Luka Modric to leave Real Madrid after Club World Cup this summer
Croatian star confirms Santiago Bernabeu farewell as contract ends after over a decade of success.
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| Luka Modric of Real Madrid waves to supporters during the Spanish League match at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on February 23, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. Photo by Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press |
By Randy Ahmad and Yuni Utomo
Luka Modric, one of the most decorated players in Real Madrid’s modern history, confirmed on Thursday that he will leave the Spanish club after the Club World Cup this summer. The 39-year-old Croatian midfielder made the announcement in an emotional message on Instagram, declaring that Saturday’s match at the Santiago Bernabeu will be his final appearance at the iconic stadium.
The news that Luka Modric will leave Real Madrid marks the end of an era for both the club and the player, who has been a central figure in one of the most successful periods in Real Madrid’s history. Since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, Modric has played nearly 600 matches, winning a staggering array of silverware, including six UEFA Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns.
A heartfelt goodbye to the Bernabeu
“Everything in life has a start and an end… on Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabeu,” Modric wrote. “I’m leaving with a full heart, filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories.”
Though his contract with Real Madrid officially ends after the summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, his emotional message signals that he will no longer represent the club on the pitch beyond the tournament. In his farewell post, Modric also reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to the club's legacy: “Even though, after the Club World Cup, I’m no longer going to wear this shirt on the pitch, I will always be a Madrid fan.”
From early doubts to eternal legend
Modric’s journey at Real Madrid began with uncertainty. Arriving from the Premier League for a reported €35 million ($40 million), the Croatian faced initial criticism and skepticism. His early struggles led to doubts about whether he could adapt to the tactical intensity and high expectations of Real Madrid.
But it didn’t take long for Modric to prove his worth. With remarkable consistency, tactical intelligence, and unmatched creativity, he evolved into the heartbeat of Madrid’s midfield. Alongside legends like Toni Kroos and Casemiro, Modric helped form a midfield trio that dominated European football for nearly a decade.
His contribution went far beyond numbers. His precise passing, vision, and ability to control the tempo of games became essential to Madrid’s style of play. Fans and pundits alike soon recognized that Modric wasn’t just a great signing—he was the midfield maestro Los Blancos needed to sustain their dominance.
A trophy-laden career with Real Madrid
In his 12 seasons with the club, Luka Modric has won nearly everything available in club football. His trophy cabinet includes:
- 6 UEFA Champions League titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024)
- 4 La Liga titles
- 5 FIFA Club World Cups
- 4 Spanish Super Cups
- 4 UEFA Super Cups
- 2 Copa del Rey titles
Few players in the club's storied history have enjoyed such sustained success. Modric’s influence extended to some of the most dramatic and memorable moments in Real Madrid’s recent Champions League campaigns, including famous comebacks and clutch performances under pressure.
Ballon d’Or and World Cup stardom
The pinnacle of Modric’s personal achievements came in 2018 when he won the Ballon d’Or, ending a decade-long duopoly held by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The award was a recognition not just of his club performances but also his inspirational leadership in Croatia’s run to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final in Russia.
Modric captained his country to a historic finish as runners-up, defeating Argentina, Denmark, Russia, and England before losing to France in the final. His performances earned him the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament and secured his status as a global football icon.
Modric’s message to fans
“Throughout these years I’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations and magical nights at the Bernabeu,” Modric wrote in his farewell message.
“We won it all and I was very happy. Very, very happy.”
The tribute resonated with fans around the world, many of whom flooded social media with messages of gratitude, admiration, and sadness at his impending departure. Chants of "Modric, Modric" are expected to echo through the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, as fans prepare to bid farewell to one of their most beloved icons.
The legacy of Luka Modric
As Luka Modric leaves Real Madrid, he does so as a club legend, a Champions League hero, and one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. His departure may mark the closing chapter of a golden era that included icons such as Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
What made Modric special was not just his technical brilliance but also his humility, professionalism, and relentless work ethic. Despite his age, he continued to perform at a high level, offering leadership and mentoring younger players like Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga.
In many ways, Modric’s legacy is defined as much by his character as his trophies. His ability to rise from early struggles and become a symbol of resilience, elegance, and excellence made him a role model for players around the world.
What’s next for Modric?
Though Modric has not yet announced his next move, speculation continues to swirl around potential destinations. Several clubs in Saudi Arabia have reportedly shown interest, while a return to Dinamo Zagreb or a move into coaching or management has not been ruled out.
Wherever he goes, one thing is certain: Luka Modric’s chapter at Real Madrid may be ending, but his influence on the club and world football will endure for generations.
A farewell, but never a goodbye
As Modric prepares for his final match at the Bernabeu, his departure is not just the end of a contract—it’s the conclusion of a remarkable era. Real Madrid fans will undoubtedly reflect on the joy he brought, the trophies he helped secure, and the unforgettable magic he created in midfield.
In the words of Modric himself: “I will always be a Madrid fan.” And Madrid, in turn, will always be home to Luka Modric.
The Club World Cup this summer may be the final act of his Real Madrid story, but his legacy is already eternal.
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