Luka Modric to Leave Real Madrid After Club World Cup

Luka Modric has officially announced he will depart from Real Madrid following this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, concluding an illustrious 12-year spell with the Spanish club. The Croatian midfielder, who has been a pivotal figure at the Santiago Bernabéu since arriving in 2012, made the announcement via social media on Thursday, stating that his final appearance at the stadium would take place this weekend.

At 39 years old, Modric is approaching the end of his current contract, and while his departure was widely anticipated, the confirmation marks the closing chapter of one of the most decorated tenures in the club’s history. Despite his exit from the pitch, Modric affirmed he would remain a lifelong supporter of the club.

A Career Defined by Triumph and Legacy at the Bernabéu

Modric joined Real Madrid from English side Tottenham Hotspur for a fee reported to be around €35 million in 2012. His start in La Liga was met with challenges, but he soon overcame early criticism to become a cornerstone of the Madrid midfield. Over more than a decade, Modric amassed 590 appearances and scored 43 goals for the club, placing him ninth in Madrid’s all-time list for matches played.

Throughout his time in the Spanish capital, the midfielder collected a total of 28 major trophies, including six UEFA Champions League titles, four La Liga championships, and two Copa del Rey victories. He also played a crucial role in numerous memorable matches, contributing to dramatic comebacks and historic finals.

In recognition of his performance in both club and international football, Modric was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2018. That year, he led Croatia to a second-place finish at the FIFA World Cup in Russia, becoming the first player in over a decade to break the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly for world football’s top individual award.

Modric assumed the captaincy at Real Madrid last summer and signed a one-year contract extension through June 2025. However, with Madrid set to participate in the expanded Club World Cup in the United States, he will remain with the team through the tournament’s conclusion on July 13, should the club progress past the group stage.

Tributes from Club and Fans as Era Closes

Real Madrid released an official statement on Thursday acknowledging the end of Modric’s era, describing him as one of the most iconic figures in the club’s 123-year history. The club highlighted his status among an elite group of only five players ever to win six European Cups and noted that Modric holds the record for the most trophies won by any Real Madrid player.

Club president Florentino Pérez praised Modric’s contributions, calling him a symbol of the club’s values and expressing deep appreciation for his commitment and influence. He emphasized that Modric’s legacy will continue to inspire both Madrid fans and football enthusiasts globally.

The Club World Cup, beginning June 18, will serve as Modric’s final competitive event in a Madrid jersey. His departure signals the conclusion of a transformative era at the Bernabéu, where he helped define one of the most successful periods in the club’s modern history. With his skill, leadership, and consistency, Modric leaves behind a legacy marked by excellence, professionalism, and unwavering loyalty to Real Madrid.