Luka Modric has confirmed that he will depart from Real Madrid following the conclusion of the Club World Cup this summer. The 39-year-old Croatian midfielder shared the news on Instagram, calling the decision emotional but inevitable.
“The time has come, even though I hoped it never would. But that’s football, everything has a start and a finish,” Modric stated.
Real Madrid will play their last La Liga fixture of the season against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, which will also serve as Modric’s final home game for the Spanish club.
Since his arrival from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, Modric has collected an impressive total of 28 trophies with the club, including six Champions League titles and four La Liga championships.
A career of historic success
Modric’s journey at Real Madrid has seen him transform into one of the club’s most decorated players. Over 13 seasons, he has made 590 appearances, scored 43 goals, and delivered 95 assists. Despite a reduced role this season, mostly coming off the bench, he still managed two goals and six assists across 34 league appearances.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez praised Modric’s contributions, saying, “He has always represented Real Madrid’s values with excellence. His style has inspired fans in Madrid and across the globe. His legacy will remain eternal.”
In his final campaign, Modric helped the club secure two additional trophies, bringing his personal total to a record 28 titles, surpassing teammate Nacho Fernandez. His honours include six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four Spanish league titles, five Supercopa de España wins, and two Copa del Rey victories.
The final chapter and what lies ahead
Modric’s current contract, signed last year, is set to expire after this season. Real Madrid will begin their Club World Cup journey on 18 June against Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia. They are also scheduled to face Pachuca from Mexico and Austria’s RB Salzburg in the group stage.
In addition to his club achievements, Modric led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and was awarded the Ballon d’Or the same year, breaking the decade-long dominance of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
He also became the oldest player to score for Real Madrid in La Liga when he netted against Valencia at the age of 39 years and 116 days, surpassing Ferenc Puskas. Only Oscar de Marcos of Athletic Club and Koke of Atletico Madrid have had longer tenures with their respective La Liga sides.
Outside the pitch, Modric recently acquired a minority stake in Swansea City, joining the Championship side as an investor and co-owner.
Saturday’s match will also mark the end of an era for coach Carlo Ancelotti, with Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso expected to take over.
