Dani Carvajal will leave Real Madrid at the end of the current season, bringing an end to one of the most successful and emotional player-club associations in modern football.
The Spanish giants confirmed the news on Monday, announcing that both the club and Carvajal had mutually agreed to conclude “a wonderful chapter” following the expiration of his contract in June.
Real Madrid Confirms Dani Carvajal Exit
In an official statement, Real Madrid paid tribute to the veteran defender, describing him as one of the greatest legends in the club’s history.
“Dani Carvajal is a legend and a symbol of Real Madrid and its academy,” club president Florentino Pérez said.
Perez also recalled an iconic moment from Carvajal’s childhood at the club.
“His image alongside our beloved and remembered Alfredo Di Stéfano laying the first stone of Ciudad Real Madrid will forever remain in the hearts of all madridistas and in the history of our club,” he said.
“He has always exemplified the values of Real Madrid. This is and will always be his home.”
A 23-Year Association Comes To An End
Carvajal first joined Real Madrid in 2002 as a young academy player and went on to spend 23 years associated with the club — 10 years in the youth system and 13 seasons with the senior team.
Over the course of his remarkable career in Madrid colours, Carvajal made 450 appearances and scored 14 goals.
More importantly, he became one of the key figures during one of the club’s most dominant eras.
Six Champions League Titles And 27 Trophies
Carvajal helped Real Madrid win 27 major trophies, including six UEFA Champions League titles — a feat achieved by only a handful of players in football history.
The club highlighted his contribution to one of the brightest periods in its history.
“Carvajal is one of the five players in football history to have won six European Cups,” the statement read.
Apart from European success, Carvajal also won multiple La Liga titles, domestic cups and international club honours during his time in Madrid.
Injury Struggles And Reduced Role
The 34-year-old defender has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, which significantly impacted both his club and international career.
He recently returned from a right foot injury but had already lost his guaranteed starting spot following the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold this season.
The England international’s signing pushed Carvajal further down the pecking order at right back.
Spain Career Also Nearing End
Carvajal was once a regular starter for the Spanish national team, but recurring fitness issues over the last two seasons limited his appearances.
He earned 51 caps for Spain national football team and played a major role in Spain’s triumphs at the 2024 UEFA European Championship and the 2023 Nations League.
However, reports suggest Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is unlikely to include him in the upcoming World Cup squad, with players like Pedro Porro and Marcos Llorente now preferred in his position.
Spain are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde national football team in Atlanta on June 15.
Real Madrid To Honour Club Legend
Real Madrid confirmed that Carvajal will receive a special tribute during the club’s final La Liga match of the season this weekend.
The farewell is expected to be an emotional occasion for supporters, who have watched the defender grow from an academy prospect into one of the club’s modern-day icons.