Luka Modrić has officially announced that he will be leaving Real Madrid after spending 13 memorable years at the club.
The Croatian midfielder will make his final home appearance at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, May 24, when Real Madrid faces Real Sociedad. His last game for the club will take place during the FIFA Club World Cup in June. Fans are expected to fill the stadium to say goodbye to one of the greatest players in Real Madrid’s history.
Modrić began his football journey in Croatia before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in England. In 2012, he signed with Real Madrid, a move that would change his career forever. He quickly became a key part of the team, known for his passing, intelligence, and leadership on the field.
During his time at Real Madrid, Modrić won an incredible 28 trophies. These include six UEFA Champions League titles and four La Liga championships. He also helped the team through tough times, showing great spirit in defeats as well. One of his proudest moments came in 2018 when he won the Ballon d’Or, becoming the first player in over a decade to break the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite Modrić’s willingness to stay at the club, even on a reduced salary and smaller role, Real Madrid decided not to renew his contract. The club is focusing on building a younger team with players like Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga. In a heartfelt letter to fans, Modrić wrote, “Dear Madrid fans, the time has come. The moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football. Playing at Real Madrid changed my life as a soccer player and as a person.”
Although his journey at Real Madrid is ending, Modrić has no plans to retire just yet. At 39 years old, he still hopes to play for a few more years and possibly lead Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has also been linked with clubs in Italy, the United States, and even Swansea City in England, where he recently became a part-owner. Wherever he goes next, Luka Modrić’s legacy in football is already secure.