Luka Modric Set To Exit Real Madrid After Upcoming Club World Cup Campaign

Real Madrid’s veteran midfielder Luka Modric has confirmed he will leave the Spanish club following the Club World Cup this summer, bringing an end to a legendary 12-year spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“Everything in life has a start and an end… on Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabéu.”

The 39-year-old Croatian announced in an emotional Instagram post on Thursday, as his contract with Real Madrid nears its conclusion.

“I’m leaving with a full heart, filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories.

And even though, after the Club World Cup, I’m no longer going to wear this shirt on the pitch, I will always be a Madrid fan.”

Since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 for a reported fee of €35 million (approximately $40 million), Modric has made nearly 600 appearances for Real Madrid. He has been instrumental in the club’s golden era, helping Los Blancos secure six UEFA Champions League titles, four La Liga championships, and numerous other domestic and international trophies.

Despite early struggles to settle into Spanish football, Modric quickly proved his worth, establishing himself as one of the finest midfielders of his generation.

In 2018, he capped off a stunning year by winning the Ballon d’Or, becoming the first player in a decade not named Messi or Ronaldo to claim the award. That year, he was pivotal in Real Madrid’s Champions League success and led Croatia to a historic second-place finish at the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

“Throughout these years I’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations and magical nights at the Bernabeu.” Modric reflected in his farewell message.

“We won it all, and I was very happy. Very, very happy.”

Modric is expected to make his final appearance at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday before officially departing after the Club World Cup, closing a remarkable chapter in Real Madrid’s history.