Luka Modric's top five goals for Real Madrid

After serving Los Blancos for over a decade and orchestrating the midfield alongside the likes of Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez to the likes of the new crop of players like Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, the Real Madrid faithful Luka Modric is all set to depart from the club at the end of the 2024/25 season. This is just not the end of an era for Real Madrid but for modern football as well. He was not just a maestro but he was the heartbeat of a generation, a leader by example, and an artist in motion. 

Known for the vision, composure, and passing range that is unparalleled, the Croatian has delivered some of the unforgettable goals. These moments are not just about conducting the play but about finishing with exquisite brilliance. In this article, we shall look at the goals that span across his early days at the club to the final season, while reflecting the evolution from playmaker to legend. 

Here are Luka Modric’s top five goals for Real Madrid: 

1. Real Madrid vs Real Zaragoza (2012/13) - Early goal gives Luka Modric the confidence

The goal came in the early days of Luka Modric, who was still proving his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur and silencing his doubters. Against Real Zaragoza, he picked up the ball outside the box, took a subtle touch to open space, and unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike. The ball just passed through all the defenders to hit the top corner of the net. It was nothing but pure power and intent. This goal was a defining moment in the first season of the player at the club. The Santiago Bernabeu roared with approval, sensing that something special had just begun. This wasn’t just a goal; it was Modric’s statement of intent.

2. Real Madrid vs Mallorca (2012/13) - A banger to silence the critics

After a grand start to his first season, Luka Modric delivered one more long ranger against Mallorca. In a closely fought encounter, the Croatian central midfielder stepped onto the ball outside the box and struck it cleanly with the right foot. The ball just severed past defenders and dipped just under the bar. It was a textbook strike of the midfielder. His incoming pace, balanced and powerful approach with confidence shining through made the goal come through. When the game was tied 2-2, this goal put the side ahead in the game. This was the moment Modric began to shift from playmaker to clutch contributor.

3. Real Madrid vs Deportivo (2017/18) - A moment of sublime quality

In a game where Cristiano Ronaldo stole most of the headlines, Modric produced a moment of inspiration. After a quick pass laid off by Cristiano Ronaldo, Modric struck a first-time curler from the edge of the box. The ball glided into the net with effortless elegance. The crowd rose in appreciation, not just for the goal, but for the way Modric had intercepted the play and positioned himself perfectly to finish it with grace. It was not just a golazo; it was an example of Modric’s ability to elevate moments with minimal touches.

4. Manchester United vs Real Madrid (2012/13) - A goal to stage the comeback

This was the night when the player truly arrived on the European stage for Real Madrid. Trailing at Old Trafford after Sergio Ramos’ own goal at the start of the second half, Luka Modrić started the comeback for his side by scoring a goal. He picked up the ball outside the box and curled an unstoppable strike past David de Gea. This silenced the Manchester United crowd and changed the momentum of the tie. It was more than a wonder strike as it was a turning point in Modric’s career. From that night onwards, no critic questioned what he brought to the side. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the second to take home the game.

5. Real Madrid vs Sevilla (2023/24) - A late goal to win the game

An iconic moment in the history of Santiago Bernabeu, Luka Modric scored a crucial goal against Sevilla to give Real Madrid an eight-point lead in the title race against Barcelona. It was not just the goal but the timing of it. It was late in the game, the tension was soaring high as Barcelona had already registered the victory in the same gameweek. 

From just outside the box, he calmly placed the ball into the corner with his signature technique. It was no flash, no drama but focus and execution. Santiago Bernabeu erupted in joy not only for the goal but for the man. It was the kind of goal only a legend scores - meaningful, composed, and unforgettable.