Real Madrid and Luka Modric have announced that they will part ways at the end of the season. The fans dreaded the news since Modric is a legend of the club, but Real Madrid is focused on bringing in younger players.
#GraciasLuka pic.twitter.com/ku6NIP56t5
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 22, 2025
While Modric is near the end of his Real Madrid career, reports suggest he will continue playing. Relevo reports that Modric wanted to stay at Real Madrid for one more year and then retire after the 2026 World Cup. Real Madrid did not want to offer him another contract to pursue younger players in the squad.
The Croatian midfielder will play his last game for Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu this Saturday against Real Sociedad. It won't be his last game for Real Madrid as he will be part of the squad for the FIFA Club World Cup this summer.
Madridistas, os quiero mucho pic.twitter.com/q2GHHs6zbN
— Luka Modrić (@lukamodric10) May 22, 2025
After the tournament ends for Real Madrid, Modric will decide whether to join another club ahead of the next World Cup. Relevo reports that Modric has offers from Saudi Arabia and from the U.S. (MLS). MLS and Saudi Arabian clubs have been interested in signing him for the past few years.
The legendary midfielder posted a message for Real Madrid fans about the decision to leave the club this summer. Modric stated that he didn't want to leave either, but respects the club's decision.
Luka Modrić’s letter to Real Madrid fans.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 22, 2025
“Dear Madrid fans,
Time has come. The moment I never wanted to come, but that's football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end... On Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabéu.
I arrived in 2012 with… pic.twitter.com/GTuwq5tcc3
Trophies Luka Modric Won At Real Madrid
Luka Modric leaves Real Madrid as the most decorated player in the club's history. He won the 2018 Ballon d'Or award as a Real Madrid player. Modric won 28 trophies for Real Madrid, one more ahead of Dani Carvajal.
From one legend to another, Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't help but give his praises to Luka Modric. On Instagram, Ronaldo commented on Modric's post that announced his departure from the club.
CRISTIANO RONALDO:
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 22, 2025
“Thanks for everything, Luka! ❤️ It's been an honor to share so many moments with you at the club. Wishing you success in whatever comes next.” pic.twitter.com/O75Dw2lTAl
Ronaldo wrote, "Thanks for everything, Luka! It's an honor to share so many moments with you at the club. Wishing you success in whatever comes next.”
Modric currently plans to continue playing after the FIFA Club World Cup, as he referred to retirement after next summer. If Real Madrid wins the summer tournament, Modric's retirement from soccer could still be a possibility.
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