Luka Modric to leave Real Madrid after Club World Cup farewell

Real Madrid captain Luka Modric has announced he will leave the club after the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, bringing an end to a historic 13-year spell with the Spanish giants.

The 39-year-old Croatian midfielder will play his final La Liga game at the Santiago Bernabeu this Saturday against Real Sociedad. Modric confirmed his departure via Instagram, calling it “the moment I never wanted to come,” but acknowledging that “in life, everything has a beginning and an end.”

Modric joined Real Madrid in 2012 from Tottenham Hotspur and went on to become the club’s most decorated player. Over his time at the club, he won an incredible 28 trophies, including six Champions League titles, four La Liga championships, and six FIFA Club World Cups.

He is also the first player since 2007, aside from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, to win the Ballon d’Or, which he claimed in 2018 after a standout year with both club and country.

Although Modric saw reduced playing time this season, largely coming off the bench, his influence remained significant. He made 34 appearances in La Liga, scoring two goals and providing six assists. He also played in every Champions League match until Real Madrid’s quarterfinal exit to Arsenal. Despite his limited role, Modric helped guide the team to two trophies in his final season.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez paid tribute to Modric, describing him as “a unique and exemplary footballer” whose legacy “will live on forever.” With 590 appearances, 43 goals, and 95 assists, Modric leaves as a legend. He also holds the record as Real Madrid’s oldest goalscorer in La Liga, surpassing Ferenc Puskas when he scored against Valencia at the age of 39 years and 116 days.

His departure coincides with that of manager Carlo Ancelotti, whose final game in charge will also be this Saturday. Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso is widely expected to succeed him.

The transition marks the end of an era for the club, as a new generation of players prepares to take center stage, including Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Fede Valverde.

In addition to his footballing career, Modric recently became a minority owner of Championship club Swansea City. As he prepares to move on from Real Madrid, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations at the club and beyond. His last matches will come in the Club World Cup in June, where Real Madrid will face Al-Hilal, Pachuca, and RB Salzburg.