Could Luka Modric Extend His Career in Saudi Arabia at 40? All Options Analysed & Explored

Luka Modrić, the renowned Croatian player who turned 40 in September 2025, has bid farewell to Real Madrid after 13 remarkable years marked by numerous wins and significant moments. Many fans and astute individuals debate whether he could relocate to Saudi Arabia to play for a longer period in a more comfortable environment while earning a substantial income.
Luka Modrić's chance to play in Saudi Arabia looked at closelySaudi Arabia offered Luka Modrić lucrative deals from teams like Al Nassr in early 2025, potentially allowing him to reunite with his old friend Cristiano Ronaldo in that busy league.

These offers meant big paychecks and a way to bring fame to the league, which had already attracted stars like Karim Benzema and Neymar in recent years. But going there at 40 would mean getting used to a slower game level, which could help keep his body strong for playing with Croatia in the coming significant events.

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Moreover, people who know a lot say Saudi teams offer short deals of one or two years to older players so that Modrić could play on without the intense pressure of top European games each week. This pick could bring steady money and a calm daily routine, but it might reduce the number of tough matches that help keep his skills sharp for world team games.

Additionally, although the league improves with significant financial investment, some players face significant cultural adjustments and being far from home in Europe, which can be particularly challenging for their families.

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Reasons Luka Modrić picked AC Milan and other ways checked outRather than going to Saudi Arabia, Luka Modrić joined AC Milan on a one-year deal in the summer of 2025, with a chance to add more time, and he already helps the team's midfield work better. This move lets him stay in the tough Serie A league, aiding the team to get back strong from a bad year before, while giving tips to young players. Additionally, staying in Europe supports his plan to play for Croatia in the 2026 World Cup, as it provides steady, challenging games without the long trips that would tire him out.

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Different from that, other spots, such as Major League Soccer in America, have called to Modrić, with teams like New York City FC offering a fun city life and a short time off for the World Cup right there.

Qatar sent deals too, but he went for chances that mix hard play and things he knows well over just money wins. Moreover, returning to his first team, Dinamo Zagreb, was a warm welcome home, but Milan's big plan better suited his needs at age 40.

Still, Modrić's time at Milan has given the group new life, with old greats saying nice things about how quickly he fits in and helps in the early games of the 2025-26 season.