Is Luka Modric saying goodbye to Real Madrid? What Ancelotti and Florentino Pérez said
Exactly a year ago, the decisive meeting between Luka Modrić and Florentino Pérez took place—give or take a day—around May 15. The major difference is that last season, there had been previous talks outlining the Croatian’s possible extension. This time, there has been no conversation, no exchange of words, nothing.
It’s typical of Real Madrid to let these situations play out until the last minute. Nacho renewed after the final match of the 22–23 season against Athletic, going from almost leaving to signing for one more year after a hallway conversation with the president. While players’ contracts include a clause with a date from which the deal is considered expired, in truth, everything is typically settled through a personal discussion. That’s what happened a year ago with Lucas Vázquez.
Luka Modrić has no doubts—he wants to continue. One more season, then the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., and finally, a farewell to elite football. He’s willing to accept new contract terms, but he’s still waiting to hear from the club, which is beginning to make him question things. In the coming days—or even hours—he’s expected to meet with Florentino Pérez, and everything will be resolved, for better or worse.
Ancelotti on Modrić’s future
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press after Real Madrid’s win over Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. Already out of the title race, Madrid earned a routine win against a side that finished with nine men. Mbappé and Bellingham scored the goals.
“It was a tough match to manage because of the atmosphere. We had the advantage with the two red cards. We wanted the three points. It took a great effort,” said Ancelotti. On Modrić’s future, he added: “Everyone knows how much Madridistas love Luka. They’ll have the time they need to make the right decision—for the club and for him.”
When asked about the youth players—eight of whom debuted this season—he said: “They have to follow the example of Carvajal, Lucas, or Nacho. Fight hard and dream of making it at Real Madrid. Asencio, Gonzalo, and Víctor did great. Raúl has done a fantastic job, dealing with many injuries but still getting the best out of the team.”
Closing in on 70 matches this season
Thanks to his elite physical condition—no injuries all season—Modrić has played 54 games with Real Madrid and another eight with Croatia. He could surpass 70 official appearances in the 24–25 season, the highest total of his career—at age 39, which speaks volumes about his fitness. He’s playing fewer minutes, yes, but still making a major impact.
All Modrić thinks about is keeping his career going. He wants to reach the World Cup, and he wants to do it wearing the white jersey, even if it means making sacrifices. He’s fine with that. Weeks ago, the club’s leadership believed it was time to part ways, but they’re having second thoughts. They know how much Modrić means—both as a player and a symbol.
Before the match against Mallorca, some teammates and club members encouraged him to call Xabi Alonso, hoping a direct conversation could bring clarity. While that plays out, Modrić delivered yet another standout performance, providing the clarity and rhythm the team has lacked during many matches this season.