Kylian Mbappé has paid an emotional tribute to Luka Modrić, describing the Croatian icon as the embodiment of greatness in a farewell message following the midfielder’s departure from Real Madrid.
In a heartfelt letter shared on social media, Mbappé, who is of Cameroonian and Algerian heritage, reflected on the privilege of playing alongside Modrić and witnessing his influence up close.
The French forward joined Real Madrid at the end of the 2024/25 season and spent a brief time with the 38-year-old playmaker, who is leaving the club after an illustrious career spanning more than a decade.
“I was lucky enough to be able to play and share the locker room with you this season,” Mbappé wrote.
“I saw closer what GREATNESS really means… Besides being one of the best players of all time, you are a wonderful person.”
Modrić, who joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, won multiple La Liga titles, UEFA Champions League trophies, and the Ballon d’Or in 2018.
His departure marks the end of an era at the Santiago Bernabéu.
“You wrote the history of the best club in the world for more than a decade and won everything,” Mbappé continued.
“But you won something that has no price: the respect and the admiration of the world.”
“Thank you for everything, LEGEND,” the message concluded, summing up the reverence Modrić commands not only among teammates but across the global football community.
