OFFICIAL: Luka Modric to leave Real Madrid after 2025 Club World Cup

In a heartfelt announcement on Thursday, Luka Modric confirmed that he will leave Real Madrid following the conclusion of the upcoming Club World Cup. The Croatian midfielder, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation and the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, is set to bring an end to a remarkable and trophy-laden era at the Spanish giants.

Modric joined Real Madrid in 2012 from Tottenham Hotspur for a transfer fee reported to be around $39.5 million. Since then, he has become an integral figure at the club, making nearly 600 appearances and amassing an astonishing haul of trophies, including six Champions League titles—a record in European football—and four La Liga championships.

The 39-year-old’s final home appearance at the Santiago Bernabéu will come this Saturday in Real Madrid’s last La Liga fixture against Real Sociedad. Modric revealed in an emotional Instagram post that this will mark the end of his chapter on the pitch for the club, though he will continue to represent Real Madrid during the Club World Cup, which is scheduled to take place from June 14 to July 13 in the United States.

“The time has come. The moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end,” Modric wrote. “Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a football player and as a person. I am proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.”

Modric’s influence on the pitch has been immense, particularly during the era under coach Zinedine Zidane. The Croatian midfielder was the linchpin of the Real Madrid squad that secured an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League titles between 2015-16 and 2017-18. His vision, creativity, and leadership helped shape one of the most dominant teams in modern football.

Beyond club success, Modric’s stellar performances on the international stage elevated his reputation. After leading Croatia to their first-ever World Cup final in 2018, he was awarded the Ballon d’Or, ending a decade-long dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the individual awards race. That same year, he also received the Best FIFA Men’s Player award and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year honors, underscoring his status as one of the world’s best.

Reflecting on his journey, Modric said, “I arrived in 2012 with the illusion of wearing the shirt of the best team in the world and with the ambition to do great things, but I couldn’t imagine what came next.” He added, “Throughout these years, I have experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations, and magical nights at the Bernabeu… We have won everything and I have been very happy.”

Although Modric’s contract officially expired on June 30, Real Madrid confirmed that he will remain with the squad for the Club World Cup, FIFA’s new expanded 32-team tournament. This opportunity allows the club and fans to celebrate his contributions on a global stage before his departure.

In recognition of his immense contributions, Real Madrid issued a statement expressing their gratitude: “Modric is already one of the greatest legends of our club and world football. In his thirteen seasons at Real Madrid, he has won 28 titles and is one of only five players in football history to have won six European Cups. He is the player with the most titles in the 123-year history of our club.”

The club plans to organize a special tribute to Modric during his final La Liga match, honoring his legacy and the indelible mark he has left on Real Madrid’s history. Fans will no doubt savor the chance to bid farewell to a true club icon.

Modric concluded his announcement with a promise, saying, “We’ll see each other again. Real Madrid will always be my home. For the rest of my life.” His departure closes a glorious chapter but leaves a legacy that will inspire future generations at the Bernabeu.