After 13 glittering years, Luka Modric has played his final game for Real Madrid. The 39-year-old midfielder leaves behind a legacy of excellence, having made 597 appearances and collected 28 trophies with the Spanish giants.
Modric’s final outing came in the Club World Cup semi-final against Paris St-Germain, a match that ended in a heavy defeat for Real. Despite the bittersweet ending, his career at the club will be remembered as one of the most iconic in football history.
The Croatian midfielder joined Real Madrid in 2012 from Tottenham Hotspur, initially facing skepticism. But over the years, he proved to be one of the club’s greatest-ever signings. He departs as the most decorated player in Real Madrid’s history, boasting six Champions League titles, four La Liga crowns, five Spanish Super Cups, two Copa del Rey trophies, five European Super Cups, and six Club World Cups.
Modric announced his departure with a heartfelt message, saying it was a moment he never wanted to come but acknowledged that football, like life, has beginnings and endings. He reflected on how playing for Real Madrid had transformed his life both professionally and personally, and expressed pride in having been part of the club’s golden era.
This past season, Modric contributed two goals and six assists in 34 league appearances. Despite often being used as a substitute, he remained a leader on and off the pitch. Real Madrid finished second in La Liga behind Barcelona and reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League, where they were knocked out by Arsenal.
Though age limited his physical abilities, Modric continued to influence games with his vision, intelligence, and composure. He leaves the club not only as its most decorated player but also as its oldest ever goalscorer, having scored in La Liga at the age of 39 years and 116 days—breaking a record previously held by Ferenc Puskás.
In recent seasons, Real Madrid began shifting towards a younger, more physically dynamic midfield. With the emergence of players like Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Fede Valverde, Modric found himself in a reduced role. While teammate Toni Kroos managed to regain a key spot in the starting lineup, Modric had to adapt to less playing time, a reality he gradually came to accept.
His exit marks more than just the departure of a player—it symbolizes the end of an era. A new generation is set to take over, with the club keen to rebuild its midfield identity under new leadership.
Modric will continue his playing career at AC Milan next season and has already begun to look toward life beyond the pitch, recently becoming a part-owner of Swansea City in the English Championship.
For fans, teammates, and the club itself, Modric’s departure is a deeply emotional moment. His class, professionalism, and quiet leadership made him a role model. As Real Madrid turns the page, his legacy will forever remain written in the club’s rich history.
