Luka Modric Named Real Madrid Captain for Next Season: Leadership Changes Ahead
Luka Modric is set to take on the role of Real Madrid captain next season, as the club prepares for life without Nacho Fernandez, according to reports from Spain.
Nacho, currently representing Spain at Euro 2024, is anticipated to join Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah after his contract with Real Madrid expires. This move will end his 23-year tenure at Santiago Bernabeu, during which he made over 350 appearances and won 25 trophies, including last season’s La Liga title and a record-extending 15th Champions League crown.
Spanish journalist Miguel Angel Diaz has reported that Real Madrid has decided on its leadership structure for the upcoming season. Veteran midfielder Luka Modric, who signed a new one-year contract in June, will assume the captaincy. Dani Carvajal is expected to be the vice-captain, with Lucas Vazquez, Federico Valverde, Thibaut Courtois, and Vinicius Junior also part of the six-member leadership group. Vinicius Junior is widely regarded as a top contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Modric, who has been with Real Madrid for over a decade, is celebrated as one of the greatest midfielders in football history, alongside his partner Toni Kroos. Throughout his time at the club, Modric has won the Champions League six times, maintaining an unblemished record in finals, and secured four La Liga titles. Although his role has become more limited over the past year due to the wealth of talent available to coach Carlo Ancelotti, his experience remains invaluable.
Young talents like Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga are likely to be preferred in midfield, but Modric’s leadership will be crucial as the team prepares to integrate superstars Kylian Mbappe and Endrick next season.
Currently, Modric is competing with Croatia at Euro 2024, aiming to advance from a challenging group that includes Spain, Italy, and Albania. If Croatia fails to progress to the knockout stages, it could mark the end of Modric’s illustrious international career, which saw its pinnacle at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where Croatia reached the final after a stunning 2-1 victory over England.
For more updates on Real Madrid and Luka Modric, check out this celebs9ja.com article