Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric has made a surprising move into football ownership by acquiring a stake in Championship side Swansea City, the Welsh club announced on Monday.
The 39-year-old Ballon d’Or winner, who has spent 13 seasons with Real Madrid and won six Champions League titles, joins a growing trend of active players investing in football clubs. While the financial details remain undisclosed, Modric expressed enthusiasm about contributing his extensive experience to Swansea’s development.
“This is an exciting opportunity. Swansea has a strong identity, an incredible fanbase and the ambition to compete at the highest level,” Modric stated on the club’s website. “Playing at the highest level, I believe I can provide my experience to the club. My goal is to support the club’s growth in a positive way and to help to build an exciting future.”
Swansea CEO Tom Gorringe welcomed the investment, noting: “There is no better role model in the game for our players, from the academy right through to the first team.”
Modric’s immediate focus remains on Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal on Wednesday, where his team faces the challenge of overturning a 3-0 deficit. His contract at the Bernabéu expires this summer, fueling speculation about his future playing career.
The Croatian captain follows Real Madrid teammates Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in football club investment, with Mbappé involved with French side Caen and Vinícius backing Portuguese club Alverca.
Currently sitting 12th in the Championship, Swansea have a rich history including previous Premier League spells between 2011 and 2018. The club has been known for its distinctive possession-based playing style, particularly during its top-flight years under managers like Brendan Rodgers and Michael Laudrup.
Modric’s investment could potentially help Swansea in their ambition to return to the Premier League, leveraging his football intelligence and global connections to strengthen the club’s prospects.
