Farewell to a Legend: Luka Modric Says Goodbye to Real Madrid

👏 #GraciasLuka 👏 pic.twitter.com/ku6NIP56t5

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 22, 2025

A Legend Beyond the Game

In European football, players come and go—but every so often, one rises above the rest, embodying the soul of a club. Luka Modric is one of those rare figures. After 13 unforgettable seasons, the Croatian maestro will play his final match at the Santiago Bernabeu.

With nearly 600 appearances, 43 goals, and a record 28 trophies—including six Champions League titles—Modric leaves as the most decorated player in Real Madrid history. But beyond the stats, he earned the unwavering love of the fans, not just for his skill, but for his loyalty and leadership.

His peak? 2018. That year, Modric led Madrid to a third straight Champions League title, orchestrating the midfield in a 3-1 win over Liverpool in Kyiv. Weeks later, he helped Croatia reach the World Cup final and capped it all off by winning the Ballon d’Or—breaking a decade-long Messi-Ronaldo duopoly.

Luka Modrić at Real Madrid:

• 590 matches
• 43 goals
• 95 assists
• 6x Champions League
• 4x La Liga
• 2x Copa Del Rey
• 5x FIFA Club World Cup
• 5x Spanish Supercup
• 5x UEFA Super Cup
• 1x FIFA Intercontinental Cup
• Ballon d’Or 2018
• FIFA ‘The Best’ 2018
• UEFA… pic.twitter.com/6gGMJ0bQUV

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 22, 2025

The End of an Era

Modric, now 39, extended his contract for one final year last season. Despite still delivering strong performances, the club’s board has opted not to renew his deal.

He confirmed his departure in a heartfelt Instagram post:

“Everything in life has a start and an end… on Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabéu,” he wrote.

“I’m leaving with a full heart, filled with pride, gratitude, and unforgettable memories. And even though, after the Club World Cup, I won’t wear this shirt again on the pitch, I will always be a Madrid fan.”

Modric will still wear the armband one last time—at the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins June 18. Real Madrid’s schedule starts with an opening match against Al-Hilal FC, chasing their only remaining shot at silverware this season.

Luka Modrić announces he will be leaving Real Madrid after 13 seasons and 28 trophies with the club 🤍 pic.twitter.com/gw7AHQmkcl

— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 22, 2025

A Controversial Decision

According to soccer rumors, new manager Xabi Alonso was in favor of keeping Modric for another year. The two once shared the midfield during Alonso’s playing days in Madrid. But after a disappointing season—with no trophies in La Liga, Champions League, or Copa del Rey—the club is pressing reset.

🚨🤍 Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, here we go! Story confirmed and deal sealed for Xabi as new manager until 2028.

Staff sorted, contract in place and three year deal for Alonso with Real planning for him to start at FIFA Club World Cup.

Ancelotti farewell soon, then Xabi era. 🎞️ pic.twitter.com/s6jY4DzZmx

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 12, 2025

For fans, Modric’s departure marks more than just the end of a contract. It’s the end of a golden era—and the farewell of a true legend.