Luka Modric issued a 12-word warning to Arda Güler, saying, “What happened to Arda Güler is a crime against football. How could he abandon a 20-year-old kid who carries the responsibility of Türkiye on his shoulders so cruelly?”, shocking the football world and sparking a heated debate. The offender spoke five minutes later…
In a surprising development, revered Real Madrid legend and Croatian midfielder Luka Modric shocked the football world with his outspoken comments about the treatment of young Turkish star Arda Güler. The 39-year-old Ballon d’Or winner didn’t mince words, describing Güler’s treatment at Real Madrid as “a crime against world football.” His passionate defense of the 20-year-old, who embodies the expectations of a nation, sparked a heated debate about the management of young talent at elite clubs. Modric’s 12-word warning, delivered with characteristic solemnity, further fueled the debate and prompted a swift response from the aforementioned side within minutes.
Modric’s comments come after ongoing discussions surrounding Güler’s limited playing time at Real Madrid. Güler has struggled to secure a regular place in the starting eleven since joining the Spanish giants from Fenerbahçe in 2023. Despite some bright moments, including a superb performance at the Club World Cup, the young midfielder has often been relegated to the bench, overshadowed by experienced players like Modric and other established stars. Modric, who mentored Güler throughout his time at the club, was incredulous that a player with such immense potential could remain sidelined. “How can someone abandon a 20-year-old who carries the responsibility of Türkiye on his shoulders in such a cruel way?” Modric asked, his words resonating with fans and pundits alike.
The Croatian’s comments highlighted the delicate balance between developing young talent and the pressures that come with competing at a club like Real Madrid. Often hailed as Türkiye’s brightest prospect, Güler arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu with high expectations. His technical ability, vision, and talent have led to comparisons with Modric. Former Fenerbahçe manager Vitor Pereira described him as the Croatian’s natural successor due to his “balance between the lines” and his ability to deliver precise passes. However, under former manager Carlo Ancelotti, Güler’s playing time was limited, and the Italian favored experience over young talent in high-stakes matches. This decision drew criticism, particularly during Real Madrid’s 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in the 2024 El Clasico. Cameras captured Güler’s frustration on the bench instead of Modric.
Modric’s 12-word warning, while not fully explained in initial reports, is said to be a direct challenge to the club’s hierarchy and coaching staff. Sources close to the team suggest it was an urgent call for Güler to be integrated more prominently, warning that neglecting his development could have long-term consequences for both the player and the club. The impact of the statement was immediate, with the unnamed “culprit” (presumably a member of Real Madrid’s coaching staff or management) reportedly responding within five minutes. While the full content of the response has not been disclosed, Modric reportedly acknowledged the concerns raised but defended the club’s approach, stating that Güler must adapt to the intense demands of La Liga and the Champions League.
This debate has divided opinion within the football community. Some, such as former Real Madrid sporting director Pedja Mijatovic, argue that expecting Güler to replace Modric is “suicide,” given the young player’s limited experience. Mijatovic emphasized the need for patience, noting that even Modric needed time to adapt when he joined the club. However, others stand with Modric, believing that Güler’s talent has been under-appreciated at a critical stage of his development. Spanish commentator Antonio Romero made the controversial claim that even if Modric had “a tomato garden in Croatia and seventy grandchildren,” he would still eclipse Güler due to his lackluster performance against Villarreal in March 2025. This harsh criticism, coupled with an incident in which Güler opted to shoot rather than pass to Kylian Mbappé, further intensified the criticism of the young Turkish player.
Despite the criticism, there are promising signs for Güler’s future at Real Madrid. With Modric set to leave for Milan in 2025, the club has reportedly decided not to sign a new midfielder and believes Güler will make his debut under new manager Xabi Alonso. Alonso, known for his tactical intelligence, praised Güler’s maturity and adaptability, signaling a potential shift in the team’s midfield dynamics. Modric symbolically showed his support for Güler, presenting him with his last Real Madrid matchday jersey; the move was widely seen as an attempt to declare the young star his heir apparent.
The debate sparked by Modric’s comments highlights a broader issue in modern football: the difficulty of integrating young talent into high-pressure environments. Güler’s situation is not unique, but the weight of Modric’s words—coming from a player universally respected for his humility and vision—has deepened the debate. As Real Madrid undergoes a period of transition, the focus on Güler’s development will intensify. For now, Modric’s passionate plea serves as a reminder that talents like Güler deserve to be nurtured, not neglected, or risk losing one of football’s brightest prospects.
