Luka Modrić Says Goodbye to Real Madrid After 13 Years

Luka Modrić is set to leave Real Madrid after 13 years. His final match will be against Real Sociedad on the 24th of May at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Modrić is among Real Madrid's greatest players of all time—a midfielder and leader known for his brilliance on the pitch. The 39-year-old has won 28 trophies with Real Madrid, the most by any player in the club's history. He is also one of five players to have won the UEFA Champions League six times.

The news of his departure has left great sadness in the hearts of Real Madrid supporters. According to Nikola Jerkan, a Croatia National Team staff member, Modrić didn't want to leave Real Madrid. He told Spanish media outlet Marca:

"I didn't expect it. Luka had the fuel to continue for another year and retire at Real Madrid. He wanted to stay—he had even spoken with Xabi Alonso about continuing. But something changed with the club leaders in the last few days. Real Madrid was his everything, but his football career isn't over yet."

He announced the news on his official Instagram handle, stating:

"Dear Madridistas,

The 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 the desire to wear the shirt of the best team in the world and with the ambition to do big things, but I couldn't imagine what came next.

Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a football player and as a person.

I am proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.

I want to give thanks from my heart to the club, especially president Florentino Pérez, my teammates, managers, and everyone who helped me.

Throughout these years, I’ve experienced incredible moments—comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations, and magical nights at the Bernabéu... We won it all, and I was very happy. Very, very happy.

But beyond the titles and victories, I carry in my heart the affection of all Madrid fans. I really 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 each ovation and all the gestures of affection you have shown me.

Leaving with a full heart. Filled with pride, gratitude, and unforgettable memories. And even though, after the Club World Cup, I'm no longer going to wear this shirt on the field, I'll always be a Madrid fan.

We'll see each other again. Real Madrid will always be my home—for a lifetime.

Hala Madrid and nothing else.

Luka Modrić."

Many teammates and former teammates congratulated Luka Modrić on his departure.

Former Real Madrid captain Marcelo expressed his sadness:

"My dear Luka… Today is one of those days when my heart aches. My brother, my partner in so many battles, says goodbye to the club that was our home for more than ten years. Luka, we have shared more than games.

We shared dreams, triumphs, defeats, laughter, and silences. You were much more than a teammate: you were and will always be a LEGEND. Your talent, your humility, your way of living football and life… are pure inspiration. It’s hard to imagine the locker room without you, the field without your impossible passes, without your silent but gigantic dedication. Thank you for every moment, every conversation, every knowing look during the games.

Thank you for teaching me so much, on and off the field. In 13 years you have made history at the best club in the world, but not only Madrid fans love you, the entire world acclaims you. I love you, brother. This isn’t goodbye, it’s just see you later. And as always, I’ll be here, supporting you every step of the way."

Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid's highest goal scorer:

"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."

Mesut Özil, former Real Madrid midfielder and FIFA World Cup winner with Germany:

"From sharing the pitch to watching you control the game with such intelligence and elegance, it was always something special, Luka. Calm, classy, and always one step ahead. You’re closing a great chapter, but the way you played will always be remembered. Wishing you peace, joy, and all the best for what comes next."

Álvaro Arbeloa, former Real Madrid right-back:

"You say goodbye to Real Madrid, but you’re already part of our shield. Wherever Real Madrid is, you will be too. Thank you for so much, Luka. Forever one of our own."

Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid midfielder:

"A legend of the game, and a true role model. Luka, it’s been a privilege to share the pitch with you, to learn from you, and to witness your greatness up close. Just to think you are not going to be in this dressing room makes me already really sad.

We will miss you a lot. You are the joy of life. I really appreciate the moments I had with you on and off the pitch. I’m sad to think that I’ve maybe already played my last game with you, but I will do everything to enjoy the last moments with you on the pitch.

Your legacy at Real Madrid will live forever. Thank you for everything — for your guidance, your friendship, and your magic. We will miss you. And I forgot to say—I will miss hearing all of your phone conversations."

Vinícius Jr., the 2024 FIFA The Best Player of the Year:

"It’s so difficult to say goodbye, Luka. We spent years sharing a dressing room with a legend. His history in Madrid is incomparable: 13 seasons, 28 titles, and all written with elegance, talent, and humility that taught me more than a thousand words.

Thank you for every advice, for your way of playing and also for your way of being. Your football was art. Your treatment with me, a gift. I learned by observing your passes with the outside (A LA LUKA MODRIĆ), but above all, I learned from your daily generosity. I’m going to miss you. Thank you for everything, Master. I love you very much."

