Roshan Nayak

From Rolex to iPhone: Luka Modric Keeps Legendary Gift Tradition Alive at AC Milan

AC Milan, Luka Modric

Luka Modric, the Croatian stalwart, joined AC Milan on a free transfer in the 2025 summer transfer window. Having played for the Galacticos for 13 seasons, it was now time for him to change places from one M (Madrid) to another M (Milano). He donned and debuted, albeit unofficially, the Rossoneri’s jersey, for the first time, against Chelsea in the pre-season friendlies in August.

His official debut came against Bari, in the Coppa Italia in which the Rossoneri’s won the game 2-0 and qualified for the Round of 32. He came on to play for 24 minutes from the bench, replacing the 24 year old Italian, Samuel Ricci. And in the next game, he was slotted straight into Allegri’s starting XI, which was also the season opener for Milan against Cremonese in the Serie A, playing 74 minutes in total.

It has now been over 2 months since he put pen to paper for the Rossoneri’s and seems like he still has a lot left in him to prove even at this age.

Modric happy with Milan: “I’ve already won everything, but my dream is to win with Milan. I’m at a great and historic club: the team has great talent and the coach is a winner. It’s a long journey, but I have high expectations. I came here to win.” (Rai)

The Croatian midfielder, esteemed as one of the premier playmakers of his era, has also perpetuated a tradition now for the Rossoneri’s, that he initiated at Real Madrid: converting personal achievements into collective victories through considerate, high-value gifts to his teammates and staff.

Modrić’s gifting culture shows unity, gratitude and leadership, not vanity or money, demonstrating grasp of dressing-room psychology and culture.

The roots of this astounding tradition of generosity trace back to 2018, the year that Modric’s individual triumph really took off. After collecting the Ballon d’Or, an honour that acknowledged him as the world’s best player and halted Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s decade-long supremacy, Modric chose to celebrate not only by focusing on himself, but also by acknowledging those who helped to make his journey possible.

He handed over 25 red-gold customised Rolex Daytona watches to his teammates and the people who worked for Real Madrid. Importantly, this wasn’t a selective gesture intended exclusively at the stars of the squad. Modrić ensured that everyone from the assistant coaches to the team doctor, physiotherapist, and even the bus driver received a token of appreciation. The cost of one red-gold Rolex Daytona watch is said to be approximately around $ 35,000 – 40,000.

After joining AC Milan on a free transfer in 2025, Modric immediately got to work, bringing his winning attitude and renowned team spirit to the Rossoneri. He soon realised how important it was to recognise the team’s combined achievements, and in a contemporary twist on his custom, he reportedly decided to hand out the newest iPhone 17 models this time out. This transition from classic Rolex watches to modern iPhones indicates a persistent desire to express gratitude in a way that appeals to the modern locker room while upholding the core idea of inclusivity.

Santiago Gimenez, the Mexican and Rossoneri striker, happened to confirm this news in a recent livestream on his TikTok channel. He spoke about how this generous act from the Croatian stalwart took everyone by surprise in the Rossoneri dressing room. He went on to say:

Santi Gimenez: “We arrived at our dressing room and each player had the new IPhone in his place, Modrić gave it to us. He bought each of us a phone. When a player arrives at a new team he has to sing in front of everyone. Instead of singing, he decided to buy everyone phones.”

This generous transfer of tradition confirms that Modric’s influence transcends tactical formations and is centered on team morale. By providing these presents, Modric reinforces his status as a charisma and that very presence and essence of a leader and leadership. A true role model for each and everyone around him.

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