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| Luka Modric farewell match |
Luka Modric, one of the most iconic players in Real Madrid history, has revealed the match he will remember the most as he prepares to leave the Spanish giants this summer. The Croatian midfield maestro named Real Madrid's dramatic 3-1 comeback win over PSG in the second leg of the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 as his standout moment in a Los Blancos jersey.
The veteran midfielder played his final match at the Santiago Bernabéu on May 24, 2025, helping Real Madrid secure a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the final La Liga fixture of the 2024-25 season.
🗣️ Luka Modric Reflects on Iconic Champions League Night vs PSG
In a post-match interview following the win over Real Sociedad, Modric was asked which match stood out the most during his legendary spell at the club. Speaking via Madrid Xtra, he said:
“One game to remember? Difficult, but I’d say the one vs PSG. That was incredible. I said we would have won the Champions League if we had won that tie.”
That unforgettable night at the Bernabéu saw Real Madrid overturn a 2-0 aggregate deficit. After losing the first leg 1-0 in Paris—courtesy of a late Kylian Mbappe goal—PSG took a commanding lead in the return leg when Mbappe scored again in the 39th minute.
But the tide turned in the second half, when Karim Benzema scored a sensational hat-trick within 17 minutes, sending the Spanish giants through to the quarter-finals with a 3-2 aggregate win. Real Madrid would go on to win the Champions League that season, cementing their dominance in Europe.
🎥 Fans Pay Heartfelt Tribute to Modric at Santiago Bernabéu Farewell
Real Madrid fans gave Luka Modric a hero's send-off in what could be his last appearance at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Croatian, who has worn the No. 10 shirt with pride, received a standing ovation as he was subbed off in the 85th minute for Chema Andres.
Supporters unfurled a massive banner showing Modric encircled by a laurel wreath with the words:
"Thank you, legend."
A giant replica of a Real Madrid shirt with the number 10 also adorned the pitch. As he exited, the match was momentarily halted to allow players from both teams to form a guard of honor, marking a deeply emotional moment for fans and teammates alike.
Modric shared heartfelt embraces with his colleagues and was notably seen hugging Toni Kroos, who had retired the previous season.
🏆 Luka Modric: Real Madrid's Most Decorated Player
With 28 titles to his name, Luka Modric will leave the Spanish capital as Real Madrid's most decorated player. His illustrious career includes:
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5x UEFA Champions League titles
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4x La Liga championships
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5x FIFA Club World Cups
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Numerous individual accolades, including the Ballon d'Or in 2018
Modric will officially depart after the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, closing the chapter on one of the most successful careers in Real Madrid's storied history.
