Report: Luka Modrić, Real Madrid Agree to New Contract After Champions League Win

Real Madrid veteran midfielder Luka Modrić will return to Los Blancos for the 2024-25 season, according to multiple reports.

According to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, "The 38-year-old has accepted a lower salary as part of his new deal after taking on more of a secondary role at the club this season."

Modrić was called upon as a substitute during Real Madrid's 2-0 triumph over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday in the Champions League final, winning his sixth UCL title in the process.

Teammates Toni Kroos, Dani Carvajal and Nacho have been along for every one of those rides with Modrić and Los Blancos, with the trio now tied with former Real Madrid great Paco Gento for the most in history. Modrić, per Cortegana, is keen to surpass that mark.

Kroos is not, as he announced on Saturday that he will retire after the Euros this summer. Nacho's future at the club is currently unknown, while Cortegana reported that fullback Lucas Vázquez is set to sign a new deal and return to the club.

And then, of course, is the biggest piece of summer news for Real Madrid—the imminent signing of superstar forward Kylian Mbappé:

As for Modrić, his return keeps a veteran leader and experienced piece of midfield depth in place for Los Blancos, as they look to build upon a fantastic 2023-24 season that saw them win La Liga and Champions League. The UCL title has been claimed by Real Madrid more times than not since the 2013-14 season, with six triumphs in 11 years, an astonishing streak.

Modrić, 38, made 43 appearances between the two competitions this past season (21 starts), registering two goals and six assists. The future of Real Madrid's midfield is centered on superstar Jude Bellingham and players like Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga, but having Modrić available for at least one more year is a boon for Los Blancos.