Few footballing journeys mirror the grit and grace of Luka Modric’s. When he made the move from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid in 2012, the spotlight brought more scrutiny than celebration. Early struggles with form and limited minutes led many to question whether the Croatian was suited for a club of such magnitude. The verdict from fans and media was damning—by the end of his first year, Modric was infamously labelled La Liga’s most underwhelming signing in a popular fan poll.
But Modric, quiet and unassuming off the pitch, let his feet do the talking. As seasons unfolded, so did his mastery of midfield play. The once-criticised signing turned into Real Madrid’s creative heartbeat. His composure under pressure, ability to dictate tempo, and signature outside-of-the-foot passes—often referred to as the trivela—became trademarks of a side that conquered Europe multiple times. He became the steady hand in moments of chaos, architecting crucial plays and delivering when it mattered most.
A look at Modric’s iconic trivela
The architect of a dynasty
Modric’s turning point came not just through titles, but through moments that defined matches. He was the quiet initiator behind some of Real Madrid’s most iconic Champions League victories—like the 2014 final, where his late-game corner helped spark a last-gasp equaliser that turned the tide. Or in 2017, when his clever pass led to the decisive goal in another European final.
His brilliance peaked in 2018. After spearheading Croatia’s run to their first-ever World Cup final and guiding Madrid to a historic third consecutive Champions League title, Modric earned football’s highest individual honour—the Ballon d’Or. In doing so, he ended a ten-year stretch where only Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the prize. But it wasn’t just a trophy—it was a symbol of years of quiet dominance.
Thirteen seasons, nearly 600 appearances, and 28 major trophies later, Modric is set to bow out. His farewell begins with Real Madrid’s final home game of the season, followed by the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup—his last dance in white. Yet numbers only tell part of the story. Modric stood for much more than just accolades: he was a leader by example, a master of his craft, and a player admired far beyond Madrid.
Modric’s Real Madrid trophy cabinet
Champions League – 6 titles
Years: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2021–22, 2023–24
La Liga – 4 titles
Years: 2016–17, 2019–20, 2021–22, 2023–24
Copa del Rey – 2 titles
Years: 2013–14, 2022–23
Spanish Super Cup – 5 titles
Years: 2012–13, 2017–18, 2019–20, 2021–22, 2023–24
UEFA Super Cup – 5 titles
Years: 2014–15, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2022–23, 2024–25
FIFA Club World Cup – 5 titles
Years: 2014–15, 2016–17, 2018–19, 2022–23, 2024–25
FIFA Intercontinental Cup – 1 title
Year: 2024–25
Saying goodbye to a modern great
As he prepares to leave, the Santiago Bernabeu readies itself for a heartfelt send-off. Supporters won’t just remember the trophies; they’ll remember the passes threaded through impossible angles, the tireless pressing in midfield, and the humility with which he wore the crest.
Even Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid’s record goalscorer and Modric’s longtime teammate, acknowledged the moment. In a touching farewell online, he celebrated the Croatian’s Real Madrid career and reflected on their shared triumphs.
Modric’s exit closes a golden chapter for the club. The iconic trio of Casemiro, Kroos, and Modric—perhaps the most balanced midfield unit of modern football—is no more. But what Modric leaves behind is far greater than silverware: it’s a legacy of perseverance, intelligence, and class.
From being doubted as La Liga’s worst signing to walking away as one of its most decorated players, Luka Modric’s journey stands as a tribute to resilience, reinvention, and greatness.
