diff --git a/drivers/net/ethernet/realtek/r8169.c b/drivers/net/ethernet/realtek/r8169.c
index b4bca27b460f..07f3080eca18 100644
--- a/drivers/net/ethernet/realtek/r8169.c
+++ b/drivers/net/ethernet/realtek/r8169.c
@@ -717,6 +717,7 @@ module_param(use_dac, int, 0);
 MODULE_PARM_DESC(use_dac, "Enable PCI DAC. Unsafe on 32 bit PCI slot.");
 module_param_named(debug, debug.msg_enable, int, 0);
 MODULE_PARM_DESC(debug, "Debug verbosity level (0=none, ..., 16=all)");
+MODULE_SOFTDEP("pre: realtek");
 MODULE_LICENSE("GPL");
 MODULE_FIRMWARE(FIRMWARE_8168D_1);
 MODULE_FIRMWARE(FIRMWARE_8168D_2);