Real Madrid’s iconic midfielder Luka Modric has announced he will leave the club after this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup. The 39-year-old Croatian, the most decorated player in the club’s history, will bid farewell after an unforgettable era at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Modric stated, “The moment has arrived—the moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life, everything has a beginning and an end. On Saturday, I’ll play my last game at the Santiago Bernabéu.”
Modric joined Real Madrid in 2012 and became a cornerstone of one of the club’s most successful periods. Over 13 seasons, he helped secure 28 championships, including six UEFA Champions League titles, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey, and five Spanish Super Cups.
Club president Florentino Pérez expressed profound gratitude, saying, “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.”
With 590 appearances—ranking eighth on the club’s all-time list—and 43 goals, Modric departs as a true legend. In 2018, he was awarded the Ballon d’Or, named FIFA’s Best Men’s Player, and honored as UEFA’s Men’s Player of the Year. He has also been recognized twice as the Best Midfielder in the Champions League.
Although Modric hasn’t revealed his future plans, many speculate that the approaching 2026 World Cup might influence his next move. “I’m leaving filled with pride, gratitude, and unforgettable memories,” he shared. “And although after the Club World Cup I won’t wear this shirt on the field again, I’ll always be a Madridista.”
Real Madrid will pay tribute to Modric in their final match of the season against Real Sociedad. Fans worldwide will watch as one of football’s greats takes his final bow with Los Blancos.
