An emotional farewell is unfolding at the Santiago Bernabéu, but behind the scenes, Real Madrid is undergoing a radical transformation that goes far beyond Luka Modric’s final appearance. With Carlo Ancelotti departing and Xabi Alonso stepping in, the winds of change are sweeping through Madrid—with consequences that are both brutal and necessary.
Luka Modric, the Croatian maestro who has defined a generation at the club, will wear the iconic white jersey for the final time against Real Sociedad. At 39, his exit marks the end of an era. No contract extension has been offered. According to Cadena COPE, this decision was final and mutual. Modric departs with his legacy intact—six Champions League titles, four La Liga crowns, and a Ballon d’Or to his name. Yet, Modric’s farewell is only the beginning of a much broader clearout. Real Madrid has confirmed the departure of not just one, but three other major figures within the squad setup—executive decisions made at the express request of Xabi Alonso, the incoming head coach. His plan is clear: to eliminate any lingering weakness and to forge a team in his own image. Lucas Vázquez, the versatile and loyal servant to the club, will also bow out—but his exit is being handled with a gentler touch.
He is expected to stay until after the Club World Cup in December, a gesture that ensures continuity and stability during the transitional phase. Jesús Vallejo’s case is different. Once seen as a promising defender, his trajectory has nosedived over the past few seasons. The 28-year-old will not be part of the United States preseason tour, signaling the club’s definitive break from him. But perhaps the most shocking name on the list is Ferland Mendy. Despite signing a contract extension not long ago, the French full-back has found himself discarded from Alonso’s future plans. The reasoning? A combination of underwhelming performances, repeated injury spells, and a playing style that no longer aligns with the new tactical vision being crafted.
According to internal club sources, Alonso convened a closed-door meeting with the sporting leadership last Wednesday. There, he outlined his “non-negotiables”—key principles and positions he considers untouchable in his footballing philosophy. Mendy’s name reportedly came up as an example of what needed to change if Real Madrid were to compete at the highest level next season. The club’s leadership agrees with the vision, though Mendy’s situation poses challenges. Due to his contract and salary, a direct termination could be costly. His agents are already in talks to find an amicable solution, which may include a transfer—likely to the Premier League, where interest remains. This marks the beginning of the Xabi Alonso era in the truest sense. Not just on the training ground, but in the executive decision-making that shapes a club’s destiny. Madridistas are used to change, but even by their standards, this reshuffle is seismic. Under Alonso, efficiency and ambition reign supreme. Every player, no matter how decorated, is on notice. For Luka Modric, this weekend represents a final bow, a celebration of an illustrious career. But for others, it’s the start of the end—quiet, swift, and final. Real Madrid is not just evolving. It is revolutionizing. Without any mercy, indeed.