After a decade of pulling the strings in midfield, Luka Modric has confirmed he’s wrapping up his legendary run at Real Madrid this summer.
The 39-year-old Croatian announced on Instagram that Saturday’s game at the Santiago Bernabéu will be his last at the iconic stadium. While his contract technically runs until June 30, he’ll stick around for the Club World Cup, which ends July 13. That will be his final appearance in Madrid colors.
“It’s time,” Modric wrote.
“I’m leaving with pride, gratitude, and unforgettable memories.”
Even though he won’t be on the pitch in the famous white kit anymore, he says he’ll remain a Madridista for life.
Since arriving from Tottenham in 2012 for around €35 million, Modric has racked up nearly 600 games. He’s collected 28 major trophies, including four La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey, and six Champions League crowns. It’s a haul that places him among the most decorated players in the club’s 123-year history.
Yet it wasn’t all smooth sailing. He struggled in his first season but quickly silenced the critics. Modric evolved into one of the game’s most complete midfielders. By 2018, he wasn’t just the heartbeat of Real Madrid, he was the best player on the planet, winning the Ballon d’Or after leading Croatia to the World Cup final.
Marcelo’s letter to Lukita Modric.
Today is one of those days when my heart aches. My brother, my partner in so many battles, says goodbye to the club that was our home for more than ten years.
Luka, we have shared more than games. We shared dreams, triumphs, defeats, laughter, and silences. You were much more than a teammate: you were and will always be a LEGEND.
Your talent, your humility, your way of living football and life… are pure inspiration. It’s hard to imagine the locker room without you, the field without your impossible passes, without your silent but gigantic dedication.
Thank you for every moment, every conversation, every knowing look during the games. Thank you for teaching me so much, on and off the field.
In 13 years, you have made history at the best club in the world, but not only do Madrid fans love you, the entire world acclaims you.
I love you, brother. This isn’t goodbye, it’s just see you later.
And as always, I’ll be here, supporting you every step of the way. Marcelo Wrote
Modric became Madrid’s captain last summer and remained a steady influence, even as younger players emerged. The club’s statement called his time at Madrid an “unforgettable era,” praising him as a football legend whose legacy will live on forever.
With 590 appearances and 43 goals, he ranks ninth on the club’s all-time appearance list. President Florentino Perez said Modric will always be remembered as a symbol of the club’s values: humble, hardworking, and relentless.
Madrid fans will miss his vision, his calm under pressure, and those inch-perfect passes. But as one chapter ends, another begins. Wherever Modric goes next, he carries with him the love of a club and its fans who watched him create magic for 12 unforgettable years.
By Yockshard Enyendi
