profile media place his net worth between $60 million and $80 million, built largely through his long tenure at Real Madrid, World Cup bonuses, and endorsement deals. No confirmed public disclosure of his assets exists, so these figures carry some uncertainty.
Luka Modric’s Career: Real Madrid, Ballon d’Or, and Jersey Number
What is Luka Modric’s history with Real Madrid?
Modrić joined Real Madrid in 2012 for a reported €35 million after four seasons at Tottenham Hotspur. Over 13 years at the club, he made 394 appearances and scored 30 goals. During that period, he won four UEFA Champions League titles and multiple La Liga trophies, becoming a central figure in one of the club’s most successful eras.
Did Luka Modric win the Ballon d’Or?
Yes. Modrić won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, becoming the first player other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the award in over a decade. That same year, he also received the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award — the first Croatian to do so. He was also named in the FIFA FIFPro World XI five times between 2015 and 2019, a first for a Croatian player.
Modrić’s 2018 Ballon d’Or broke a decade-long duopoly by Messi and Ronaldo, and he remains the only player outside those two to have won the award since 2008.
What is Luka Modric’s jersey number?
Modrić wears the number 14 shirt for both AC Milan and the Croatia national team. He has worn that number for much of his career, including his entire stint at Real Madrid.
Early career and rise
Modrić began his professional career at Dinamo Zagreb, where he won three league titles and two domestic cups. A loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur turned into a permanent transfer in 2008, and he spent four seasons in London, making 161 appearances and scoring 14 goals despite early doubts about his physical suitability for the Premier League.
He is also the cousin of retired Australian footballer Mark Viduka, as confirmed by career profile databases.
Luka Modric’s Future: Retirement and World Cup 2026
When will Luka Modric retire?
Modrić has not made any official announcement regarding retirement. At age 40, he remains active with both AC Milan and the Croatia national team, stating a goal to “recapture his best form” despite age-related concerns. No timeline has been set, and speculation continues each season.
Will Luka Modric play in the 2026 World Cup?
Modrić has publicly expressed hope to play for Croatia at the 2026 World Cup. If he does, he will be 40 years old — a rare feat for an outfield player at that level. However, his age makes him more prone to injuries, and participation depends on form and fitness in the seasons ahead. No final decision has been communicated.
He already holds records as the oldest player to represent Croatia (at 37 years and 6 months) and the oldest outfield player to provide an assist at a World Cup.
Modric’s move to AC Milan in 2025 surprised many observers. It marked the end of a 13-year relationship with Real Madrid and opened a new challenge in Serie A. His performance in Milan will likely influence whether he extends his playing career further.
What Contributes to Luka Modric’s Exceptional Longevity?
Modrić’s ability to maintain elite-level performance into his 40s is rare for a central midfielder. The Croatian national team remains heavily dependent on his leadership, and his style of play — based on reading the game, short passing, and spatial awareness — has aged better than physically demanding roles.
He is frequently compared to midfield legends such as Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Andrea Pirlo. What sets Modrić apart, according to analysts, is his adaptability and work rate across both defensive and attacking phases of play.
How Did Luka Modric’s Career Progress Over the Years?
- 1985: Born in Zadar, Croatia.
- 2001: Joins Dinamo Zagreb youth academy.
- 2006–2008: Moves to Tottenham Hotspur on loan, then permanent transfer.
- 2012: Transfers to Real Madrid for €35 million.
- 2014: Wins first UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid (first of four).
- 2018: Wins Ballon d’Or; leads Croatia to World Cup final and wins Golden Ball.
- 2022: Wins another Champions League; Croatia finishes third at the World Cup.
- 2024–2025: Leaves Real Madrid; signs with AC Milan.
- 2025: Continues with AC Milan and Croatia; future at 2026 World Cup remains open.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Luka Modric?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Date of birth, place of birth, height, weight | Net worth: figures vary; no confirmed public disclosure |
| Marriage to Vanja Bosnić | Retirement date: no official statement as of 2025 |
| Ballon d’Or win in 2018 | World Cup 2026 participation: depends on form and fitness |
| Career history at Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham, Real Madrid, and AC Milan | Future club after AC Milan contract: unclear |
Why Is Luka Modric Considered One of the Greatest?
Modrić is widely regarded as the greatest Croatian footballer in history, a view supported by his trophy count and individual accolades. His 34 major trophies place him ahead of any other player from his country. Beyond the numbers, his role in transforming Croatia into a consistent contender on the world stage — including a World Cup final and a bronze medal — cements his legacy.
His adaptability across three top European leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A) and his sustained excellence over 20 years make him a reference point for midfield play. Comparisons to Xavi, Iniesta, and Pirlo are routine, but his work rate and defensive contribution often set him apart from those peers.
What Do Official Sources Say About Luka Modric?
“Luka Modrić is a Croatian professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Serie A club AC Milan and captains the Croatia national team.”
— Wikipedia
“Modrić arrived at Real Madrid in 2012 and became a legend, winning 23 trophies.”
— Real Madrid official website (archived)
“Luka Modrić won the 2018 Ballon d’Or for his outstanding performances.”
— Ballon d’Or official
What Is the Bottom Line on Luka Modric?
Luka Modrić’s career is defined by resilience, longevity, and a trophy haul unmatched by any Croatian player. At 40, he continues to compete at the highest level with AC Milan and his national team, while the question of when — or if — he will retire remains open. For fans tracking his journey, the coming seasons will determine whether he adds a 2026 World Cup appearance to an already historic resume. For more on top football careers, see Mo Salah – Contract Confusion, Stats and Future at Liverpool.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luka Modric
Who won the Ballon d’Or 2025?
As of 2025, the Ballon d’Or 2025 winner has not been announced. The award is typically given in late October. Luka Modric won it in 2018.
Did Luka Modric play for Tottenham?
Yes, Luka Modric played for Tottenham Hotspur from 2008 to 2012, making 160 appearances and scoring 17 goals.
What is Ballon d’Or ranking 2025?
The Ballon d’Or 2025 ranking will be released after the ceremony. Modric is unlikely to be a top contender due to age but remains a respected figure.
What is Luka Modric’s jersey number?
Luka Modric wears the number 14 shirt for both AC Milan and the Croatia national team.
How many Champions Leagues has Luka Modric won?
Luka Modric won four UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Is Luka Modric related to Mark Viduka?
Yes, Luka Modric is the cousin of retired Australian footballer Mark Viduka.
What position does Luka Modric play?
Luka Modric plays as a central midfielder, known for his passing range, vision, and work rate.
How many goals has Luka Modric scored for Croatia?
As of 2025, Luka Modric has scored 29 goals in 202 appearances for the Croatia national team, making him the oldest player to represent the country.
Victoria Winslow is Editor-in-Chief at ShowbizUK.co.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, editorial standards, publication decisions, source review and content quality across the publication.