On July 8, 2025, AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri confirmed that Luka Modric, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, will join the club in August after Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign.
In his first press conference since returning as Milan’s manager, Allegri praised Modric, stating, “He is an extraordinary player.” The 39-year-old Croatian announced his exit from Real Madrid in May after a remarkable 13-year tenure that included winning 28 trophies. He will join Milan following the Club World Cup semi-final against PSG on July 9. Modric has made five substitute appearances, including a crucial role in a 3-2 victory over Dortmund, demonstrating his enduring talent.
Real Madrid's Croatia captain Luka Modric will join AC Milan after the Club World Cup, the Serie A club's newly-appointed manager Massimiliano Allegri confirmed on Monday. https://t.co/xp2mRMyOy9 https://t.co/xp2mRMyOy9
— Reuters Sports (@ReutersSports) July 7, 2025Luka Modric, Real Madrid’s most-decorated player with six Champions League titles, aims to maintain his peak form for the 2026 World Cup. After finishing eighth in Serie A during the 2024–25 season, AC Milan lost Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City and is facing a potential move for Theo Hernandez to Al-Hilal. However, manager Massimiliano Allegri is confident that goalkeeper Mike Maignan and forward Rafael Leao will remain with the team, as Milan is holding out for £25 million for Maignan.
Allegri’s optimism for the August 23 Serie A opener against Cremonese relies on Modric’s experience. Social media buzz indicates that 60% of Milan fans expect a top-four finish, reflecting a hope for a revival despite Saudi Arabia’s interest in Hernandez.
