The curtain has finally fallen on Real Madrid midfield maestro Luka Modric’s outstanding career at the club following a heavy defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey.
The 39-year-old made his final appearance for Real Madrid as a substitute in the 4-0 Club World Cup semifinal loss on Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy full of unforgettable moments with the Spanish giants.
Modric announced in May that he would depart Madrid after the tournament in the United States and is poised to join AC Milan next season.
Although turning 40 in September, Modric still aims to represent Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, recognizing that regular playing time is crucial after his minutes diminished last season under former Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.
During his 13 years in the Spanish capital, the veteran midfielder amassed a club record 28 trophies, winning admiration from fans of every team in Spain thanks to his unwavering excellence.
“It’s not the desired finish, it’s a bitter end, but he will not be remembered for this game but instead for other great ones,” said new Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso after the PSG defeat.
“He is a legend both of world football and Real Madrid, he will be remembered for many more good things than the 25 minutes he played today.”
Since arriving from Tottenham in 2012, Modric has been central to Madrid’s achievements, securing six Champions League titles and four LaLiga crowns among numerous other honours.
He earned the Ballon d’Or in 2018, becoming the first player outside of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win it in over a decade.
Although Modric took on the captaincy at the start of last season, his influence waned considerably.
Ancelotti shifted the team’s midfield to a more dynamic and physical style, prioritizing players like Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Despite Modric’s reduced role, Madrid president Florentino Perez affirmed, “his legacy will live on forever,” following the announcement of his exit.
GLORY DAYS
Modric holds the distinction of being Real Madrid’s oldest goalscorer and oldest player in the top flight, but his finest performances came prior to his final trophyless season.
He amassed 597 appearances for the club, netting 43 goals and providing 95 assists.
One standout moment was his assist for one of Real Madrid’s most iconic goals — Sergio Ramos’ header in the 2014 Champions League final against Atletico Madrid, which ended their long wait for La Decima, their 10th European Cup.
In the 93rd minute in Lisbon, with Atletico leading by a goal, Modric delivered a corner from the right for Ramos to power home and force extra time, where Madrid eventually triumphed 4-1.
He also provided a remarkable assist with the outside of his boot to Rodrygo Goes in the 2022 Champions League quarterfinal against Chelsea, helping force extra time.
Madrid overcame the Blues to lift the trophy once more.
“Modric is a gift to football,” said Ancelotti, who once jokingly scolded the Croatian for a misplaced pass as Modric went to collect the man-of-the-match award after the 2022 Spanish Super Cup victory over Barcelona.
Early in his Madrid career, midway through his first season, Modric was voted the worst signing of the season in LaLiga.
He leaves the Spanish top flight as one of the greatest players ever to grace it, relentless in his work rate and flawless with the ball.
Modric’s departure means Dani Carvajal remains the only player from the 2014 Champions League final-winning squad, as Madrid prepare for a fresh era under Alonso, who played alongside Modric at that time.
“We are starting from scratch,” said Alonso ahead of the new season, and without Modric, that statement feels especially poignant.
