Modrić set to end his Croatia career in October — his last cap against champions Spain, in Split

What was reported

Luka Modrić, 40, has decided to step away from the Croatia national team, several international outlets reported on July 23. According to Yahoo Sports, FOX Sports and Goal, Modrić has already informed the newly appointed Croatia head coach, Slaven Bilić, of his decision. His final international appearance is expected to come on October 6, in a UEFA Nations League match against Spain at the Poljud Stadium in Split. World Soccer Talk reports that he has decided to retire and will extend his contract with AC Milan. As of now there is no official statement from the player or the Croatian Football Federation; this remains at the reporting stage.

He is leaving the national team, not the game

What is easy to miss is that Modrić is stepping away from international duty, not from football. He is reported to have agreed a one-year extension with Milan this summer — a short-term deal at 40. Leaving the national team lets him conserve energy and pour a final season into his club, according to the reports. Rather than keep carrying the weight of international matches while stretching a 40-year-old body across another year, he is choosing to focus on the club alone.

A last opponent that happens to be Spain

The October 6 opponent stands out: Spain, only just crowned world champions. Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the New Jersey final on July 19 for their second world title. Welcoming those new champions to the Poljud in Split will be Modrić's international farewell. The venue chosen is Split rather than the capital, Zagreb.

How this World Cup ended for him

For Modrić — the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner and long the heart of Croatia — this World Cup did not end well. Croatia went out in the first knockout round (the round of 32), losing to Portugal and leaving the tournament relatively early. The core that had led Croatia to the 2018 final and third place in 2022 could not advance this time. After the tournament, Zlatko Dalić's nine-year tenure ended and Bilić, who coached Croatia from 2006 to 2012, returned to the role. A generational change and a veteran's exit landed at the same moment.

What it means for Croatia

Modrić is Croatia's record cap-holder and captain, the heartbeat of the side for nearly two decades since his 2006 debut. His exit is more than one player leaving; it marks the close of a golden generation. And the October 6 match against Spain is a competitive Nations League fixture, not a dead-rubber friendly — he will say goodbye to the national team in a real contest.

What is not yet settled

None of these reports carry an official comment from the player or an announcement from the federation. Whether the date really settles on October 6, and how much he will play that day, is still to come. But with concrete details — the message to the new coach, the Milan extension — reported together, this is a step beyond mere speculation. His own words, when they come, will be the final confirmation.