News Focus
- Real Madrid captain will leave the club when his contract expires this summer
- The 34-year-old right-back has lost his starting position to Trent Alexander-Arnold this season
- He departs with 27 trophies, including six Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns
- Injury struggles have kept him out of Spain’s squad for the upcoming World Cup
- Club legends including Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas have paid tribute on social media
Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has confirmed he will leave the Santiago Bernabéu when his contract ends this summer. The veteran right-back shared an emotional video on Instagram to announce his departure from the Spanish giants.
Carvajal first joined the club’s famous youth academy, La Fábrica, in 2002 as a young boy. He worked his way through every age group before helping Castilla secure promotion to the second tier in 2012. After spending one season with Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, he returned to Madrid in 2013 and established himself as a first-team regular.
The Spain international has faced serious fitness problems over the past two years. Upon his return to full training this season, he found himself behind Trent Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order. This marked the first time in more than a decade that he has not been the automatic choice at right-back. His lack of match sharpness has also cost him a place in Spain’s World Cup squad.
In his farewell message, Carvajal spoke directly to Madridistas about his journey. He recalled receiving his first club kit as a child and dreaming of glory. He highlighted winning six Champions League titles during his time at the Bernabéu. The defender stated that he leaves “calm and at peace” because he kept his promise to give absolutely everything for the badge.
Club president Florentino Pérez released a rare personal statement praising Carvajal as a symbol of the academy. Former captains Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas and Nacho Fernández also left supportive comments on his post. Current star Vinícius Júnior described him as the best right-back in history and a true legend of the game.
Carvajal will wear the white shirt for the final time this weekend. He leaves having made more than 450 appearances and captaining the side during a period of unprecedented success in European competition.