Dani Carvajal (34), the captain of Real Madrid, is departing the club at the end of the season after 23 years, during which he spent 13 years in the first team. After lengthy discussions, the club and the player agreed to end their partnership, marking the conclusion of one of the most successful chapters in the history of the Spanish giants, as announced by Real Madrid C.F.
In an official statement, Real Madrid expressed gratitude and admiration for one of the club’s and world football’s greatest legends. Carvajal is one of only five players in football history to have won six European championships, and he was a part of the squad that marked one of the most brilliant eras in the club’s history.
Trophies Galore
Carvajal joined Real Madrid in 2002 and wore the club’s jersey for 23 seasons—10 in the youth academy and 13 in the first team. In that time, he won 27 titles: six Champions League trophies, six FIFA Club World Cups, five UEFA Super Cups, four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, and four Spanish Supercups.
He won one trophy less than the club record holder, Luka Modrić. After Modrić left Real last year, it was expected that Carvajal would surpass him in the number of trophies. Following another disappointing season for Real and Carvajal’s impending departure, Modrić remains the record holder.
On an individual level, Carvajal was named in the FIFPro and FIFA The Best World XI for 2024 and was voted the player of the final in the 2024 UEFA Champions League, in which he scored a goal. He played 450 games for the first team, scoring 14 goals and providing 65 assists. With the Spanish national team, he played 51 times, winning the 2
Pérez: "Carvajal is a Symbol of Real"
The club’s president, Florentino Pérez, also bid farewell to the captain, highlighting Carvajal’s significance to the club. "Dani Carvajal is a legend and a symbol of Real Madrid and its youth academy. His image alongside our beloved and unforgettable Alfredo Di Stéfano at the laying of the cornerstone for the Real Madrid city will forever remain in the hearts of all Madridistas and in the history of our club. Carvajal has always embodied the values of Real Madrid. This has always been and will always be his home," Pérez said.
Farewell to the Fans
Real Madrid wished Carvajal and his family the best in their new chapter. A solemn farewell ceremony will be held on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium before the final league match of the season against Athletic Bilbao.
It's hard to say goodbye to a legend like Carvajal. He's been a constant presence in the Madrid uniform for so long. Who do you think will take over his role? Real Madrid needs to start planning their next generation of defenders.