On May 22, 2025, 39-year-old Croatian midfielder Luka Modric announced on social media that he would leave Real Madrid after the Club World Cup, where he had played for 13 years, and put an end to his Real Madrid career.
Just after the 38th round of La Liga, he officially bid farewell to the Bernabeu Stadium and received tributes from fans and opponents.
His departure not only marked the end of an era, but also moved countless fans to this "midfield artist" who was both elegant and tenacious.
This young man born in Croatia has become one of the world's top midfielders step by step. Modric's time at Real Madrid is filled with countless highlights and glory. Follow
캡사이트's perspective to review his thirteen-year career at Real Madrid!
From challenge to legend
In 2012, Modric joined Real Madrid from Tottenham for 35 million euros. At that time, he was questioned whether he could adapt to the rhythm of La Liga due to his thin body.
However, he quickly conquered the Bernabeu with his accurate passing, excellent control and tireless running.
In 2014, he formed the world-famous "bermuda triangle" with Kroos and Casemiro, opening the golden age of Real Madrid's three consecutive Champions League titles (2016-2018), becoming the most dominant midfield combination in football history.
In the 13 years he played for Galactico, Modric won 28 trophies with the club (6 Champions League titles, 4 La Liga titles, 5 Club World Cup titles, 5 European Super Cup titles, 5 Spanish Super Cup titles, 2 King's Cup titles, 1 FIFA Intercontinental Cup title).
He is one of only five people who have won the Champions League six times, and is also the player with the most titles in Real Madrid's history.
Personal honors include winning the Ballon d'Or, FIFA Player of the Year, and UEFA Player of the Year in 2018, breaking the ten-year monopoly of Messi and Ronaldo; being selected into the FIFA Best Team 6 times and the Champions League Best Midfielder 2 times.
So far, he has played 590 games for Real Madrid, contributing 43 goals and 95 assists, and has gone down in history as the "midfield brain".
Humility and loyalty
Even at the age of nearly 40, Modric still maintains top competitive form.
In the 2024-25 season, he played 56 times as a rotation player, contributed 4 goals and 9 assists, and even became a "full-time warrior" in the team's injury wave.
He took the initiative to reduce his salary and renew his contract many times, and rejected the sky-high contract of the Saudi League, just to spend the rest of his life in Real Madrid.
However, due to the youth strategy, the club did not respond to his renewal request in the end, but Modric will still play in this summer's World Club Champions Cup and have the opportunity to end his career with the championship honor.
The journey ahead - the warriors never end
Modric has not chosen to retire. He still has the opportunity to captain Croatia in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and continue his national team record of 186 appearances (the first in history).
Although Saudi Arabia, MLS and other leagues have offered olive branches, he said: "The next stop in my football career has not yet been decided, but the memory of Madrid will never fade."
Real Madrid officials also said that they will keep in touch with him as an ambassador in the future.
With Casemiro leaving the team in 2022 and Kroos retiring in 2024, Modric's farewell announces the end of the legendary era of Real Madrid's "bermuda triangle".
Modric not only defines success with trophies, but also reshapes the benchmark of modern midfield with humility, loyalty and artistic football".
His departure is an inevitable choice for Real Madrid's renewal, but it also leaves a timeless legend of persistence and love for football.
Modric's legend began with talent, was built with tenacity, and ended with respect.
When the lights of the Bernabeu were lit for him for the last time, the No. 10 jersey stained with mud will become the most moving poem in football history.
