Luka Modrić has officially announced the end of a glorious era. The 39-year-old Croatian midfielder confirmed this Thursday, May 23, that he will leave Real Madrid after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, and that this Saturday's LaLiga match against Real Sociedad (14:15 GMT) will be his final game at the Santiago Bernabéu.

In an emotional letter shared on his social media accounts, the Ballon d'Or winner bid farewell:

“The moment has come. The moment I never wanted to arrive, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end... On Saturday, I will play my last game at the Santiago Bernabéu,” wrote Modrić, alongside a photo in the iconic white shirt.

A True Legend of the Game

Modrić joined Los Blancos in the summer of 2012 from Tottenham Hotspur, and became a cornerstone of the club's golden era. His trophy haul is unmatched:

• 6 UEFA Champions Leagues
• 6 FIFA Club World Cups
• 5 UEFA Super Cups
• 4 LaLiga titles
• 2 Copa del Rey trophies
• 5 Spanish Super Cups

In 2018, he broke the long-standing Messi-Ronaldo duopoly by winning the Ballon d’Or, following a stellar season with Real Madrid and a historic run to the World Cup final with Croatia.

Beyond the numbers and silverware, Modrić has been a symbol of class, consistency, and quiet leadership.

Real Madrid’s Official Statement

Shortly after Modrić's personal message, Real Madrid issued an official release confirming his departure following the Club World Cup:

Official Statement: Modrić
"Real Madrid C.F. and our captain Luka Modrić have agreed to end an unforgettable chapter at the conclusion of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the United States.

Luka Modrić is one of the greatest legends of our club and of world football.

In 13 seasons, he has won 28 trophies, making him the most decorated player in our 123-year history.

Individually, he won the 2018 Ballon d’Or, FIFA The Best, UEFA Player of the Year, and has been part of the FIFA FIFPro World XI six times.

With 590 appearances and 43 goals for Real Madrid, he is also Croatia’s most capped player with 186 international appearances and the 2018 World Cup Golden Ball.

President Florentino Pérez stated: “Luka Modrić will forever remain in the hearts of every Madridista. His legacy will last forever.”

The Final Farewell at the Bernabéu

This Saturday, May 25, the Santiago Bernabéu will host a historic and emotional farewell. On the final day of the LaLiga 2024/25 season, Modrić will be honored by fans for his legendary contributions.

After that, he will travel with the squad to the United States for the Club World Cup, where he will officially end his time at Real Madrid — leaving behind a legacy that will be impossible to replicate.