Luka Modric (38) received a warm applause from fans and teammates in his final match with Real Madrid.
Modric started in the match against Real Sociedad in the 2024-2025 La Liga final at Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid on the 25th (Korea time) and was substituted in the 42nd minute of the second half. Real won 2-0, finishing the season in second place with 84 points.
This game marked Modric's last official game with Real Madrid. He will leave at the end of the season due to the expiration of his contract.
As Modric was substituted out, he received a standing ovation from the home fans while leaving the field. The scoreboard displayed a message saying, "Thank you, Luka," and manager Carlo Ancelotti made sure to time the substitution so Modric could receive a final round of applause.
The opposing players from Sociedad also applauded Modric during the match. It was a moment of respect for the legend's farewell.
A surprising figure also appeared. Toni Kroos, who retired last year, came to the Bernabeu to witness Modric's final match. He embraced Modric as he headed to the bench during the substitution, saying goodbye to a longtime teammate.
Modric earlier sent a farewell message to fans via social media on the 22nd. "This is a moment I never wanted to come, but that's football. Everything in life has a beginning and an end," he declared it was not a retirement, but a farewell.
He continued, "When I arrived here in 2012, I had a dream of playing for the best team in the world and achieving great things. I’ve shared so many unbelievable moments, and I’ve achieved everything. I’ve been very happy, and the greater happiness has been the fans' warm welcome. All your support and kindness will remain in my heart forever."
Real Madrid President Florentino Perez remarked, "Modric has been a player representing the values of Real Madrid. He will always remain in the hearts of the fans," adding, "His football captivated fans around the world. His legacy will be remembered for a long time."
Modric joined Real Madrid in 2012 after playing at Tottenham. Since then, he has reigned as a world-class midfielder, recording 43 goals and 95 assists in 590 matches. He also broke the Messi and Ronaldo monopoly by winning the Ballon d'Or and UEFA Player of the Year in 2018. He has been selected six times for the FIFA FIFPro World Best XI and twice as UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Year.
However, the passage of time could not be stopped. Modric maintained a class that belied his age, but the club opted for a generational shift. He expressed a desire to re-sign even if it meant a salary reduction, but negotiations fell through as the board's position changed.
Support from the global football community poured in for his farewell. Former Real Madrid player Karim Benzema expressed gratitude, saying, "You will always be my eternal No. 10," while Raphael Varane paid respect, calling him "an eternal legend."
Modric's football life is not over yet. He hopes to participate in the 2026 North America World Cup, planning to play at least one more season. According to Croatian media, he prefers the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the U.S. He has also reportedly received offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
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