(foto: Uradni FB/TW/IG profil igralca)
Luka Modrić is nearing the end of his Real Madrid chapter—and with a simple yet powerful gesture, he may have just revealed who he believes should lead Los Blancos into the future.
Luka Modrić might be playing his final weeks in a Real Madrid shirt, but the Croatian legend made sure to leave a message on the pitch—one not spoken, but clearly seen. In the 80th minute of Madrid’s dramatic clash against Athletic Bilbao, as he made his way off the field, Modrić told Brahim Diaz to hand the captain’s armband not to a veteran like Courtois or Rüdiger, but to Federico Valverde.
Valverde, who later scored a last-minute winner to give Real all three points, proudly wore the armband—an emotional sign of trust from a club icon. The moment was caught on camera and quickly spread across social media, sparking excitement among fans who see Valverde as a perfect embodiment of the club’s identity.
Valverde, a fan favorite and locker room leader, has long been admired for his relentless energy, humble character, and deep emotional connection with the club. Signed from Peñarol in 2016 for just €5 million, the Uruguayan worked his way through Castilla to become a key part of Madrid’s midfield evolution.
“Give it to Fede,” Modrić reportedly told Diaz—and the Uruguayan didn’t disappoint, sealing the win with a screamer in the 93rd minute.
With legends like Benzema and Kroos already gone, and Modrić expected to follow this summer, Real Madrid is entering a new chapter. If this moment is anything to go by, the future will be led by Fede Valverde.