Jude Bellingham:

"The only thing outweighing my sadness right now is the gratitude I feel for having had the honour of being your teammate. So many great memories on and off the pitch that I will treasure forever.

Your magic was never a surprise and there’s nothing I can say that hasn’t already been said about your incredible achievements—but your humility, openness, and the time you took for every single person in any circumstance has blown me away. You’re a constant reminder of everything that is beautiful about football.

Brate, from the bottom of my heart thank you for every pass (whether it was with the inside or outside), every dribble, every nutmeg, and every shot—but more meaningful to me, every chat, every hug, every dinner, and every piece of wisdom and advice that you gave. I will miss you."

Arda Güler, Real Madrid midfielder and Turkey international:

"Luka abi, everything you did in this jersey wrote a story that inspires the dreams of everyone who loves football. You are a living legend. It was an honor to play alongside you and learn from you.

Getting your advice about the game and life, witnessing your passion, ambition, and character was truly incredible. Good luck to you and your beautiful family for what’s next. I love you and I’ll miss being with you on the pitch. Following in your footsteps is a responsibility I’ll carry with pride and honor. Thank you for everything, big brother."

Kylian Mbappé on Instagram:

"Brate,

I was lucky enough to be able to play and share the locker room with you this season. I saw up close what GREATNESS really means...

Before being one of the best players of all time, you are a wonderful person.

You wrote the history of the best club in the world for more than a decade and won everything.

But you won something that has no price: the respect and the admiration of the world.

Thank you for everything.

LEGEND."

David Alaba, Real Madrid defender:

"Brate!! Luka Modrić ‘Magic’ — one of the greatest to ever do it. It’s been an absolute honour to share the pitch with you these past four seasons.

What a privilege to call you a teammate—and even more, a brother. We’ve created memories that will stay with me forever—from unforgettable nights in the Champions League to lifting trophies in front of our fans.

You always showed up when it mattered most, with your class, calm, and that signature bit of magic that only you can deliver.

But beyond the football, it’s who you are as a person that stands out the most. Humble, genuine, a true leader and inspiration to all of us.

You brought joy and wisdom into the dressing room every single day. You will be deeply missed, Legend.

Volim te, brate."

Zinedine Zidane, former Real Madrid player and coach:

"After taking over Real Madrid, I realized how the '10' became a completely ordinary jersey. However, it must be worn by a special player—a model of excellence that everyone looks up to, the player everyone wants to become.

I stood in front of the dressing room and asked the players who they thought should wear it. It will belong to a player who almost never makes a mistake on the pitch and who you look to when the key games get difficult, the one you all look for, the one you all want to pass the ball to. When I finished, everyone was looking at Luka Modrić."

Endrick on Instagram:

"Arriving at Real Madrid and being able to play by your side was a great honor for me! Thank you for everything, LEGEND!"

Croatia national team head coach Zlatko Dalić:

"Luka is one of the best stories in the history of football, when we look at where he came from and where he has come to.

On Saturday, a packed Santiago Bernabéu will see him off as one of the greatest players that Real Madrid fans have ever seen in the jersey of the most successful club in the world, which is an incredible scenario for a little boy from the hinterland of Zadar in our little Croatia.

All these successes, trophies, respect from teammates, coaches, opponents and fans around the world—all the compliments, praise and admiration—Luka Modrić has earned it all with his work, his personality and character.

His football talent is exceptional, but his passion for football and winning, his willingness to sacrifice himself for the team, his vision and his head have made him the Ballon d'Or and a great figure in world football.

We will all support him in the new stage of his football journey—whatever Luka chooses. Of course, I see him as the captain of our national team in the coming period, all the way to the World Cup, which I believe we will win together."

Rodrygo on Instagram:

"Papa… today is a very sad day for me and Madridistas, knowing that soon we will no longer have you on the pitch with the #10.

It's hard to put into words how much you mean to me since joining this club. I learned from you on and off the field. Your class, leadership, and grit marked me forever.

Thank you for every step, advice, and help. It was a dream to share all these years by your side.

Enjoy this new stage, LEGEND! I love you."

Carlo Ancelotti:

"Luka Modrić has been an example for everyone. He is a legend. He's been able to mix his quality with his soul. This is why he is a legend. A player with just quality is not a legend."

Modrić has played 590 matches for Real Madrid. He holds the ninth-most appearances for a Los Blancos player and is the second foreign player with the most appearances for the European giants.