Croatian football legend Luka Modrić has officially announced his retirement from international football following Croatia’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The announcement comes after Croatia’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal national football team in the Round of 32, a result that brought an end to both the country’s World Cup campaign and Modrić’s remarkable international career.
Modrić bows out as one of the greatest footballers in Croatia’s history, having represented his country with distinction for nearly two decades. Since making his senior international debut in 2006, the midfield maestro became the heartbeat of the Croatian national team, earning well over 180 international caps and captaining the side through some of its most memorable moments.
His greatest achievement came at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where he inspired Croatia to its first-ever World Cup final.
Although Croatia finished runners-up to France, Modrić’s outstanding performances earned him the tournament’s Golden Ball as the best player. Later that year, he ended the decade-long dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by winning the Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Croatian to claim football’s most prestigious individual award.
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He also played a pivotal role in Croatia’s third-place finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, further cementing his legacy as the nation’s greatest-ever player.
Throughout his international career, Modrić was celebrated for his exceptional vision, passing range, composure, leadership and ability to dictate the tempo of matches. His influence extended far beyond statistics, inspiring a generation of Croatian footballers and earning admiration from fans and opponents around the world.
Although his international journey has come to an end, Modrić leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as Croatia’s most decorated football icon and one of the finest midfielders of his generation.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world, with teammates, coaches and supporters thanking the veteran playmaker for his immense contribution to Croatian football and the global game.
While Modrić has retired from international football, attention now turns to whether he will continue his club career before eventually bringing one of football’s most illustrious playing careers to a close.