Luka Modric and Carlo Ancelotti have cemented their legacies as Real Madrid icons in the 21st century, playing pivotal roles in one of the most successful eras in club history. With both the player and the manager set to depart, Modric and Ancelotti delivered heartfelt farewell messages to the Santiago Bernabeu faithful.
The La Liga clash against Real Sociedad was not significant in terms of title implications, but it marked the emotional goodbye of two club legends. In front of a packed Bernabeu, both Ancelotti and Modric were serenaded by fans throughout the match.
In the 37th minute, when Madrid were awarded a penalty, chants erupted across the stadium urging Kylian Mbappe to let Modric take it. However, with the Golden Boot still on the line, the French striker stepped up and converted the spot kick. Modric showed no resentment—joining in the celebration with a smile.
Late in the match, in the 87th minute, Ancelotti subbed Modric off, giving fans one final chance to applaud the Croatian maestro. As he left the pitch, both Real Madrid and Real Sociedad players formed a guard of honor. At the end of the corridor, Modric was greeted by longtime midfield partner Toni Kroos—marking a symbolic moment of farewell.
Carlo Ancelotti’s final words as Real Madrid manager
After the 2–0 win, Ancelotti took the microphone at midfield to deliver an emotional farewell: “Good afternoon. You shouldn’t think it’s so easy to speak today. It has been an honor, it has been a pleasure to coach this club, this team. First, I want to thank my dear president, Florentino (Perez). It has been fantastic—thank you for these moments.
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“It’s been extraordinary to experience this with you, it’s been an unforgettable story because no one can forget Karim’s three goals against PSG, no one can forget Rodrygo’s two against City or Luka’s assist. And no one can forget Joselu’s two goals. And I also can’t forget every day I’ve spent here. And I’ll finish with: Hala Madrid y nada más (Hala Madrid and nothing else). I love you all very much,” concluded Ancelotti.
Luka Modric’s farewell message to the Bernabeu
Following Ancelotti, Modric took center stage to address the fans one last time: “The moment I never wanted to come has arrived, but it’s been a long and wonderful journey. First, I want to thank the club, president Florentino Perez. I want to thank all the coaches over all these years, the teammates who were with me, and the people who helped me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“To my family too—without them, this would have been impossible. We’ve won a lot, we’ve had wonderful moments, many trophies here, but the greatest trophy I’ve won is the love you’ve given me all these years. There are no words to thank you for everything you’ve given me. I want to share a phrase I saw and really liked: Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. Hala Madrid y nada más,” Modric ended, filled with emotion.
Both Ancelotti and Modric are expected to part ways with the club in the coming weeks—Ancelotti is set to take over as Brazil’s national team head coach, while Modric will remain with the team through the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup before officially departing in July. For Real Madrid fans, Sunday’s tribute served as a proper send-off to two of the most influential figures in the club’s modern history.
