At 40 years old, Luka Modric is proving that age is just a number. Despite suffering a fractured cheekbone in a recent 0-0 draw with Juventus—an injury that could have ended his legendary career—reports from Italy suggest the former Ballon d'Or winner is set to trigger a one-year extension clause in his contract with AC Milan, keeping him in San Siro for the 2026-27 season.
Modric's move to Milan has been nothing short of a triumph. The Croatian maestro has started 32 of the club's 34 Serie A matches this season, logging 2,788 minutes on the pitch—more than he managed in any of his last five seasons at Real Madrid. His leadership and creativity have been pivotal in Milan's push for Champions League football under manager Massimiliano Allegri.
The injury occurred during a physical battle for a header with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli in last weekend's goalless stalemate. Modric was stretchered off the field, and subsequent scans confirmed a fractured cheekbone that will sideline him for the final four matches of the 2025-26 campaign. For a player who signed a one-year deal at the start of the season, this could have been a devastating end to a storied career.
However, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Modric is expected to give the green light for Milan to activate the 12-month extension clause in his contract. While the clause is technically a club option, the Rossoneri have made it clear they won't proceed without Modric's blessing. Once he gives the thumbs up, the extension will be formalized—though an official announcement is unlikely before the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup this summer.
What's driving Modric to continue? Sources close to the player say he's drawn to the prospect of competing in the Champions League under Allegri's guidance next season. But perhaps more compelling is the chance to end his illustrious career on his own terms: bidding farewell to professional football at a club of Milan's stature, in the iconic surroundings of San Siro, with a proper send-off that fans and teammates alike will remember for years to come.
For now, Modric's focus will be on recovery, but his expected return to action next season will be a welcome sight for Milan supporters—and a testament to the enduring spirit of one of football's greatest midfielders.