From Modrić’s Bernabéu tears to Lacazette’s two-goal farewell, we look back at the footballing goodbyes that tugged at our heartstrings in 2024–25.
Saying goodbye is never easy. But in football, it’s inevitable. This season, the beautiful game bid farewell to some of its most iconic figures—some hanging up their boots for good, others simply moving on to a new chapter. Here are 10 of the most emotional farewells in football this season that brought fans to tears across the globe.
1. Luka Modrić – Real Madrid
Luka Modrić’s departure from Real Madrid wasn’t officially until after the Club World Cup, but his emotional send-off at the Santiago Bernabéu after the final La Liga home game against Real Sociedad felt like the real goodbye.
In the 87th minute, he was subbed off to a guard of honor from both sets of players. Tears flowed freely—especially when Toni Kroos embraced him at the end of the guard. A tribute video followed after the match, celebrating a glittering career filled with trophies, class, and loyalty.
2. Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City
At the Etihad Stadium, Kevin De Bruyne played his final home game in Manchester City colors against Bournemouth. Subbed off in the 69th minute, the crowd serenaded him with chants of “Oh Kevin De Bruyne!” before an emotional video montage featuring messages from Sergio Agüero, Vincent Kompany, and others was played.
Even Pep Guardiola couldn’t hold back his tears. The club announced a statue in his honor and renamed a road at the stadium after him. A true legend received a fitting send-off.
3. Emiliano Martínez – Aston Villa
Five years of passion, saves, and leadership came to an end at Villa Park as Emi Martínez said goodbye to Aston Villa. He helped the club back to the Champions League, won Player of the Season in his debut year, and led them to European semi-finals.
Tears rolled down his cheeks as he waved farewell in his final home appearance—a goodbye worthy of a Villa legend.
4. Jamie Vardy – Leicester City
Jamie Vardy’s 13-year fairytale at Leicester City reached its conclusion in the most poetic way. In his final home game, he scored his 200th goal for the club in his 500th appearance—exactly 13 years after joining the Foxes.
The King Power Stadium gave him a hero’s farewell, attended by family and former teammates. There wasn’t a dry eye in sight.
5. Carlo Ancelotti – Real Madrid
Another farewell from the Bernabéu came in the form of legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti, who coached his final game for Real Madrid after a successful second spell.
Arm-in-arm with Modrić, he waved to the crowd in a farewell that marked the end of an era. Together with Modrić and Lucas Vázquez, Madrid said goodbye to three beloved figures in one night.
6. Xabi Alonso – Bayer Leverkusen
Before moving to Real Madrid to take over from Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso received a warm send-off from Bayer Leverkusen. In just a short time, he led them to their first-ever Bundesliga title—going unbeaten.
Alongside long-serving Jonathan Tah, Alonso climbed the barricade to say his final goodbye to fans who had embraced him like family. It was emotional and richly deserved.
7. Alexandre Lacazette – Olympique Lyon
Alexandre Lacazette said his second and final goodbye to Lyon after scoring twice in his last game, becoming just the second player in club history to reach 200 goals.
The home crowd gave him a guard of honor as he left the pitch in the 79th minute. A post-match ceremony featuring gifts, a video tribute, and a heartfelt speech made the moment unforgettable.
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