It has been 20 years since 2006 – the year Luka Modric first donned the Croatian national team jersey. The lanky midfielder with long hair has played nearly 200 matches for Croatia, leading the team to the 2018 World Cup final, where they finished as runners-up and won the Golden Ball. At the most recent tournament in 2022, he also led his team to the semi-finals and a third-place finish.

In April 2026, Modric had to undergo surgery for a cheekbone injury, but fortunately recovered in time to participate in the World Cup. This is something not only the people of Croatia are hoping for, but also football fans around the world . The 2026 World Cup is very special, because there are players who will start the journey like Lamine Yamal (Spain), and there are also players who will close out this historic journey like Luka Modric.

FIFA's homepage celebrated Modric's arrival, calling him the "technical and spiritual center" of Croatia. Spanish newspapers showered him with praise after his move from La Liga to Serie A: "Eterno" - eternal; "incombustible" - tireless; "fuera del tiempo" - untouchable by time...

The 2026 World Cup will most likely be Luka Modric's farewell. Photo: Reuters

Leaving Real Madrid in the summer of 2025 after 13 years and 28 titles, it seemed he would choose to retire or play in leagues outside the top five European leagues (England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain). But then, he joined AC Milan. Coach Allegri built a system around Modric.

He leads in the number of passes and touches, and is the focal point of all the ball circulation for the red half of Milan. Midfielder Kaka recently suggested that Modric could even play at the highest level for another 2-3 years. Modern sports science helps players extend their careers through training, nutrition, and professionalism. Modric is the embodiment of all of that.

After the Milan derby in March, the newspaper AS even called Modric a "monstruoso" for leading AC Milan to victory. He was praised for his exceptional ability to read the game, his spatial awareness, and his superb judgment of situations. At 40 years old, Modric doesn't win with speed or physical strength, but by reading the situation and choosing his position faster than his opponents can even realize it. Modern football is getting faster, but Modric is the clearest proof that intelligence and strategic thinking are more valuable than anything else.

The upcoming 2026 World Cup will likely mark the end of the final chapter in Croatia's golden generation, with Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic being the last remaining names. Now, they have younger players to share the responsibility, such as Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic. Croatia may not need Modric to shoulder the burden alone, but they still need him as captain to bridge the generation and "keep the soul" of the team alive.

The 2026 World Cup for the Croatian national team is therefore both a stage for the next generation, but also a summer where millions of people will be watching Croatia, hoping to see "Lukita" (Modric's nickname) touch the ball many more times. It is also a farewell from the biggest football festival on the planet for the most elegant and talented midfielder that football has ever produced.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/the-thao/worldcup-2026/world-cup-2026-modric-gia-gan-1042235