Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal, left, and Real Oviedo’s Rahim Alhassane challenge for the ball through the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Oviedo in Madrid, Spain, Thursday, May 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
MADRID — Veteran defender Dani Carvajal is not going to return to Real Madrid next season, the club said on Monday.
Madrid said the club and the player “have agreed to bring an end to a beautiful chapter as a player of our club on the conclusion of the present season.”
Carvajal’s contract ends in June. The 34-year-old right back joined Madrid in 2002 and has played 23 seasons with the Spanish powerhouse — 10 within the academy and 13 with the important squad.
“Dani Carvajal is a legend and an emblem of Real Madrid and its academy,” club president Florentino Pérez said. “His image alongside our beloved and remembered Alfredo Di Stéfano laying the primary stone of Ciudad Real Madrid will eternally remain within the hearts of all madridistas and within the history of our club. Carvajal has all the time exemplified the values of Real Madrid. That is and can all the time be his home.”
Carvajal played 450 matches with Madrid, the club said, scoring 14 goals and helping the club win 27 titles, including six Champions Leagues.
“Real Madrid wishes to specific its gratitude and affection to considered one of the best legends of our club and world football,” the club said. “Carvajal is considered one of the five players in football history to have won six European Cups and has been a part of a team that has experienced considered one of the brightest periods in our history.”
Madrid said the club will honor Carvajal through the team’s final Spanish league match this weekend.
Carvajal has only recently retuned from a right foot injury. He lost his fixed spot in Madrid’s starting lineup after the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold this season.
Once a set starter for Spain, injuries during the last two seasons have caused Carvajal to miss most national team games, with Pedro Porro and Marcos Llorente taking his spot. Carvajal shouldn’t be expected to be picked by Spain coach Luis de la Fuente for the World Cup.
Spain debuts within the tournament against Cape Verde in Atlanta on June 15.
With Spain, Carvajal made 51 appearances, helping it win the 2024 European Championship and the 2023 Nations League.
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