Luka Modric surprised everyone when he said about Arda Güler: “What happened to Güler is a crime against world football.” How can someone be so cruel and leave a 20 -year -old who carries the responsibility of an entire country? He also launched a 13 -words warning that shocked the world and unleashed an intense debate. Arda Güler replied in just five minutes …
In an impressive event that shocked the world of football, the legendary Croatian midfielder and former player of Real Madrid, Luka Modric, unleashed a heated debate with his comments about the treatment received by the young Turkish star Arda Güler. Modric, whose illustrious career has been characterized by grace, humility and unmatched talent, did not hold on when talking about the situation of Güler, the young 20 -year prodigy considered the future of both Real Madrid and Turkish football. “What happened with Güler is a crime against world football,” Modric said in a recent interview. His words, loaded with passion and disappointment, have generated a global debate about the pressure exerted on young talents and the decisions made by the great football clubs.
Modric’s statement occurs after Real Madrid’s decision to yield the iconic number 10 shirt, previously used by Modric, to Kylian Mbappé for the 2025-26 season. This decision left Güler out of the call, who many believed that he would inherit the prestigious shirt after Modric’s march to AC Milan after the Club World Cup. The delivery of T -shirt by Modric to Güler during his emotional farewell ceremony at Santiago Bernabéu was interpreted as a relay. The fans, especially in Türkiye, interpreted it as a clear sign that Güler was preparing for Modric’s role as the creative heart of Real Madrid’s midfield. However, the club’s decision to prioritize Mbappé, a world -renowned superstar, on the young Turkish midfielder unleashed the generalized anger, especially among Güler’s fans.
Known for his measured and diplomatic approach, Modric went even further with a chilling warning of 13 words that resonated throughout the football community: “How can you leave with such cruelty a 20 -year -old boy who has the hopes of a nation?” This hard criticism seemed to be aimed at the Real Madrid directive, and perhaps even the new coach, Xabi Alonso. Despite having given Güler more time as a center striker, Alonso has not protected him from the controversy around the 10th 10. Modric’s words reveal a deep concern about the psychological and professional impact that such decisions could have in a young player like Güler, who is under enormous pressure to meet the expectations of an entire country.
Güler, often called the “Turkish Messi” for his impeccable technique and vision of play, has faced important challenges since he arrived at Real Madrid from Fenerbahçe in 2023. He had a hard time getting minutes of play regularly under the direction of Carlo Ancelotti, being frequently substitute or assigned to a different position in the right wing. Despite a promising ending in its first season, including an impressive 25 yards goal against Georgia in the 2024 Eurocup, Güler’s role in the club was still uncertain. The arrival of Alonso brought new hopes, since the Spanish coach aligned Güler in his preferred central position, and Güler shone in the Club World Cup against Pachuca and RB Salzburg. However, the decision to give Mbappé the Dorsal 10 overshadowed Güler’s development, which led many to question if he had received the platform to succeed.
Güler responded to Modric’s comments in just five minutes, showing the maturity and serenity that the fans have won the love. In a brief but emotional publication on social networks, Güler wrote: “I appreciate Luka’s support. My goal is to demonstrate my worth through football.” His answer, which was not hard or blunt, demonstrated his determination to overcome the controversy and let his performance in the field speak alone. Sources close to the player claim that he does not hold a grudge towards Mbappé, with whom he maintains a cordial relationship, and that he is determined to earn a position in Real Madrid under the tutelage of Alonso.
The repercussions of Modric’s statements have divided the opinion. In Türkiye, the fans have flooded social networks with messages of support to Güler, many expressing their opinion and demanding that the club reconsider its decision. Tags such as “#Giveardo10” and “#Justiceforguler” have been a worldwide trend, reflecting the passion of the Turkish fans, which considers Güler a national treasure. Meanwhile, some Real Madrid fans argue that Mbappé, the most important signing of the club, deserves 10 and that Güler, still young and developing, should not assume such a great responsibility in the early stages of his career. The ex -laoreter of Madrid, Pedja Mijatovic, warned that giving Güler the Dorsal 10 would be a “pure suicide”, stating that he lacks creative maturity for such a demanding position.
The controversy has also generated a broader debate about the treatment of young players in elite football. Modric’s comments highlight the delicate balance that clubs must find between talent formation and commercial pressures management. With only 20 years, Güler houses the hopes of a nation that yearns to see one of his own in the world stage. His ability to fall this storm, with the support of a legend as Modric, will be crucial for its development. For now, the world of football observes closely if Güler can reach his immense potential and demonstrate that his critics are wrong.
With the 2025-26 season just around the corner, all eyes will be put in Güler and how he responds to this last chapter of his young career. The passionate Defense of Modric not only deepened the debate, but also consolidated his legacy as a leader who defends the next generation. It remains to see if Güler will one day dorsal 10 or forge his own legacy at Real Madrid, but one thing is safe: the “Turkish Messi” is ready to fight for his place in the history of football.
