The match itself was the least important thing today at the Bernabéu, although it was fulfilled: Real Madrid won 2-0 against Real Sociedad, with both goals scored by Kylian Mbappé — goals that all but guarantee he’ll win the Ballon d’Or and the Pichichi trophy in his debut season at Real Madrid.
But all the spotlight today was on Luka Modric and Carlo Ancelotti (only Lucas Vázquez and Vallejo slightly stole some attention during their substitutions, which received ovations as it’s likely their last match at the Bernabéu too, even though no official statement has been made).
Mbappé scored a penalty — not on the first attempt, as the goalkeeper saved it, but he slotted in the rebound. The second was a spectacular goal tucked into the corner.
EL GOL 31 EN LALIGA DE MBAPPÉ. EL GOL QUE LE PUEDE HACER PICHICHI Y BOTA DE ORO🏆
— DAZN España (@DAZN_ES) May 24, 2025
Celebración a lo Vinicius JR incluida 🇧🇷#LALIGAenDAZN ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/fPTOW41Hnr
Modric´s day
Modric started the match and played nearly the entire game. In the 87th minute, he was substituted by Chema, and at that moment, the game literally came to a halt (just like it did a year ago for Kroos). Even Real Sociedad joined in the guard of honor, showing not only that Modric is one of the greatest players in Real Madrid’s history but possibly the most beloved by fans and rivals alike. Over the past 1-2 years, he’s received standing ovations in nearly every stadium he’s played in — something not even Raúl or Cristiano Ronaldo managed.
UN PASILLO HISTÓRICO PARA DESPEDIR A LA LEYENDA LUKA MODRIC 🤍
— DAZN España (@DAZN_ES) May 24, 2025
Dice adiós al Real Madrid el jugador con más títulos su historia 🎩#LALIGAenDAZN ⚽ pic.twitter.com/04H0VpEAs3
Modric has always had the affection of everyone in the football world. Interestingly, this isn’t even his first season. I myself (though it’s awkward to bring myself into this) created a fan website for Modric (Modric.es) before he signed with Real Madrid, so I was one of the few who knew he wasn’t just another player — he was a generational talent. When he was named the worst signing of the season during his first year, I could only laugh.
Another of his great supporters was José Mourinho, who pushed hard to sign him and was the first to ask for patience, saying the Bernabéu would eventually fall in love with him — and that’s exactly what happened. And if there was ever any doubt, today’s farewell erased it completely. It was, quite literally, the most emotional farewell at the Bernabéu in the past 30-40 years (if not in its entire history, though perhaps some older fans might remember another as powerful). Not even Zidane’s goodbye made the whole stadium cry.
Ancelotti also said goodbye today, and the affection from the fans was clear. It’s rare to see this kind of love for a coach — especially one finishing a season without major trophies (except for the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup). Managers live and die by results, and when they’re not delivered, affection like this is almost unheard of. But in Ancelotti’s case, the Bernabéu has shown remarkable respect and admiration in recent matches, with no boos despite poor form and results — something rarely, if ever, seen at the Bernabéu. Not with Mourinho, not with Zidane, not even with Del Bosque. The stadium is usually unforgiving, but Ancelotti was the exception because of the deep affection he’s earned.
Post-Match Ceremony
After the game, there was a simple but deeply emotional ceremony for Modric and Ancelotti. No trophies were brought out onto the pitch, but two touching tribute videos were shown, and both addressed the crowd with heartfelt words.
🙌 UNA DESPEDIDA DE DIEZ 🙌 pic.twitter.com/bzCwnHDboe
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 24, 2025
Luka Modric: "Hemos ganado mucho, hemos tenido momentos maravillosos. Pero el mayor trofeo es vuestro amor" 🤍#LALIGAenDAZN ⚽ pic.twitter.com/mscAc1s7sp
— DAZN España (@DAZN_ES) May 24, 2025
Modric’s line will go down in history: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” An iconic moment came when he embraced Toni Kroos, who didn’t want to miss this historic occasion. The Modric-Kroos duo is a midfield pairing the likes of which Real Madrid (and maybe football as a whole) has never seen — with 5-6 Champions League titles between them. In their prime, when both dictated the tempo, no team could stop them (especially with Casemiro alongside them).
Even Florentino Perez ends up crying:
Ver a Don Florentino Pérez Rodríguez llorando en la despedida de Luka Modric es algo que jamás podré superar 🥹 #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/xVAGQUaNPL
— Joker Laporta 🃏 (@JokerLaporta) May 24, 2025
🤩 HISTORIA DEL FÚTBOL 🤩 pic.twitter.com/0NxFJrJWou
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 24, 2025
On behalf of all Madridistas:
Thank you, Ancelotti and Modric, for everything you’ve given to Real Madrid.
(Also, a thank you to Lucas Vázquez, who today showed great humility — likely in his farewell — and despite all he’s won, chose not to take a shred of the spotlight away from Ancelotti and Modric, giving it entirely to them. A player who has given so much to Madrid, always with a 10/10 attitude, and perhaps one of the most underrated figures by many.)
¡Fue bonito vivirlo juntos, amigo' 🤍
— DAZN España (@DAZN_ES) May 24, 2025
El beso de Carlo Ancelotti a Luka Modric. La vuelta de honor de dos personas que dicen adiós como leyendas del Real Madrid #LALIGAenDAZN ⚽ pic.twitter.com/HomxCYsFm5