Luka Modric joins Swansea City as investor and co-owner

Real Madrid and Croatia star Luka Modric becomes co-owner of Swansea City, aiming to guide the club’s long-term growth.

Luka Modric of Croatia speaks to the media at Football Stadium Leipzig in Leipzig, Germany, on June 24, 2024. Photo by Boris Streubel/UEFA

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Luka Modric joins Swansea City as investor and co-owner, marking a new chapter in the Croatian star’s storied career. The Real Madrid midfielder, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, has decided to take his first step into football ownership by supporting a team currently sitting mid-table in England’s Championship.

The 39-year-old veteran brings with him a legacy of excellence. Having won six Champions League titles with Real Madrid and previously starred for Tottenham Hotspur, Modric’s move into club ownership highlights a growing trend among elite players preparing for life beyond the pitch. Although the financial terms of the investment remain undisclosed, Swansea City confirmed Modric’s new role on Monday, stating he is now a part-owner and active stakeholder in the club's direction.

“This is an exciting opportunity,” Modric said in an official statement on the club’s website. “Swansea has a strong identity, an incredible fanbase, and the ambition to compete at the highest level. Playing at the highest level for so many years, I believe I can provide my experience to the club. My goal is to support the club's growth in a positive way and to help to build an exciting future.”

A high-profile name with global experience

That Luka Modric joins Swansea City at this stage of his career is not only symbolic of his footballing journey but also of his leadership aspirations. Known for his calm control in midfield and relentless determination, Modric has been a linchpin of Croatia’s national team, leading them to a World Cup final in 2018 and a semifinal finish in 2022.

Now, as his time at Real Madrid nears its conclusion—his current contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires at the end of this season—Modric is beginning to think about how he can shape the next generation of footballers and club culture. Swansea City, a club that once graced the Premier League and is now looking to return to top-flight status, presents a project that is in sync with Modric’s vision.

Focus still on the present

Despite the announcement, Modric’s short-term focus remains firmly on the pitch. Real Madrid are set to face Arsenal on Wednesday in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final. Madrid trail 3-0 from the first leg and face an uphill battle to advance. Nevertheless, Modric has shown no signs of slowing down, remaining an integral part of the squad even in the twilight of his career.

His decision to invest in Swansea City now—while still active as a player—mirrors the recent moves by fellow elite stars. Kylian Mbappé invested in Ligue 2 club Caen, while Vinicius Junior joined Portuguese side FC Alverca as a part-owner. These moves indicate a wider pattern among football’s biggest names: taking early steps into the business side of the sport while still competing at the highest level.

A boost for Swansea on and off the field

Swansea City chief executive Tom Gorringe expressed excitement about the new partnership. “I am excited that Luka has come on board as an investor and co-owner. There is no better role model in the game for our players, from the academy right through to the first team,” he said.

Indeed, Modric’s presence—even if largely off-field—could be inspirational for a club trying to find consistency and rediscover its identity. Swansea, currently 12th in the Championship table, has endured an uneven campaign. Once known for their attractive brand of passing football under managers like Brendan Rodgers and Michael Laudrup, the Swans are now seeking a fresh identity—one that Modric, with his emphasis on discipline and technical excellence, could help shape.

The significance of Modric’s move

That Luka Modric joins Swansea City sends a message not just to the club’s supporters but to the footballing world. This is not a vanity investment or a short-term PR move. Modric is known for his thoughtful approach to the game and has never been one to chase headlines. His belief in Swansea’s potential shows that the Croatian maestro sees something in the club that resonates with him.

Moreover, this decision reflects how top players are taking control of their post-retirement destinies. Rather than fade quietly into punditry or coaching, more players are diversifying into ownership and executive roles. Modric's involvement could also make Swansea more attractive to new talent, both on and off the pitch.

Building for the future

With a history of nurturing talent—such as Joe Allen, Ben Davies, and Daniel James—Swansea has long been viewed as a club that punches above its weight. Modric’s football brain and connections could help the club forge international partnerships, improve academy development, and perhaps even influence future managerial appointments.

For now, the Croatian midfielder will juggle two worlds: pushing Real Madrid in their final sprint for silverware this season and laying the groundwork for Swansea’s long-term success.

How much day-to-day involvement Modric will have remains to be seen, but his intent is clear. He wants to be more than just a figurehead. His commitment to supporting Swansea’s ambitions is serious, and it could be the spark that reignites the club’s climb back to the Premier League.

A new era in South Wales?

While Swansea City has had its share of ups and downs in recent years, the addition of a football icon like Luka Modric as co-owner signals a new era. Fans will be hopeful that this isn’t just symbolic, but a meaningful step toward building a sustainable, competitive side.

And for Modric, it’s a statement that his influence on football is far from over. From Ballon d’Or winner to club investor, he continues to rewrite what longevity and leadership in the sport can look like.

With Luka Modric joining Swansea City, both player and club take a leap into an unknown future—one filled with challenges, but also great potential.