Luka Doncic’s ties to Real Madrid remain strong, a connection that fans across the globe recognize well beyond the borders of EuroLeague and ACB basketball.
With the NBA Europe project progressing toward its expected debut in 2027 or 2028, the idea of Doncic eventually rejoining Los Blancos carries not only sentimental weight but also clear marketing appeal for the league.
In his recent interview with Jason Gay of The Wall Street Journal, Doncic reflected on the possibility of closing out his career with Madrid, the club where his professional journey began.
“To play with Real Madrid, you have to be so good,” he said, initially careful with his words.
But when asked directly whether he would consider returning, he admitted without hesitation, “For sure. They raised me.”
Arriving in Madrid at just 13 years old from Ljubljana, Doncic quickly rose through the junior system before debuting with the senior squad in 2015.
Over the next three years, he collected a EuroLeague title, earned Final Four MVP, and became the youngest ever EuroLeague season MVP in 2018.
Those achievements paved the way for his move to the NBA, where he was drafted third overall by the Hawks before being traded to Dallas on draft night.
After seven seasons with the Mavericks, Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in February.
Coming off EuroBasket 2025 with Slovenia, he now looks ahead to his first full season in L.A., while leaving the door open for an eventual return to the club that helped shape him.
Luka Doncic is considering wrapping up his career at Real Madrid
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) September 19, 2025
🗣️ “To play with Real Madrid, you have to be so good”https://t.co/dbYfvjYF3w
