Luka Modric: the silent genius who marked an era at Real Madrid
Luka Modric is leaving, and he is doing so like so many other legends of the club, with a certain indifference from the club and an expected and deserved renewal that never came.
But it is difficult for Florentino Pérez to agree to keep a 40-year-old player in the club's first team when those over 30 are already renewing their contracts year after year.
The Croatian midfielder, who joined Real Madrid in 2012 from Tottenham Hotspur, bids farewell to the club after 13 seasons full of success, but also discretion. At 39, Modric will become a free agent after the 2025 Club World Cup, closing a golden era in which he became the most decorated player in the history of the club, with 28 titles, including six Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles.
Since his arrival, Modric has stood out as a professional committed to his team and has maintained a low profile that has never caused any problems for Real Madrid. What's more, there has been little speculation about his contract renewals or his salary. His ability to balance the game and his tactical vision, almost like a coach on the pitch, were fundamental in midfield, especially during the era when he shared the midfield with Toni Kroos and Casemiro, forming a trio that led Real Madrid to dominate Europe.
Throughout his career at Real Madrid, Modric has played 590 games, scored 43 goals and provided 95 assists. His legacy includes unforgettable moments such as his assist to Sergio Ramos in the 2014 Champions League final in Lisbon. In 2018, he broke the hegemony of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by winning the Ballon d'Or, carving out a place for himself from midfield and establishing himself among the world's football greats.
Off the pitch, Modric has maintained a discreet private life. He is married to Vanja Bosnić and they have three children. His eldest daughter, Ema, has shown an interest in football and is following in her father's footsteps, attending his matches in Madrid whenever she can.
Despite his age, Modric has no plans to retire. His goal is to continue playing until the 2026 World Cup with the Croatian national team, which would be his fifth World Cup appearance. There is speculation about his future, with possible destinations in Italy's Serie A or even the MLS, where he could play alongside Lionel Messi. He could also follow in the footsteps of Rakitic, who has returned to Croatia to play for Hajduk Split.
With his departure, a glorious chapter in the club's history comes to a close, but Modric's legacy will live on in the shirts of many fans who will remember him as the silent genius who defined an era.
