Luka Modric Bids Real Madrid Farewell After Glorious 13-Year Spell
Luka Modric’s legendary chapter at Real Madrid has officially come to an emotional close following the team’s 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-final in New Jersey. Though the game ended on a sour note, Modric’s incredible legacy will long outshine the final score.
The 39-year-old Croatian star, who confirmed in May that he would leave Madrid after the tournament, made his last appearance as a substitute in the second half of the match. Modric is now set to join Italian club AC Milan next season as he looks to continue playing ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where he still hopes to represent Croatia.
Over his 13 years in the Spanish capital, Modric made 597 appearances, scored 43 goals, and provided 95 assists. He leaves as the most decorated player in the club’s history, winning a remarkable 28 trophies, including six UEFA Champions League titles and four La Liga championships.
Despite being benched more frequently last season as Madrid shifted to a younger, more physical midfield, Modric’s influence on the pitch and in the locker room never faded. “It’s not the desired finish, it’s a bitter end, but he will not be remembered for this game,” said new head coach Xabi Alonso. “He is a legend both of world football and Real Madrid.”
Among Modric’s unforgettable moments is his 93rd-minute corner in the 2014 Champions League final, which led to Sergio Ramos’ iconic equaliser against Atletico Madrid—paving the way for Madrid’s long-awaited La Decima. Another highlight includes his stunning outside-of-the-boot assist to Rodrygo in the 2022 quarter-final against Chelsea, a moment that epitomised his creative genius.
Modric also made history as the oldest player to score for Real Madrid and the first to break the long-standing Ballon d’Or duopoly of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018.
While Modric captained the team briefly last season, his reduced minutes under Carlo Ancelotti hinted at the club’s transition. President Florentino Perez summed it up best, stating, “His legacy will live on forever.”
Midway through his first season, Modric was controversially labelled the worst signing in La Liga. Yet he exits the Spanish league as one of its most celebrated figures, respected for his vision, work ethic, and humility.
As Real Madrid enters a new era under Alonso’s leadership, only Dani Carvajal remains from the squad that lifted the 2014 Champions League trophy. “We are starting from scratch,” Alonso said, and with Modric gone, that reality hits even harder.
Luka Modric’s departure marks the end of an era, but for football fans around the world, his magic will remain unforgettable.
