Dani Carvajal bids farewell to Real Madrid after 23-year

Dani Carvajal will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year connection with the club.

The 34-year-old defender will depart when his contract expires in June after establishing himself as one of the most successful players in Real Madrid history.

Carvajal made 450 appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring 14 goals and winning 27 major trophies during his two spells at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Carvajal leaves as one of Real Madrid’s most decorated players

The Madrid-born full-back joined the club’s academy in 2002 before making his senior debut in 2013 after a season with Bayer Leverkusen.

Real Madrid activated a buy-back clause to bring him back from Germany, beginning a trophy-laden era that included six Champions League titles.

Carvajal became one of only five players in history to win the competition six times and remains the only player to start in all six finals he won.

Injuries and competition reduced role this season

Recent years have been heavily disrupted by injuries, including a cruciate ligament tear in 2024 and another serious knee problem the following year.

His playing time was further reduced after the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold, limiting him to under 900 La Liga minutes this season.

Despite the setbacks, Carvajal remained an important figure within the squad and continued to captain the side during parts of the campaign.

Real Madrid prepare farewell tribute

Club president Florentino Perez described Carvajal as a “legend and symbol” of the club, praising his loyalty and embodiment of Real Madrid’s values.

The club will honour the veteran defender during their final La Liga match of the season against Athletic Club at the Santiago Bernabeu.