Mbappé’s Heartfelt 5-Word Tribute to Luka Modrić as Real Madrid Legend Bids Farewell
In an emotional moment that has left football fans around the world in awe, Luka Modrić, one of Real Madrid’s greatest-ever players, officially said goodbye to the club after 13 illustrious years. The Croatian midfielder’s final home game at the Santiago Bernabéu on May 24, 2025, against Real Sociedad marked the end of an era, as the 39-year-old prepares to depart following the FIFA Club World Cup. Amid the outpouring of tributes from teammates, coaches, and fans, it was Kylian Mbappé’s powerful five-word message that captured hearts and headlines: “You are a wonderful person.”
Modrić, who joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 for €35 million, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy. With 591 appearances, 43 goals, and 95 assists, he has been the heartbeat of Real Madrid’s midfield, helping the club secure 28 titles, including six Champions League trophies and four La Liga titles. His final home match, a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad, saw Mbappé score both goals, but the spotlight was firmly on Modrić’s emotional farewell. The game paused in the 87th minute for a standing ovation as Modrić was substituted, joined by his family on the pitch in a tear-jerking moment that moved even club president Florentino Perez to tears.
In his farewell speech, Modrić delivered words that left fans in disbelief for their humility and grace: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Reflecting on his time at the club, he highlighted the 2018 Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain as his favorite moment, prophetically stating that winning that match would lead to European glory—which it did. His speech encapsulated the elegance and humility that have defined his career, earning praise from teammates and rivals alike.
Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid’s new talisman, took to Instagram to share his admiration for his departing teammate. In a heartfelt post, the French superstar wrote, “Brate, I was lucky enough to be able to play and share the locker room with you this season. I saw closer what GREATNESS really means… Before being one of the best players of all time, you are a wonderful person. You wrote the history of the best club in the world.” Mbappé’s five-word tribute—“You are a wonderful person”—stood out for its simplicity and sincerity, resonating deeply with fans who have long admired Modrić’s character as much as his skill.
The match itself was a fitting send-off, with Mbappé’s brace securing the win and virtually clinching the European Golden Boot with 31 La Liga goals in his debut season. Yet, the occasion was overshadowed by the emotional weight of Modrić’s departure, alongside that of manager Carlo Ancelotti and teammate Lucas Vazquez. Ancelotti, who is set to take over as Brazil’s national team coach, also received a warm farewell, with the Italian describing the moment as more emotional than winning the Champions League.
Tributes poured in from across the football world. Former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo wrote, “Thanks for everything, Luka. It was an honor to share so many moments with you at the club.” Vinícius Jr. echoed the sentiment, saying, “Your history in Madrid is incomparable: 13 seasons, 28 titles, and all written with elegance, talent, and a humility that taught me more than a thousand words.” Even former midfield partner Toni Kroos and current teammate Dani Carvajal joined in, with Carvajal noting, “I’ve seen you do everything in this shirt… and always with a humility that only the truly great possess.”
Modrić’s departure marks the end of a golden era for Real Madrid, with the club now transitioning under new manager Xabi Alonso. As fans process the loss of a player who “won something that has no price: the respect and admiration of the world,” Mbappé’s words serve as a poignant reminder of Modrić’s enduring impact both on and off the pitch.
