Real Madrid have officially announced that Luka Modric will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, bringing to a close one of the most successful individual careers in football history.
The 39-year-old Croatian midfielder will depart the Santiago Bernabéu having won a record 28 trophies during his 13 seasons with Los Blancos – more than any other player in the club’s 123-year existence.
Modric will remain with the squad until the conclusion of the FIFA Club World Cup, meaning Saturday’s La Liga fixture against Real Sociedad will mark his final appearance at the Bernabéu in a Real Madrid shirt.
A Legacy Written in Silverware
Since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur for £30 million in 2012, Modric has established himself as one of football’s greatest midfielders. His trophy collection includes six Champions League titles, four La Liga crowns, and numerous domestic and international honours.
The Croatian international has made 589 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 43 goals and providing 95 assists across all competitions. His influence extends far beyond statistics, having orchestrated some of the club’s most memorable European nights and domestic triumphs.
Club president Florentino Pérez praised Modric’s contribution: “Luka Modric will forever remain in the hearts of all madridistas as a unique and exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid. His football has captured the imagination of madridismo and fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever.”
Individual Excellence on World Stage
Modric’s brilliance was recognised globally when he claimed the 2018 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first player outside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to win the prestigious award since Kaká in 2007. He secured 753 votes, finishing 277 ahead of second-placed Ronaldo.
The same year saw him collect FIFA’s Best Men’s Player Award and UEFA’s Men’s Player of the Year honour. He has been selected for the FIFA FIFPro World XI six times and named Champions League Best Midfielder twice.
Emotional Farewell Message
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Modric reflected on his time at the club: “I arrived in 2012 with the desire to wear the shirt of the best team in the world and with the ambition to do big things, but I couldn’t imagine what came next.
“Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a football player and as a person. I am proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.
“Throughout these years I’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations and magical nights at the Bernabéu… We won everything and I was very happy. Very very happy.”
The midfielder concluded: “Even though, after the Club World Cup, I’m no longer going to wear this shirt on the field, I’ll always be a Madrid fan. We’ll see each other again. Real Madrid will always be my home for a lifetime.”
Tributes Pour In From Football World
Former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute on social media: “Thanks for everything, Luka! It’s been an honour to share so many moments with you at the club. Best of luck in whatever comes next!”
Current squad member Jude Bellingham added: “Thank you for everything Brate,” using the Croatian term for ‘brother’.
Future Plans Remain Open
Despite his age, sources suggest Modric remains keen to continue his playing career and will consider offers from other clubs during the summer transfer window. This season, he has contributed four goals and nine assists across 55 appearances in all competitions, starting 26 matches.
The midfielder also holds a minority ownership stake in EFL Championship side Swansea City, announced in April, with the Welsh club stating his “leadership, knowledge and passion for football will be key to the club’s ongoing development.”
Champions League Dynasty
Modric’s six Champions League victories place him among an exclusive group of just five players to achieve this feat in the competition’s history. All six triumphs came during his Madrid tenure, with the club dominating European football during the 2010s.
His European success began in 2014 and continued through 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, and most recently in 2024, establishing Real Madrid as the continent’s premier force during his era.
Final Chapter at Bernabéu
Saturday’s encounter with Real Sociedad represents the final opportunity for Madrid supporters to witness Modric in action at their home stadium. The match kicks off at 8pm local time, with the Croatian expected to receive a special tribute from the club and fans.
From his arrival as an unproven Premier League midfielder to his departure as Real Madrid’s most decorated player, Modric’s journey represents one of modern football’s greatest success stories. His influence on both club and individual level has secured his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
The era of Luka Modric at Real Madrid officially ends with the Club World Cup, but his impact on the Santiago Bernabéu will resonate for generations to come.
