Spanish club Real Madrid announced a one-year contract extension for Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, keeping him at Santiago Bernabeu until 2025.
The veteran player, aged 38 and a Ballon d’Or recipient, secured his sixth UEFA Champions League title last season, in addition to his fourth La Liga title with Real Madrid.
Modric’s previous contract ended at the close of the 2023-2024 season, but “the Maestro” informed fans he would return next season during their Champions League victory celebrations.
No player has won more titles with Real Madrid than Modric, who has lifted 26 trophies since joining the royal team in 2012.
It was widely expected that the veteran player would retire, especially after his midfield partner Toni Kroos (34 years old) announced his retirement at the end of the season.
Modric also does not plan to retire from international play despite Croatia’s early exit from the recently concluded European Championship, where they were eliminated in the group stage.
Modric, who has played 178 international matches with Croatia, said: “I would like to continue playing forever, but there will likely come a time when I must retire. I will keep playing, but I do not know how long I will continue on the field.”
Luka Modric, renowned for his midfield prowess, has had a remarkable career with both club and country. His journey with Real Madrid has been especially distinguished, marked by numerous titles including multiple UEFA Champions League trophies and La Liga championships. Notably, his performance in 2018 led to him winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or, breaking the decade-long dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in that category. This accolade was in recognition of his contributions to Real Madrid’s third consecutive Champions League title and Croatia’s runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup.
At the international level, Modric has been a stalwart for the Croatian national team, participating in several UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups. His leadership was pivotal in Croatia’s surprising run to the 2018 World Cup Final. Despite his age, Modric continues to play a crucial role in both his club and national team, demonstrating his enduring skill and importance to the sport.
