Real Madrid’s iconic Croatian midfielder, Luka Modric, announced on Thursday that he will leave the Spanish giants following the conclusion of the Club World Cup this summer. His current contract with Los Blancos is set to expire in June.
“Everything in life has a start and an end… on Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernab�u,” said the 39-year-old Modric in an emotional Instagram post. “I’m leaving with a full heart, filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories. And 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.”
Modric has been a cornerstone of Real Madrid since joining from Tottenham in 2012. He has played nearly 600 games for the club, securing an astonishing trophy haul that includes six Champions League titles and four La Liga titles, among many others.
Initially struggling after his around 35 million euros ($40 million) move, Modric quickly established himself as one of the world’s premier midfielders. His exceptional performances for both Real Madrid and the Croatian national team, leading them to a runners-up finish at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, earned him the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2018. He also assumed the captaincy of Madrid last summer.
“Throughout these years I’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations and magical nights at the Bernab�u,” Modric continued in his heartfelt message. “We won it all and I was very happy. Very, very happy.”
Real Madrid released a statement acknowledging the departure of their captain, highlighting his monumental contributions. “Real Madrid and our captain Luka Modric have agreed to end an unforgettable era… after the Club World Cup that our team will compete in from June 18 in the United States,” the club stated.
“Real Madrid want to show their gratitude and affection to someone who is one of the biggest legends at our club and in world football… Modric is one of the five players who, in the whole of football history, has managed to win six European Cups, and he is the player with the most trophies in 123 years of Real Madrid’s existence.”
Modric registered 43 goals in his 590 appearances for Madrid, making him the club’s ninth-highest appearance maker. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez lauded the departing star, saying, “Luka Modric will always stay in the hearts of all Madrid fans as a unique and exemplary footballer, who has always represented Madrid’s values. Madrid fans and all fans in the world fell in love with his football, his legacy will remain forever.”
Modric had signed a one-year contract extension last summer until June 30, 2025. He is expected to remain with the squad for a few days beyond that date if Madrid progresses as expected in the Club World Cup, which concludes on July 13th.
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