Real Madrid have officially confirmed that Luka Modric, one of the club’s most iconic figures and a central figure in their modern dominance, will depart at the end of the 2024–25 season.
The 39-year-old Croatian will make his final La Liga appearance at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday in a fixture against Real Sociedad, bringing to a close a 13-year spell defined by excellence, leadership, and silverware.
Modric is expected to make his final appearance for the club during the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, after which he will officially end his time with the Spanish giants.
Since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, Modric has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s golden era, playing a pivotal role in securing six UEFA Champions League titles, four La Liga crowns, and a host of other domestic and international honors.
His elegance on the ball, ability to dictate the tempo, and relentless work ethic became hallmarks of Real’s midfield and a standard against which others were measured.
In 2018, Modric’s brilliance was recognized globally when he broke the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly to win the Ballon d’Or, a rare feat for a midfielder in the modern era.
Despite the inevitable passage of time, Modric remained a crucial asset under Carlo Ancelotti, even as younger talents like Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde began to step into more prominent roles.
Tributes have poured in from across the footballing world. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez hailed Modric as “a legend who has defined an era,” while Ancelotti praised his “professionalism, humility, and enduring class.”
The club plans a heartfelt tribute during Saturday’s match, with fans expected to fill the Bernabéu in celebration of a player whose name has become synonymous with Real Madrid’s success.
While Modric’s next destination remains unclear, rumors suggest several possibilities.
Offers are reportedly on the table from clubs in the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer, while a sentimental return to his boyhood club, Dinamo Zagreb, has not been ruled out.
Saturday’s match will be more than a farewell. It will be the celebration of a legacy.
Luka Modric leaves Real Madrid not just as one of their greatest midfielders, but as a symbol of resilience, class, and excellence.
As Los Blancos look to the future, the departure of Modric marks the end of one of the most extraordinary chapters in the club’s storied history.
The void he leaves will be felt deeply by teammates, fans, and the game itself.
