By Sachit Subba • Football • May 22, 2025 14:40 PM • 125 views
Madrid — After 13 glittering seasons, countless magical moments, and a cabinet full of silverware, Luka Modrić's legendary chapter at Real Madrid is drawing to a close.
The club announced on Monday that the Croatian maestro will bid farewell following the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, marking the end of one of the most storied careers in Los Blancos' illustrious history.
Modrić, 38, leaves behind a legacy few can match. Since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, he has been the heartbeat of Real Madrid's midfield — a metronome with the elegance of a ballerina and the tenacity of a warrior. Over 13 seasons, he has amassed 28 titles, including a record-equaling six UEFA Champions League crowns, becoming one of only five players to reach that mark.
Beyond the collective accolades — including six Club World Cups, five UEFA Super Cups, four La Liga titles, and a record haul of five Spanish Super Cups — Modrić's achievements underline his place in football's pantheon. In 2018, he broke the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly to claim the Ballon d'Or, securing FIFA's Best Men's Player and UEFA Men's Player of the Year awards in a year that crowned him as the world's finest.
Modrić has featured 590 times in the famous white shirt, contributing 43 goals and countless match-winning performances. His graceful control, visionary passing, and unmatched work ethic earned him six appearances in the FIFA FIFPro World XI and recognition as the Champions League's Best Midfielder on two occasions.
The Croatian international—who holds the record for most caps for his country with 186—was instrumental in leading Croatia to a historic World Cup final in 2018. He earned the Golden Ball and followed that up with a Bronze Ball in 2022. On the global stage, he symbolised resilience, inspiration, and enduring class. In a heartfelt statement, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez said: "Luka Modrić will forever remain in the hearts of all Madridistas as a unique and exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid. His football has captured the imagination of madridismo and fans worldwide. His legacy will live on forever." This Saturday, the Santiago Bernabéu will reflect and celebrate as it hosts a special tribute to one of its most beloved sons during Real Madrid's final La Liga match. Fans, teammates, and rivals alike will salute the man who made the No. 10 shirt a symbol of artistry and leadership. Luka Modrić is not only Real Madrid's most decorated player but also an enduring emblem of what the beautiful game can be—intelligent, elegant, and unrelentingly driven. The curtain may be falling on his Madrid story, but Modrić's legacy will echo through the halls of the Bernabéu for generations to come.
