It had been a rumor in recent days and has now been officially confirmed: Modrić will not renew his contract with Real Madrid, although he will play in the Club World Cup (his contract will be extended by one month for this reason). Therefore, his last game at the Bernabéu will be this Saturday at 4:15 PM against Real Sociedad (also the last for Lucas Vázquez and Ancelotti—Lucas will also participate in the Club World Cup).
Official statement from Real Madrid:
Real Madrid C.F. and our captain Luka Modrić have agreed to bring an unforgettable chapter to a close at the end of the Club World Cup, which our team will play starting June 18 in the United States.
Real Madrid wishes to express its gratitude and affection to someone who is already one of the greatest legends in the history of our club and world football.
Modrić arrived at Real Madrid in 2012 and has been a key player during one of the brightest eras in our history. Over the thirteen seasons in which he has defended our badge, he has won 28 titles: 6 European Cups, 6 Club World Cups, 5 UEFA Super Cups, 4 La Liga titles, 2 Copa del Rey titles, and 5 Spanish Super Cups.
Modrić is one of only five players in football history to have won 6 European Cups, and he is the player with the most titles in the 123-year history of Real Madrid.
Individually, Modrić won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, The Best FIFA Men’s Player award, and was named UEFA Player of the Year. He has been included six times in the FIFA FIFPro World11 and has twice been named the Champions League Midfielder of the Season.
Modrić has played 590 matches with our team, scoring 43 goals. He has also won one Club World Cup Golden Ball and one Silver Ball.
With the Croatian national team, he has played 186 matches and holds the all-time appearance record for his country. He won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the Bronze Ball at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
For Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, “Luka Modrić will remain forever in the hearts of all Madridistas as a unique and exemplary footballer, who has always represented the values of Real Madrid. His football has enchanted Madridistas and fans around the world. His legacy will last forever.”
Real Madrid wishes Luka Modrić and his family all the best in this new stage of his life.
The Santiago Bernabéu will pay tribute to him this Saturday during our team’s last home league match.
Here is the full English translation of Luka Modrić’s letter:
Luka Modrić’s Full Letter
Dear Madridistas,
The time has come. The moment I never wanted to arrive, but that’s football—and in life, everything has a beginning and an end… This Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabéu.
I arrived in 2012 with the dream of wearing the shirt of the best club in the world and the ambition to achieve great things, but I could never have imagined what was to come.
Playing for Real Madrid changed my life—both as a footballer and as a person. I feel proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras in the history of the greatest club of all time.
I want to sincerely thank the club—especially president Florentino Pérez—my teammates, coaches, and everyone who has supported me throughout all these years.
Over the years, I’ve lived through incredible moments: comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations, and magical nights at the Bernabéu… We’ve won everything, and I’ve been truly happy. Very, very happy.
But beyond the trophies and the victories, what I take with me in my heart is the affection of all Madridistas. I honestly don’t know how to explain the special connection I have with you, and how supported, respected, and loved I have felt—and still feel. I will never forget every ovation and all the gestures of affection you’ve shown me.
I leave with a full heart. Full of pride, gratitude, and unforgettable memories. And even though, after the Club World Cup, I will no longer wear this shirt on the pitch, I will always be a Madridista.