From the heights of Real Madrid’s trophy-laden years to a new chapter in Serie A, Luka Modrić’s contract and earnings have shifted dramatically. Fans and pundits alike are asking: how much is Luka Modric salary now, and how does it compare to his peak years? In this article, IndiGoal will guide you through the twists and turns of Modrić’s wage journey, what he’s earning at AC Milan, his past earnings at Real Madrid, and what it all signifies for his legacy.
The latest: What Modrić earns at AC Milan
After 13 iconic seasons in Madrid, Luka Modrić joined AC Milan in the summer of 2025 on a one-year deal with an option to extend until 2027.
Base salary and bonuses, his gross base salary for the 2025–26 season is about €6.48 million, which works out to approximately €124,615 per week (before bonuses and taxes) under his Milan contract. pology.com]) If one slices that into monthly terms, it’s roughly €540,000 gross.
There is talk of additional performance-based incentives. Sources suggest Modrić could secure up to €1 million extra based on appearance clauses or team success. lary Leaks]) After accounting for those, his net income (after tax and deductions) is estimated around €3.5 million across the season.
A dramatic pay cut
Modrić’s leap to Milan comes with a stark financial reality: he is accepting a steep pay cut compared to his final seasons in Madrid. Reports suggest that at Real Madrid he was earning close to €10 million per year, and this move represents as much as a 50-75% reduction in base pay. Some outlets even quote that he now earns €2.5–3 million gross at Milan. siness Standard])
This “pay cut” narrative underscores how Modrić is clearly motivated less by money at this stage, and more by the chance to continue competing, stay in shape, and potentially play a role for Croatia in the 2026 World Cup.
Earnings history: Modrić at Real Madrid
To understand just how much Luka Modrić salary has shifted, we need to rewind to his time at Real Madrid.
Peak years in Madrid
During his peak seasons with Los Blancos, Modrić’s earnings were among the highest in world football. Some financial trackers have reported that in his later years with Real Madrid he earned €10.42 million per season (pre-tax). Others placed his salary even higher earlier in his contract lifecycle. lavip])
In those final Madrid seasons, his weekly wage would have been in the ballpark of €200,000+ or more, before deductions.
Wage adjustments and extensions
As Modrić advanced in age, he took wage adjustments and renewals, sometimes accepting lower increments or restructuring to extend his time in a Madrid shirt. Yet even with reductions, he remained one of Real Madrid’s top earners until his contract ran out in mid-2025.
When his Madrid contract expired, he moved to Milan on a free transfer—so no transfer fee was exchanged.
Why Modrić accepted such a drop
A wage cut of this magnitude might raise eyebrows, but several factors help explain it:
- Age and longevity: At nearly 40, Modrić is in the twilight of his career. A superstar’s earning power inevitably declines with age.
- Playing ambition over profit: Reports suggest he prioritized staying active at a high level, rather than retiring or moving somewhere purely for salary.
- Croatia and World Cup drive: He likely views his Milan stint as a way to stay sharp for national duty—especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
- Club project: Milan’s interest in combining experience and freshness may have convinced Modrić that the move is meaningful beyond just pay.
Comparisons: Then vs Now
To put how much is Luka Modric salary into shar, here’s a rough side-by-side:
| Period | Club | Approx Gross Annual Salary | Weekly / Monthly Equivalent | Comments |
| Peak Madrid | Real Madrid | ~ €10–11 million | ~ €200,000+ / ~ €850,000 | Top tier wage among elite players in La Liga era |
| Final Madrid Years | Real Madrid | Slightly reduced | Lower weekly base | Took pay adjustments to extend stay |
| Milan 2025–26 | AC Milan | ~ €6.48 million | ~ €124,615 per week / ~ €540,000 per month | Dramatic cut, with performance bonuses |
Because of tax, bonuses, image rights, and deductions, net take-home figures will differ substantially.
What it means for Modrić’s legacy
That a football legend like Luka Modrić is willing to take a serious salary reduction speaks volumes about his priorities. Money no longer rules his career decisions—purpose, legacy, and the chance to remain at the top of the game do.
For fans of Croatian football and the global footballing community, how much is Luka Modric salary is less about euros and more about narrative: a warrior refusing to bow out quietly. At AC Milan, he brings not just his skill but his aura, mentorship for younger players, and perhaps one more chapter of brilliance before the final curtain.
Conclusion
How much is Luka Modric salary in 2025? The answer: around €6.48 million gross for the season at AC Milan, or €124,615, plus possible bonuses and a net income around €3.5 million. This is a far cry, where he once earned over €10 million annually, but it tells a story of evolution, purpose, and eternal competitiveness.
IndiGoal will continue to track Modrić’s performances, contract decisions, and his impact in Serie A. If you want deep dives into his match ratings, Croatia appearances, or comparisons with other midfield legends, keep reading—and join us again soon.