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Real Madrid captain Luka Modric has announced that he will leave the club after the conclusion of their FIFA Club World Cup campaign this summer. The 39-year-old Croatian midfielder, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2018, is set to play his final match at the Santiago Bernabeu when Real Madrid hosts Real Sociedad on Saturday in their last La Liga fixture of the season.
In an emotional message shared on Instagram, Modric said, "The time has come. A moment I never wanted to arrive, but that's football, and in life, everything has a beginning and an end." He reflected on his journey since joining the Spanish giants from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to wear the jersey of what he called "the best team in the world." He admitted he never imagined the immense success that would follow.
During his 13-year spell at Real Madrid, Modric has collected an astonishing 28 trophies, including six Champions League titles, four La Liga championships, and multiple domestic and international honors. He highlighted how playing for the club changed both his professional and personal life and expressed pride in being part of such a historic and successful era.
Modric's final competitive appearances for the club will come during the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 18. Real Madrid will face Al-Hilal from Saudi Arabia, as well as Pachuca from Mexico and RB Salzburg from Austria in the group stage.
This season, despite often being used as a substitute, Modric still managed to contribute two goals and six assists across 34 La Liga matches. He also featured in every Champions League match as Real Madrid advanced to the quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Arsenal. His current contract, signed last year, will expire at the end of the campaign.
Modric's departure marks the end of an era at the club, with manager Carlo Ancelotti also expected to leave after Saturday's match. Reports suggest Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is set to take over. Modric, who has played 590 matches for Real, scoring 43 goals and assisting 95, leaves as the most decorated player in the club's history.
Club president Florentino Perez praised Modric as a "unique and exemplary footballer" who embodied Real Madrid's values and left a lasting legacy. His skill and leadership, both on and off the pitch, captured the hearts of Madrid fans and football lovers around the world.
Modric's 28-title haul, which surpasses that of Nacho Fernandez, includes six Champions League trophies, six Club World Cups, five UEFA Super Cups, four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey wins, and five Spanish Super Cups. After lifting the Champions League with Real in 2018 and leading Croatia to the World Cup final that same year, Modric became the first player in over a decade to break the Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi duopoly by winning the Ballon d'Or.
He is also the oldest player to feature for Real Madrid in La Liga and their oldest-ever goalscorer, having netted against Valencia at 39 years and 116 days old—breaking a record once held by Ferenc Puskás. He is currently the third longest-serving player in La Liga, following Athletic Club's Oscar de Marcos and Atletico Madrid's Koke.
Recently, Modric also became a minority shareholder and co-owner of Championship club Swansea City. Despite a reduced role on the pitch, he has remained a critical figure at the club, often serving as a rallying presence for teammates. Although he still believed he could play a full 90 minutes, he gradually adapted to a different role, understanding the team's evolving needs.
His final seasons were marked by internal changes, including Ancelotti's decision to revamp the midfield with younger, more dynamic players such as Tchouameni, Camavinga, and Valverde. While Toni Kroos adjusted to this transition and retained a central role, Modric found himself on the bench more frequently, leading to a period of uncertainty about his place in the squad.
Nevertheless, he remained a consummate professional throughout. The decision for his departure appears to be primarily driven by the club, possibly with the support of incoming coach Alonso. As Real Madrid aims to usher in a new generation and establish a refreshed team culture, saying goodbye to Modric signals not just the exit of a legend—but the closing of a golden chapter in the club's history.
