Did Luka Modric Retire From International Football Following World Cup Elimination Against Portugal?

Luka Modric has officially brought the curtain down on his remarkable international career after Croatia's 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

The 40-year-old captain confirmed that the match against Portugal was his final appearance for Croatia, ending a journey that spanned more than two decades and established him as the greatest player in the nation's football history. Croatia's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup marked the end of Modric's illustrious international chapter.

Modric made his senior debut for Croatia in 2006 and went on to become the country's all-time appearance leader while captaining the national team through its most successful era. His crowning achievement came at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he inspired Croatia to its first-ever World Cup final and won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.

Did Luka Modric Retire After Croatia Lost to Portugal?

The former Real Madrid midfielder added another historic milestone in 2022 by helping Croatia secure a third-place finish before returning for a fifth World Cup in 2026. Throughout his international career, Luka Modric earned widespread admiration for his vision, composure, leadership, and consistency, cementing his place among the greatest midfielders of his generation. Croatia fought bravely against Portugal, but goals from the Portuguese side ended their hopes of another deep World Cup run. While the defeat was heartbreaking, it also served as the final chapter in Modric's unforgettable international story.

The legendary midfielder leaves Croatia with an extraordinary legacy that extends far beyond statistics. He transformed the perception of Croatian football on the global stage, inspired a generation of players, and captained his nation through some of its finest moments. Although his international career has come to an end, his impact on Croatian football will endure for years to come. His name will forever be synonymous with excellence, resilience, and one of the greatest international careers the sport has ever witnessed.