News Focus
- David Alaba confirms his exit from Real Madrid after the club opted not to extend his contract.
- The Austrian defender suffered a serious knee injury in December 2023 that limited his playing time.
- He departs with two La Liga titles and two Champions League winner’s medals.
- Alaba will now concentrate on representing Austria at the upcoming World Cup.
Real Madrid concluded their 2025-26 season with a 4-2 victory against Athletic Club on Saturday evening. The clash at the Santiago Bernabeu served as a farewell occasion for three important figures at the club.
Club captain Dani Carvajal ended his 13-year association with the Spanish giants. Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa also took charge of his final fixture after announcing he would step down from his position. Defender David Alaba joined them in saying goodbye, as the club confirmed his contract will not be renewed.
The 33-year-old arrived at Real Madrid from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2021. He enjoyed a promising start to his career in the Spanish capital, quickly becoming a fan favourite. However, his progress was halted by a cruciate ligament injury sustained during a match against Villarreal in December 2023.
Since that setback, Alaba has struggled to regain full fitness. He managed only 47 appearances across all competitions during the final three seasons of his stay, with recurring injuries keeping him out of the side.
Following the final whistle against Athletic Club, Alaba addressed the supporters in an emotional speech. He thanked them for their loyalty during his difficult moments.
“I am very grateful,” the Austrian stated. “We have enjoyed many successes together. The fans stood by me even when I broke my knee. They have always remained in my heart. I want to thank the entire team, the staff, the coaches, the president, and of course my family. This has been a very special journey. I cannot describe my feelings.”
Despite his fitness struggles, Alaba leaves with an impressive collection of silverware. During his four years at the Bernabeu, he won two La Liga championships, two Champions League trophies, and one Copa del Rey.
The centre-back now turns his attention to international duty. He is expected to play a key role for Austria at the World Cup.