Real Madrid’s veteran midfielder Luka Modric has announced he will leave the Spanish club following the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, bringing an end to a historic 12-year spell with Los Blancos.
“Everything in life has a start and an end… on Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabeu,” Modric wrote in an emotional Instagram post on Thursday, confirming that his contract will not be renewed beyond the summer tournament. “I’m leaving with a full heart, filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories. And even though, after the Club World Cup, I’m no longer going to wear this shirt on the pitch, I will always be a Madrid fan.”
The 39-year-old Croatian has been a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s midfield since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 in a deal worth around €35 million. Despite early struggles in Spain, Modric grew into one of the world’s most admired midfielders, amassing an impressive 28 trophies with the club, including six UEFA Champions League titles, four La Liga championships, and two Copa del Rey wins.
“Throughout these years I’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations and magical nights at the Bernabeu,” Modric said. “We won it all and I was very happy. Very, very happy.”
Modric, who captained Real Madrid during the 2023–2024 season, won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, breaking the decade-long duopoly of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. That year, he was instrumental in Madrid’s European success and led Croatia to a historic World Cup final in Russia.
Real Madrid confirmed the departure in an official statement, calling it the end of “an unforgettable era.” The club added, “Real Madrid and our captain Luka Modric have agreed to end an unforgettable era… after the Club World Cup that our team will compete in from June 18 in the United States. Real Madrid want to show their gratitude and affection to someone who is one of the biggest legends at our club and in world football.”
The club also highlighted Modric’s standing in the history books. With 590 appearances and 43 goals, he is Madrid’s ninth-most capped player. “Modric is one of the five players who, in the whole of football history, has managed to win six European Cups, and he is the player with the most trophies in 123 years of Real Madrid’s existence.”
Club president Florentino Pérez paid tribute to the departing star, saying, “Modric will always stay in the hearts of all Madrid fans as a unique and exemplary footballer, who has always represented Madrid’s values. Madrid fans and all fans in the world fell in love with his football, his legacy will remain forever.”
Although his contract technically runs until June 30, Modric is expected to remain with the team through the conclusion of the Club World Cup, which ends July 13, depending on Madrid’s progress in the tournament.
