Real Madrid captain Luka Modric has announced he will leave the Spanish giants after the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, bringing an end to his illustrious 13-year career with the club.
The 39-year-old Croatian midfielder, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2018, will play his final match at the Santiago Bernabeu when Real Madrid host Real Sociedad on Saturday in their last La Liga game of the season.
"The moment has arrived. The moment I never wanted to come, but that's football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end," Modric wrote in an emotional Instagram post announcing his departure.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, Modric has become Real Madrid's most decorated player with an unprecedented 28 trophies. His impressive collection includes six Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey triumphs, five Spanish Super Cups, six FIFA Club World Cups, and five European Super Cups.
"I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the jersey of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things, but I couldn't have imagined what came next," Modric reflected. "Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and as a person."
The Croatian maestro has made 590 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring 43 goals and providing 95 assists during his time at the club. This season, he contributed two goals and six assists in 34 La Liga appearances.
Club President's Tribute
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez paid tribute to the departing legend: "Modric will forever remain in the hearts of all Madridistas as a unique and exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid. His football has captured the imagination of Madridismo and fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever."
Modric made history in 2018 when he became the first player since 2007, other than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or. That year, he led Real Madrid to Champions League glory and captained Croatia to the World Cup final.
Final Chapter
Modric's final appearance for Real Madrid at the Bernabeu will coincide with manager Carlo Ancelotti's last game in charge, with Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso reportedly set to take over.
The midfielder will have one last opportunity to add to his trophy collection when Real Madrid compete in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. They begin their campaign against Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal on June 18 and will also face Mexico's Pachuca and Austria's RB Salzburg in the group stage.
Modric recently became an investor and co-owner with a minority stake in Championship side Swansea City, potentially signaling his post-playing interests.
As the curtain falls on one of football's most distinguished careers at club level, Modric leaves behind a legacy of excellence, professionalism, and unparalleled success that has cemented his place among Real Madrid's greatest ever players.
