The best that can be said about the farewell is that it truly lived up to the moment. It was flawless. Two irreplaceable Real Madrid legends—each iconic in both achievement and character—were saying goodbye, and both the club and its fans rose to the occasion with a tribute filled with emotion, gratitude, and grace.

The match had already served its purpose: Mbappé’s brace secured the Golden Boot as Europe’s top scorer. But as soon as the final whistle sounded, it was no longer about statistics. It was about tears—Modric cried, Ancelotti cried, Florentino cried, and with them, an entire Madridismo family, both in the stands and watching from home.

Two such extraordinary stories deserved no less than a perfect ending. What unfolded at the Santiago Bernabéu was a pure, overwhelming demonstration of affection—something unmatched even in a stadium that has seen off many legends during its 123-year history. But Luka Modric is a singular man—an artist of the midfield who left everything on the pitch in white. And Carlo Ancelotti, ever the gentleman, gave Real Madrid not only trophies but dignity, stability, and pride.

That’s why the farewell was not just about silverware. It was about recognizing their grace, their greatness, and their embodiment of the values that define Real Madrid. Few have added more to the club’s legacy—not only in the trophy room, but in the hearts of the fans. As of that unforgettable afternoon, they are not just the most decorated player and coach in the club’s history—they are the most beloved.

A special word of appreciation must go to Real Sociedad, who showed elegance and respect throughout, and to referee Melero López, who also bid farewell to football that day. Imanol Alguacil’s embrace with Ancelotti before kickoff was a touching gesture of sportsmanship between two departing managers.

Yet amid all the emotion, one quiet sadness lingered: Lucas Vázquez deserved more. A player who reached 400 matches with Real Madrid, a youth academy graduate, a loyal servant of the badge—he left without an official tribute. Always modest, always reliable, Lucas represents the same values Modric and Ancelotti stood for. He may have exited without banners or speeches, but not without leaving a legacy.

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