Luka Modrić to Leave Real Madrid After the Club’s Decision to Usher In New Era

Luka Modrić will play his last home game for Real Madrid this Saturday. The club has chosen not to renew the veteran midfielder’s contract, opting for younger players in their squad rebuild.

WHAT HAPPENED?

After more than a decade at the Santiago Bernabéu, Modrić will depart Real Madrid following the FIFA Club World Cup later this year. Though he wanted to stay, Real Madrid’s leadership decided not to offer an extension, believing it’s time to build a new, younger core for the future. Modrić, who joined Los Blancos in 2012, expressed gratitude in an emotional farewell message, making it clear he leaves with respect and pride after an era filled with success and memories. He will say goodbye to home this weekend against Real Sociedad, marking his last match at the Bernabéu.

LEGENDARY LEGACY AT REAL MADRID

Modrić’s time in Madrid has been historic. The Croatian maestro has played nearly 600 games for the club, collecting an incredible haul of 28 trophies: six UEFA Champions Leagues, six FIFA Club World Cups, five UEFA Super Cups, four LaLiga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, and five Spanish Super Cups. He famously won the 2018 Ballon d’Or, breaking the Messi-Ronaldo stranglehold, and was at the heart of some of the club’s most unforgettable triumphs. This season, while his on-field role has reduced with just over 1,800 minutes played in all competitions, Modrić has contributed vital experience and leadership as Madrid stands at the top of LaLiga, already crowned champions and preparing for the Champions League final.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR MODRIĆ AND REAL MADRID?

Saturday’s clash against Real Sociedad is set to be an emotional farewell for Modrić at the Bernabéu, with Real Madrid already LaLiga champions and their opponents sitting in seventh place. After the final LaLiga match and the Champions League final, Modrić will travel with the squad to the United States for the FIFA Club World Cup, which will officially mark the end of his illustrious Madrid career. The club’s decision signals a new era, as they look to maintain dominance by integrating new talents. For Modrić, speculation over his next destination remains, but his legacy in Madrid is already secure—he will forever be remembered as one of the club’s greatest midfielders.