Veteran midfielder Luka Modric has officially announced that he will leave Real Madrid following the Club World Cup this summer, marking the end of a glittering era at the club.
The 39-year-old Croatian, whose contract expires on June 30, confirmed the decision in an emotional message on Instagram, “Everything in life has a start and an end… on Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabeu,”
“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,” Modrc wrote.
Since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 for around €35 million ($40 million), Modric has made 590 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 43 goals. His time at the club has been laden with silverware, including six UEFA Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns. Initially struggling to adapt, Modric quickly rose to become one of the most influential midfielders of his generation.
Modric’s finest individual moment came in 2018, when he won the Ballon d’Or after guiding Croatia to a World Cup final and helping Madrid to European glory.
“Throughout these years I’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations and magical nights at the Bernabeu,” Modric said.
“We won it all and I was very happy. Very, very happy.”
Although he signed a one-year extension in 2024 that runs until June 30, 2025, Modric will stay slightly longer if Madrid advances in the Club World Cup, which concludes on July 13 in the United States.
Real Madrid acknowledged the midfielder’s departure in an official statement, “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.
“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.”
The club also highlighted Modric’s legacy as their ninth-highest appearance maker, behind legends like Raul (741 appearances).
Club president Florentino Perez added, “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.”
With his departure, Real Madrid bids farewell to one of the most iconic figures in its history, as Luka Modric prepares to close a chapter filled with brilliance, leadership, and glory.
