Luka Modric, the greatest champion in Real Madrid’s history
Luka Modric has officially brought the curtain down on a historic 12-year spell at Real Madrid, departing the club as its greatest champion of all time.
The 39-year-old Croatian midfielder made his final appearance in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, a 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey. Despite the result, Modric left the pitch to a standing ovation, marking the emotional end of an era at the Santiago Bernabéu.
A Legacy Defined by Trophies and Leadership
Modric departs with a staggering 26 official titles, the highest total in the club’s 122-year history. Since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 for €35 million, he has become a symbol of consistency, resilience, and class.
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Among his most notable achievements:
- 6 UEFA Champions League titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024)
- 4 La Liga titles (2017, 2020, 2022, 2024)
- 2 Copa del Rey wins (2014, 2023)
- 5 Club World Cup trophies
- Ballon d’Or winner (2018)
He also led the team as club captain from 2021 onward, after the departure of Sergio Ramos, guiding Real Madrid through multiple high-pressure campaigns at both domestic and European level.
“Luka Modric has set a standard that future generations will struggle to match. He leaves as not only a champion but a defining figure in modern Real Madrid history,” a club insider told Marca.
From Criticism to Club Legend
Modric’s arrival in Madrid was met with skepticism by sections of the Spanish press, but his quick adaptation and commanding performances silenced doubters. His football intelligence, technical precision, and tactical flexibility saw him become indispensable in the heart of midfield.
Over the years, he played alongside icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro yet remained the constant engine of some of the club’s most successful teams.
He is the only player in club history to feature in all six of their recent Champions League-winning sides.
Emotional Goodbye in New Jersey
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The Club World Cup semi-final against PSG proved to be Modric’s final game in a Madrid shirt. Substituted late in the second half, the midfielder walked off to thunderous applause, clearly emotional as he acknowledged the fans.
It was also the first season in 12 years that Real Madrid failed to win any silverware during Modric’s tenure a stark contrast to the trophy-laden years that came before.
What Sets Modric Apart
While Real Madrid has been home to legends like Alfredo Di Stéfano, Raúl, Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, and Cristiano Ronaldo, no player has lifted more trophies than Modric.
More than just his titles, Modric redefined the role of a midfielder in elite football. Standing at 1.72m, he proved that intelligence, agility, and vision could outmatch sheer physicality.
His legacy includes:
- Inspiring a new generation of technical midfielders
- Leading both club and country with distinction
- Being a model of professionalism and consistency into his late 30s
What’s Next for Modric?
While there has been no official confirmation, reports in Italy and Spain suggest Modric could sign with AC Milan, potentially following in the footsteps of fellow Madrid greats who extended their careers in Serie A.
Even if he steps away from the pitch, many believe a coaching or ambassadorial role within Real Madrid or the Croatian national team would be a natural next step.
Luka Modric at Real Madrid: By the Numbers
A Farewell to a True Modern Legend
Luka Modric’s departure marks more than the end of a player’s journey it closes a chapter in Real Madrid’s golden era. From a questioned signing to a record-breaking captain, Modric leaves a legacy unmatched in the modern game.
His farewell is not just a goodbye, but a celebration of a player who helped define a generation of football at the highest level.
