Modric's Tearful Real Madrid Goodbye as Legendary Career Ends in Heartbreaking Defeat

Luka Modrić played his last match for Real Madrid during their crushing 4–0 loss against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semifinals.

Following an extraordinary 13-season journey wearing the white jersey, Modrić said his goodbyes to Real Madrid at MetLife Stadium. The Ballon d'Or recipient had already been given a fitting farewell ceremony along with Carlo Ancelotti and Lucas Vázquez at Santiago Bernabéu in May, yet he remained with Los Blancos throughout the summer before his official departure from the club.

Modrić came on as a substitute in each game during Real Madrid's Club World Cup run, accumulating 119 minutes total in the expanded tournament format while his departure remained imminent.

In what turned out to be his concluding appearance for Real Madrid, the 39-year-old veteran watched helplessly from the sidelines as his squad made two crucial defensive mistakes, falling behind 2–0 within the opening nine minutes against the reigning European titleholders.

When Modrić entered the match in the 64th minute, Real Madrid was already down 3–0 with minimal chances of mounting a recovery. Despite the overwhelming deficit and his brief playing time, the Croatian midfielder only misplaced a single pass, won every duel he contested, and took charge of Los Blancos' set piece situations.

When the referee's final whistle confirmed a 4–0 loss for the Spanish powerhouse, both Real Madrid's Club World Cup journey and Modrić's era in white concluded simultaneously.

Teammates from both Real Madrid and PSG surrounded the midfielder as he experienced his final moments as a Real Madrid player. He had an especially touching exchange with former colleague and current manager Xabi Alonso at the center of the pitch.

Modrić departs with an extraordinary legacy at Real Madrid. The midfielder, who accumulated nearly 600 appearances in the white kit, holds the record as the most successful player in the club's history and leaves the Spanish capital carrying six Champions League trophies.

The Real Madrid legend's next destination is AC Milan, where he will begin a fresh chapter in his illustrious career.