Luka Modric to leave Real Madrid after 13 trophy-laden years in Spain

In 13 seasons, Modric played for Real Madrid 590 times and helped the club win 28 trophies, including six Champions League titles

Real Madrid and midfielder Luka Modric — the most decorated player in the club's history — have agreed to part ways after the Club World Cup.

The 39-year-old Modric will leave after an “unforgettable time as a player at our club,” Madrid said on Thursday (May 22, 2025).

“Real Madrid wishes to express its immense gratitude and appreciation for a player who has become a true legend both of our club and world football."

Modric arrived at Madrid in 2012 and became a key player during one of the most successful periods in the club's history.

In 13 seasons, Modric helped the club win 28 titles: Six European Cups, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four Spanish leagues, two Copas del Rey and five Spanish Super Cups.

He had been playing fewer minutes in recent seasons under coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The Club World Cup starts mid-June in the United States, and Madrid will pay tribute to Modric in its last match of the season on Saturday against Real Sociedad in La Liga at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

“Luka Modric will forever remain in the hearts of all madridistas (Madrid fans) as a unique and exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid,” club president Florentino Pérez said. “His football has captured the imagination of madridismo and fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever.”

Hall of fame

Modric has 590 appearances for Madrid — eighth on the club's all-time list — and 43 goals.

He is one of only five players to have won six European Cups.

In 2018, Modric won the Ballon d'Or, was named FIFA's best men's player and UEFA's men's player of the year. Twice he's been named the best midfielder in the Champions League.

Modric's 186 matches for Croatia make him the nation's record-holder for international appearances. He won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup in Russia — where Croatia lost the final to France — and the Bronze Ball at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Published - May 23, 2025 06:05 am IST