In a poignant and emotional evening at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid bid farewell to two iconic figures — manager Carlo Ancelotti and midfield maestro Luka Modrić — as they oversaw a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad. The match, illuminated by a brace from Kylian Mbappé, served as the perfect send-off for two of the most decorated individuals in the club’s history.
A Night of Farewells: Bernabéu Pays Tribute
Saturday night’s LaLiga fixture against Real Sociedad became much more than a routine league encounter. It transformed into a heartfelt tribute to Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modrić, whose imminent departures were confirmed earlier in the week. After the final whistle, thousands of fans rose in unison to salute the legends, with banners, chants, and tears flooding the Bernabéu.
Ancelotti, visibly emotional, addressed the crowd: “It’s been an honour, a pleasure to coach this club. It’s an unforgettable story. Crying isn’t a problem — it’s normal to cry on a day like this.” Modrić, who spent 13 seasons with Madrid, echoed the sentiment. “The moment I never wanted to come has arrived,” he told the fans. “But don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
Ancelotti: Madrid’s Most Decorated Manager Says Goodbye
Carlo Ancelotti leaves Real Madrid having etched his name indelibly in the club’s history. With 15 trophies across two spells, he departs as the most decorated manager in the club’s storied annals. His farewell comes amid a transitional period for Madrid, after a trophy-less season saw the club lose out to Barcelona domestically and exit the Champions League at the quarterfinal stage.
Despite the lack of silverware this term, Ancelotti’s legacy remains untarnished. From Benzema’s hat-trick against PSG to Rodrygo’s brace against Manchester City and Joselu’s semifinal heroics versus Bayern Munich, Ancelotti highlighted these moments as hallmarks of his time at the helm. He now moves on to take charge of Brazil’s national team, leaving behind a legacy built on resilience, humility, and tactical brilliance.
Modrić: A Midfield Magician Departs After 28 Trophies
Luka Modrić, 39, exits the club as one of its most influential and beloved players. His record-breaking 28 trophies, including six Champions League titles and four LaLiga crowns, speak volumes about his contributions. But more than silverware, Modrić won the hearts of Madridistas worldwide with his elegance, consistency, and passion.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV, Modrić said, “My biggest trophy is the affection and love from the Real Madrid fans. From day one until today, that’s what I’ll remember.” Modrić will officially leave after the Club World Cup in the United States, ending a golden era of midfield mastery alongside the likes of Toni Kroos and Casemiro. His emotional reflections on the team’s 2022 Champions League comeback against PSG stood out as his defining moment in white.
A Bright Send-Off: Mbappé Shines in Final Bernabéu Appearance for Duo
In fitting fashion, Madrid’s new star, Kylian Mbappé, stepped up to mark the occasion with two goals — one in each half — against Real Sociedad. His performance not only sealed the win but symbolized a passing of the torch to a new generation. With Ancelotti and Modrić bidding adieu, Mbappé’s brilliance offered fans a glimpse of the club’s future potential.
Mbappé’s goals ensured that the evening ended in celebration rather than sorrow. As the Bernabéu crowd chanted Modrić’s name and cheered Ancelotti’s final wave, Madrid’s commitment to both honoring its past and building its future was on full display. The emotion on the pitch was matched only by the pride and gratitude in the stands.
What’s Next: Xabi Alonso Era and Club World Cup Preparations
Real Madrid has already begun planning for the future. Former midfield great Xabi Alonso is expected to be announced soon as Ancelotti’s successor. The club is also strengthening its squad ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S., with the confirmed signing of defender Dean Huijsen and reported interest in Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Benfica’s Álvaro Carreras.
Madrid’s journey continues on June 18 when they face Al Hilal in Miami. While a new chapter begins under Alonso, the legacies of Ancelotti and Modrić will loom large. Their names are now woven into the fabric of Real Madrid — not just for the trophies they won, but for the indelible memories they gifted to generations of fans.
