Real Madrid legends Luka Modric and Carlo Ancelotti both gave emotional farewells in front of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd following the final La Liga game of the season.
Modric is being moved on as part of a rebuild under incoming coach Xabi Alonso, while Ancelotti is leaving to take over as Brazil head coach for the 2026 World Cup.
Both were given tifos held up by the crowd throughout Madrid’s 2-0 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday afternoon.
Modric was given a guard of honour by both teams after being subbed off in the latter stages of the game, with the Croatian midfielder met by former Madrid team-mate Toni Kroos at the touchline.
After the match, both Modric and Ancelotti gave speeches to the crowd, with the former saying: “The moment I didn’t want has arrived. I won many trophies, but the greatest trophy I take home is your love over all these years.
“I’ll end with a phrase I really like: Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. Hala Madrid and nothing else.”
Don’t cry because it’s over.
Smile because it happened. pic.twitter.com/WdSHJZX2Yf
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 24, 2025
Modric will remain with Madrid for the Club World Cup, before deciding whether to find a new team or retire.
He added: “One last dance at the Club World Cup. We will give everything to bring the trophy here and celebrate with our people. Ending my Real Madrid career with that title would be amazing.”
Ancelotti was seen in tears at full-time, as was club president Florentino Perez.
Speaking into the microphone, Ancelotti said: “First of all, I want to thank my dear president, Florentino Perez. It’s been fantastic, thank you for these moments.
“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 end with Hala Madrid and nothing else. I love you all.”
