Luka Modric offered Real Madrid return amid retirement talk | OneFootball

Real Madrid are embarking on a new era this summer, with Jose Mourinho having returned as manager 13 years after his first spell in charge. As it turns out, he may not be only club icon to make a Bernabeu comeback, as there are also chances for midfield maestro Luka Modric to be heading back.

Modric, who left Real Madrid last summer and spent the 2025-26 season with AC Milan, has just bowed out of the 2026 World Cup after Croatia lost to Portugal in the last 32. At 40, his international career is now certain to come to an end, although it has been reported that the decision has already been made for him to retire after the ongoing tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

If Modric hangs up his boots, he could be set for a return to Real Madrid, with MD reporting that he has been offered a non-playing role at the Bernabeu. At this stage, it’s not clear what the exact role would be, but it could transpire that he joins Mourinho’s coaching staff in some capacity, given the Portuguese was the one that brought him to the Spanish capital initially in 2012.

Modric has other offers on the table

The possibility of returning to Real Madrid is one that Modric will surely consider, but he could also remain at Milan. He will be offered a new playing contract if he decides to continue his career, but even if he opts to retire, the Rossoneri are prepared to keep him on in a non-playing capacity.

Modric will take time to come to his final decision on whether to retire or not. He has earned the right to mull everything over, and in the coming weeks, it should be known whether a return to Real Madrid could be on the cards later this summer.