Modrić to Depart Real Madrid After Club World Cup: “I’m Leaving With a Full Heart”
After 13 legendary years at the Santiago Bernabéu, Luka Modrić has announced he will leave Real Madrid following the Club World Cup this summer.
The 39-year-old Croatian midfielder confirmed the news on Instagram on Thursday, writing:
“Everything in life has a start and an end… On Saturday, I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabéu.”
Though his contract with Los Blancos ends this season, Modrić will stay on through the Club World Cup before departing the club.
“I’m leaving with a full heart, filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories,” he added.
“Even though I’ll no longer wear this shirt on the pitch, I will always be a Madrid fan.”
⚽ An Era of Greatness
Modrić joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 for €35 million and went on to become one of the most decorated midfielders in club history:
- 🏆 6× UEFA Champions League titles
- 🏆 4× La Liga titles
- 🏆 5× FIFA Club World Cups
- 🏆 1× Ballon d’Or (2018)
- 🏆 3× UEFA Super Cups
- 🏆 2× Copa del Rey titles
🇭🇷 World Recognition
Modrić was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2018, the first player to break the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly, after leading Croatia to a World Cup final and dominating the midfield for Madrid in the Champions League.
🏟️ Farewell at the Bernabéu
Modrić reflected on his time at the club:
“I’ve experienced incredible moments—comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations, and magical nights at the Bernabéu.”
“We won it all. And I was very, very happy.”
