This Saturday could be an emotional one at the Santiago Bernabéu, as Luka Modric—one of the greatest legends in the club’s history—may be playing his final match at home in a Real Madrid shirt. At 39 years old, the Croatian maestro is still waiting for a contract renewal that, as of now, seems unlikely to arrive.

End of a Golden Era

According to Cadena COPE, the club has not planned to offer an extension, despite Modric’s desire to stay for one more season. The decision reportedly lies not with Xabi Alonso, who is set to take over as head coach next season, but rather with Florentino Pérez and the club’s board.

While Alonso could express his support, his role in decision-making—like Carlo Ancelotti’s before him—would be consultative, not final. The current view within the club is that Modric’s cycle is nearing its conclusion and that the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup could serve as a fitting farewell.

A Legacy Like No Other

Since arriving in 2012, Modric has made 590 appearances, winning an incredible 28 trophies:

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

He famously won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, breaking the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly after leading Madrid to European glory and Croatia to a World Cup final.

Despite starting the current campaign as a backup, Modric found himself increasingly involved due to injuries and midfield instability. He’s registered 4 goals and 9 assists in 56 matches, a remarkable return for a player nearing 40 years old.

One Final Show?

The match against Real Sociedad could be his final curtain call at the Bernabéu. Alongside him, the night might also mark the farewells of Carlo Ancelotti, Lucas Vázquez, and Jesús Vallejo, signaling the end of an era at the club.

Modric has always dreamed of retiring as a Madridista, but unless Florentino Pérez and Xabi Alonso move quickly to renew his deal, the Bernabéu may soon have to say goodbye to the midfield genius who defined a generation.

Madridistas… are you ready to let go of Luka Modric?