Modric plans to play for Croatia past 41st birthday
September 5, 2026 13:45
Luka Modric, who turns 41 on Wednesday, has told the Croatian Football Federation he plans to continue with the national team and intends to feature in the upcoming Nations League fixtures, including the matches against England. The announcement came as Slaven Bilic returned to the Croatia job as manager.
Bilic, who first managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012 and oversaw the early phase of Modric’s international career, welcomed the captain’s decision and said he was pleased to be reunited with him.
KEY CONTEXT
- Modric won the 2018 World Cup Golden Ball after captaining Croatia to the final (they lost to France) and was part of the squad that finished third at the following tournament in Qatar.
- He made his senior debut in March 2006, shortly before Bilic’s first appointment as Croatia manager, and has since amassed 202 caps and 29 goals for his country.
- At club level Modric currently plays for AC Milan.
- Modric had been widely expected to retire from international football after Croatia’s elimination from this summer’s World Cup by Portugal in the last 32 under Zlatko Dalic.
WHY IT MATTERS
Modric remains Croatia’s most-capped active player and a central figure in their recent international successes; his intention to carry on provides continuity in experience and leadership as Bilic resumes charge. Reuniting the veteran midfielder with the manager who helped start his international career is notable for Croatia’s immediate strategic and leadership planning.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Modric has expressed his intention to play, but actual selection and availability will be confirmed by the squad announcements and matchday line-ups.
- Croatia’s next fixtures in the Nations League, where his participation is expected, are: Czech Republic (away) on 26 September, Spain (away) on 29 September, England (home) on 3 October, and the return match at Wembley on 12 November.
- How Bilic integrates Modric into his plans and the balance between experience and squad renewal will be central to Croatia’s short-term approach.
KEY FACTS
- Modric turns 41 on Wednesday.
- He has 202 international appearances and 29 goals for Croatia.
- He received the 2018 World Cup Golden Ball; Croatia were runners-up in 2018 and finished third at the next tournament in Qatar.
- Slaven Bilic managed Croatia from 2006–2012 and is back in charge as Modric intends to continue.
- Upcoming Nations League matches: Czech Republic (26 Sept), Spain (29 Sept), England (3 Oct), Wembley return (12 Nov).