Real Madrid captain Luka Modrić is set to depart the Spanish giants at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, a move confirmed by both the club and the player on Thursday. Speculation about a potential departure had grown in recent days. Modrić is scheduled to play his final home match at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Sociedad this weekend, ahead of participating in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer.
Saturday`s game will mark the final club appearance for both Modrić and Lucas Vázquez, as well as head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is set to begin his new role with Brazil on Monday.
In an official statement, Real Madrid C.F. and captain Luka Modrić announced they have mutually agreed to conclude an unforgettable chapter at the club following the Club World Cup, which begins for the team on June 18 in the United States. Real Madrid expressed its deep gratitude and affection for “one of the greatest legends of our club and world football.” The club extended best wishes to Modrić and his family for this new phase of his life, adding that the Santiago Bernabéu will pay tribute to him during Saturday`s final La Liga match. Modrić joined Real Madrid in 2012 and was a crucial figure during one of the most brilliant eras in the club`s history, winning an impressive 28 titles over thirteen seasons.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez stated that “Luka Modrić will forever hold a place in the hearts of all Madridistas as a unique and exemplary footballer who consistently embodied the values of Real Madrid. His football has captivated fans globally, and his legacy will be everlasting.”
Here is a summary of the major titles Modrić has won with Real Madrid since 2012:
- La Liga: Four titles (2016-17, 2019-20, 2021-22, 2023-24)
- Copa del Rey: Two titles (2013-14, 2022-23)
- Spanish Supercup: Five titles (2012, 2017, 2020, 2022, 2024)
- UEFA Champions League: Six titles (2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2021-22, 2023-24)
- UEFA Supercup: Five titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2024)
- FIFA Club World Cup: Five titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022)
- FIFA Intercontinental Cup: One title (2024)
Modrić is one of only five players in football history to have secured six Champions League titles and holds the distinction of winning the most titles (28) in Real Madrid`s 123-year history. His individual accolades include the 2018 Ballon d`Or, the FIFA The Best Player Award, and UEFA Men`s Player of the Year.
He has been selected for the FIFA FIFPro World XI six times and was named the Champions League`s Best Midfielder twice. For Real Madrid, Modrić has made 590 appearances, scoring 43 goals. As captain of the Croatian national team, he holds the record for most international appearances with 186 caps. His contributions to Croatia include winning the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the Bronze Ball at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
