Rakitić: Modrić proving age is just a number as Croatia legend eyes World Cup 2026 swansong

Ivan Rakitić has showered praise on his former Croatia teammate Luka Modrić, insisting the Milan midfielder remains capable of gracing football's biggest stage as he closes in on a remarkable fifth World Cup. According to Football Italia, Rakitić — who shared a midfield with Modrić during Croatia's unforgettable run to the 2018 final — believes his old friend has found a way to turn back the clock at San Siro. 'Age is just a number for him,' Rakitić declared. Now 40, Modrić swapped the Santiago Bernabéu for Milan in the summer, ending a glittering 13-year Real Madrid career that delivered six Champions League titles and the 2018 Ballon d'Or. Plenty of observers expected the playmaker to wind down quietly. Instead, he has slotted seamlessly into Milan's engine room, spraying passes with the same velvet touch that has defined two decades at the top of the game. For Rakitić, the explanation is straightforward: Modrić's professionalism and sheer love of football set him apart. The former Barcelona and Sevilla man pointed to the Croatia captain's meticulous preparation and competitive fire, qualities he believes will keep the veteran relevant when the World Cup kicks off across North America next summer. The bond between the pair runs deep. Together they formed the heartbeat of Croatia's golden generation, with Rakitić converting the decisive penalty in the 2018 quarter-final shoot-out against Russia before Zlatko Dalić's side stunned England to reach a first-ever final. While Rakitić stepped away from international football in 2020, Modrić soldiered on — and now stands on the brink of history. Should he lead the Vatreni in 2026, Modrić will join an exclusive club of players to feature at a World Cup past their 40th birthday — and precious few have done so while still anchoring the midfield of a European giant. Rakitić's ringing endorsement will fuel belief among Croatia supporters daring to dream of another deep summer run. With Modrić pulling the strings, the Balkan nation has repeatedly punched above its weight, and if his early Milan form is anything to go by, the 2018 runners-up may yet have one final surprise in store. Age, as his old midfield partner reminds us, really is just a number.