Luka Modric, the Croatian midfield maestro, has announced that he will leave Real Madrid after the Club World Cup this summer, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter at the Spanish giants. The 39-year-old made the emotional revelation on Instagram, reflecting on his time at the club and his impending departure.
“Everything in life has a start and an end… on Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabeu,” Modric said, expressing a deep sense of pride and gratitude. Having spent over a decade at Real Madrid, he described his departure as bittersweet, stating that he leaves “with a full heart, filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories.” Despite stepping away from the pitch in the Madrid jersey, Modric vowed to remain a lifelong supporter of the club.
Modric joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 for a transfer fee of around 35 million euros. Initially, he faced challenges settling in but soon established himself as one of the world’s premier midfielders. Over his 13 years at the club, he has played nearly 600 matches, becoming an indispensable figure for Los Blancos. His trophy cabinet with Real Madrid is dazzling six Champions League titles, four La Liga crowns, two Copa del Rey wins, and a total of 28 trophies, cementing his legacy as one of the club’s greatest.
The midfielder’s influence grew over time, culminating in his appointment as club captain last summer. Modric’s individual brilliance was recognized when he won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, a rare achievement for a midfielder and a testament to his pivotal role in both Real Madrid’s success and Croatia’s run to the World Cup final that year.
Reflecting on his career, Modric reminisced about the unforgettable moments at the Bernabeu—the dramatic comebacks, the thrilling finals, the celebrations, and the magical nights that have defined his time in Madrid. “We won it all and I was very happy. Very, very happy,” he said, underscoring the deep satisfaction and pride he feels for what he has achieved.
His current contract was extended for one more year last summer, taking him through to June 30, 2025, but he may remain with the squad a little longer depending on Real Madrid’s progress in the Club World Cup, which ends on July 13. The tournament, set to take place in the United States from June 18, will provide the stage for Modric’s final appearances in the club colors.
Real Madrid officially acknowledged the end of what they described as an “unforgettable era” with the departure of their iconic captain. The club praised Modric as one of football history’s most decorated players, noting that he is among the select few to have won six European Cups. Additionally, he holds the record for the most trophies won at Real Madrid in their 123-year history.
Statistically, Modric’s contributions are remarkable. He has scored 43 goals in 590 appearances, making him the ninth-highest appearance maker in the club’s history. Only legendary striker Raul has featured more for Madrid, with 741 matches.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez paid tribute to Modric’s enduring legacy, describing him as a unique and exemplary footballer who embodies the club’s values. Perez emphasized that Modric’s football artistry has won the hearts of Madrid fans worldwide, ensuring his legacy will live on indefinitely.
As Modric prepares to bid farewell to the Santiago Bernabeu and the club he has long represented with distinction, fans around the world celebrate a career marked by skill, leadership, and an unyielding passion for the game. His departure closes a chapter not just in Real Madrid’s history but in the broader landscape of world football, leaving behind a legacy few can match.
