Real Madrid bid farewell to their captain after 13 years of giving

Real Madrid announced the departure of its full-back and captain Dani Carvajal at the end of the current season, turning the page on a player who grew up at the club, wore the first-team shirt for more than thirteen years, and left behind a legacy that is difficult to repeat.

In a statement on May 18, the club described Carvajal as "one of the greatest legends of the club and world football", announcing a ceremony to honour its captain in his final match of the season against Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The club confirmed that the relationship between the two parties will remain in place, and that the club's doors will always remain open to it.

Injuries... The factor that hastened the end

Recent years have seen a decline in Carvajal's physical condition, after a series of injuries that began in 2023 and affected his participation in recent seasons, making the idea of leaving closer to reality.

The Spaniard lost  his place in the squad following a serious injury suffered in October 2024, and the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold has significantly reduced the veteran defender's role in the team's plans.

From the Academy to the First Team

Carvajal joined the Spanish club's academy in 2002 as a child under the age of ten, and progressed through the age groups, until he became captain of the Castilla team, before having a brief experience with Bayer Leverkusen in the 2012-2013 season, and then returning to Madrid in the summer of 2013 to start his real journey with the first team.

Since his return, Carvajal has not been slow to establish himself as one of the world's most important manifestations, thanks to his speed, toughness and fighting spirit that has made him an integral part of the team's identity.

Numbers that sum up the career of an exceptional player

Carvajal has made 450 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions, making his mark every season. 

Although injuries have plagued him in recent years, his impact on and off the pitch has been present until the last minute.

Carvajal's departure means the departure of one of the most decorated players in the club's history, having won twenty-seven titles with Real Madrid, including six Champions League titles, four La Liga titles, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, two Copa del Rey titles and four Spanish Super Cups.

These numbers put him on a very short list of players who have lifted the Champions League trophy six times.