Real Madrid CF has announced that their legendary captain Luka Modrić will leave the club following the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, bringing an end to a remarkable 12-year association with the Spanish giants.
The club described the Croatian midfielder as “one of the greatest legends of Real Madrid and world football” in an emotional farewell statement.
Since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, Modrić has been at the heart of Real Madrid’s most successful era. The 38-year-old leaves as the most decorated player in the club’s 123-year history with an astonishing 28 trophies. His trophy haul includes six UEFA Champions League titles, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies and five Spanish Super Cups. This achievement makes him one of only five players in history to win six European Cups.
Modrić’s individual brilliance peaked in 2018 when he broke the decade-long duopoly of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to claim football’s most prestigious personal honors. That year saw him win the Ballon d’Or, The Best FIFA Men’s Player Award and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year. His consistent excellence earned him six FIFPro World XI selections and two UEFA Champions League Best Midfielder awards.
The midfield maestro made 590 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring 43 goals with his trademark vision and technical mastery. For Croatia, he holds the national caps record with 186 appearances, earning the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup and Bronze Ball in 2022 while leading his country to unprecedented success.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez paid glowing tribute, saying: “Luka Modrić will forever remain in the hearts of all Real Madrid fans as a unique and exemplary footballer, who has always represented the values of Real Madrid. His football has captivated Real Madrid fans and fans around the world. His legacy will live on forever.”
The Santiago Bernabéu will host an emotional farewell for Modrić during Real Madrid’s final La Liga match this Saturday. While his next career move remains unconfirmed, the club extended their best wishes to Modrić and his family for the future, marking the end of one of football’s most glorious chapters.