Luka Modrić has officially announced that he will leave Real Madrid at the conclusion of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, marking the end of a remarkable 13-year tenure with the club. The Croatian midfielder shared the news via a heartfelt message on social media, stating, “The moment I never wanted to arrive… On Saturday I will play my last game at the Santiago Bernabéu” .
Modrić joined Real Madrid in 2012 from Tottenham Hotspur and has since become the most decorated player in the club’s history, amassing 28 trophies, including six UEFA Champions League titles and four La Liga championships . Individually, he broke the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly by winning the Ballon d’Or in 2018, following his instrumental role in leading Croatia to the World Cup final that year.
His final appearance at the Santiago Bernabéu is scheduled for Saturday, May 24, against Real Sociedad, where the club plans to honor his contributions . Despite a reduced role in recent seasons, Modrić has remained a pivotal figure, featuring in 34 La Liga matches this season, 16 as a starter .
Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez lauded Modrić as “one of the greatest legends of our club and of world football,” emphasizing that his legacy will endure . Following the Club World Cup, Modrić is expected to continue his playing career, with potential destinations including clubs in Italy’s Serie A or Major League Soccer, as he aims to maintain his form ahead of the 2026 World Cup .
