Christian Pulisic vs. Luka Modric: USMNT star’s $6M salary compared to AC Milan’s new signing

Luka Modric has drawn major attention in Italy after leaving Real Madrid following more than a decade in Spain to join AC Milan. With the Croatian legend still aiming to stay fit for the 2026 World Cup, his reported salary in Milan has sparked comparisons with USMNT star Christian Pulisic’s $6 million deal.

With Massimiliano Allegri appointed as head coach, Milan became one of the most active clubs in the 2025 summer transfer window, making key departures but also several marquee additions. Among the biggest was Modric, who joined the Rossoneri after competing with Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

On July 14, AC Milan officially unveiled Modric, announcing his contract extension “AC Milan is delighted to announce that Luka Modrić has signed a contract with the Club until 30 June 2026 with an option for a one-year extension until 30 June 2027,” the club said in a statement.

As a global star, Modric had interest from several clubs, including lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia. But the veteran midfielder chose Milan, which he described as his “childhood club,” also citing the project of competing for trophies in one of Europe’s top leagues as a deciding factor.

Pulisic and Modric’s salary

Reports last season suggested Pulisic could be in line for a new contract, but no official announcement has been made. That means the USMNT captain remains on the deal he signed in 2023, which gives him a gross salary of €5.13 million (around $6M), according to salary-tracking site Capology.

By comparison, Modric arrived at Milan in a much stronger negotiating position after several high-profile departures. Per Capology, the Croatian midfielder earns €6.48 million (around $7.6M) annually, placing him among the club’s top earners.

Still, Modric’s current wage represents a significant drop from his later years at Real Madrid. As his role gradually diminished, his salary was reduced in successive renewals, but even his final deal with Los Blancos was worth €10.4 million—a considerable step up from his new contract in Milan.