Luka Modrić achieved the rare feat of being the oldest player ever to feature for Real Madrid in an official game at the age of 39 years and 40 days. The legendary Croatian has broken a 58-year-old record held by Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás who featured for Madrid in 1966 at 39 years and 36 days.
Modrić broke the record by coming on in the 63rd minute of Real Madrid's LaLiga victory by 2-1 against Celta Vigo on 20th October 2024. He assisted Vinicius Jr. who scored the winning goal in the 66th minute to seal three points for the Royal Whites.
🤍✨ Luka Modrić makes history as he becomes the oldest player to play an official match for Real Madrid.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 19, 2024
39 years and 40 days, surpassing Puskás in 1966. 🎞️🇭🇷 pic.twitter.com/y6HOACkW2D
The 6-times UEFA Champions League Winner with Real Madrid also registered his 250th LaLiga wins after playing for 13 seasons at the club. Modrić also expressed his thoughts in the post-match interview:
"I’m proud to be part of Real Madrid history being the oldest player and winning the most titles."
"I’m proud and happy to have achieved all these things with Real Madrid".
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5 oldest players to play for Real Madrid
1. Luka Modrić | 39 years and 40 days
- Debut for Madrid: vs FC Barcelona (2012)
- Oldest to feature: vs Celta Vigo (2024)
- Total caps for Madrid: 547
- Trophies won: 27
2. Ferenc Puskás | 39 years and 36 days
- Debut for Madrid: vs UD as Palmas (1958)
- Oldest to feature: vs Feyenoord (1966)
- Total caps for Madrid: 262
- Trophies won: 10
3. Francisco 'Paco' Buyo | 38 years and 63 days
- Debut for Madrid: vs Real Murcia (1986)
- Oldest to feature: vs Albacete Balompié (1996)
- Total caps for Madrid: 454
- Trophies won: 12
4. Jerzy Dudek | 38 years and 58 days
- Debut for Madrid: vs Real Zaragoza (2008)
- Oldest to feature: vs UD Almeria (2011)
- Total caps for Madrid: 12
- Trophies won: 3
5. Alfredo di Stéfano | 37 years and 323 days
- Debut for Madrid: vs Racing Santander (1953)
- Oldest to feature: vs Inter Milan (1964)
- Total caps for Madrid: 371
- Trophies won: 18