Luka Modrić, one of Real Madrid’s greatest midfielders, made his final appearance for the Spanish club in a solemn 4–0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain during the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final.
Though the result was harsh, Modrić’s brief cameo turned the spotlight from the scoreboard to sentiment. Entering the field in the 64th minute, the 39-year-old played with the grace and precision that defined his illustrious career, neatly distributing the ball and leading set pieces with poise.
PSG dominated the match early, scoring three goals in the first 24 minutes through Fabian Ruiz and Ousmane Dembélé, with Gonçalo Ramos adding the fourth late in the game. Yet the story of the night centred around Modrić, who received heartfelt tributes from teammates, opposition players, and manager Xabi Alonso, his former midfield partner.
This marked the true farewell for Modrić, who previously received a send-off at Santiago Bernabéu in May. With nearly 600 appearances, 28 trophies, and 13 years of service, his legacy at Madrid remains untouchable.
He leaves not with another medal, but with enduring respect, admiration, and the love of fans across the globe.
