ANALYSIS – At 39 years old, Luka Modric continues to write the history of Real Madrid with the same class and efficiency. Having become the oldest player to score in the white jersey in January 2025, the Croatian embodies a model of longevity and excellence. In a luxury joker role, he still establishes himself as an indispensable pillar of Carlo Ancelotti, ready to illuminate the major events of this season.
Thirteen years after his arrival in the Spanish capital, Luka Modric remains an essential figure at Real Madrid. Despite reduced playing time this season (28 appearances, including 12 starts and 1,183 minutes played), the Croatian magician proves that he can still make the difference.
His decisive equalizer against Valencia, which also made him the oldest scorer in the club’s history (39 years and 116 days), illustrates how he remains a crucial asset for his team.
The choice to extend last summer until 2025, despite lucrative requests from Saudi Arabia, was risky. However, Modric accepted a pay cut to continue wearing the white jersey.
A bet that paid off, both for him and for Real Madrid, who can still count on his experience and leadership in a season full of challenges. His decision to extend reflects his loyalty to the club, where he has now won 27 trophies, a record in Madrid history.
Ancelotti, a faithful among the faithful of Luka Modric
Carlo Ancelotti has never hidden his admiration for Luka Modric. If Florentino Pérez plans to use the Croatian more sparingly, the Italian coach remains convinced of his importance on the pitch and in the locker room.
Modric is much more than a joker: he is a mentor to youngsters like Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, a model of discipline and a natural leader.
Even with fewer minutes, his impact is undeniable. Coming into play at Mestalla, in a crucial moment, and providing a saving goal is typical of Modric’s greatness. “I am always there to help the team,” he confided humbly after the meeting.
Recently, he has played a key role in supporting the progression of new generations, offering his experience and vision of the game to promising talents like Camavinga and Bellingham. His influence extends beyond the pitch: Modric inspires with his consistency, hard work and love of football.
Luka Modric during the Villarreal reception on October 5, on the ninth day of La Liga (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images).
A decisive second part of the season
With crucial deadlines to come – Spanish Super Cup Final, Copa del Rey, Club World Cup, without forgetting the Champions League – Luka Modric could be one of the architects of Madrid’s success. His role as a luxury joker, far from diminishing his aura, seems perfectly suited to his current qualities.
His notable absence during the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup against Mallorca, due to flu, showed to what extent his team still relies on him in important moments. Modric is not just a player from the past, he is still a key part of the present and, who knows, maybe the near future.
If this season were to be his last in the white jersey, it already promises to be a new glorious page in his legendary career. But nothing has been decided yet: its extension until 2025 leaves open the possibility of new exploits. In Madrid as elsewhere, Luka Modric’s contribution continues to inspire respect and admiration.
Wachim Benlakehal
