Dani Carvajal will depart Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the current season, the club has confirmed.
The 34-year-old, who made his first-team debut for Los Blancos back in 2013–14, had been widely expected to leave, despite being made club captain last summer.
Carvajal's Final Season at Real Madrid
Carvajal's final season at Real Madrid has been a disappointing one. Having suffered further fitness issues after returning from an ACL injury, the veteran right back has faced increased competition for game time from Trent Alexander-Arnold and has made just 22 appearances in all competitions during a trophyless 2025–26. In La Liga this term, he has made just nine starts.
Regardless of how things ended on the pitch, Carvajal walks away from Madrid as a true modern great.
Madrid Hails a Legend
Earlier this season, manager Álvaro Arbeloa said of Carvajal: "He might be the most important academy product in the history of the club."
The son of a policeman worked his way up from the academy to make 450 appearances for Los Blancos and lift 27 trophies, including six Champions Leagues — no player in soccer history has more.
In 2024, Carvajal was named fourth in the Ballon d'Or rankings, as well as making The Best FIFA Men's 11, after scoring in the Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund.
Upon announcing Carvajal's summer departure, club president Florentino Pérez told the club's official website: "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 laying the foundation stone of Real Madrid City will forever remain in the hearts of all Madridistas and in the history of our club. Carvajal has always exemplified the values of Real Madrid. This is and always will be his home."
The Bernabéu will pay tribute to one of its icons on Saturday as Carvajal plays his final game for the club in Madrid's last fixture of the 2025–26 season against Athletic Club.
Where Could Carvajal Go Next?
As the end of the season closes in, Carvajal will soon become a free agent and an attractive pick-up for someone this summer.
While his next move is unknown, the defender has previously given a hint as where his future lies.
Speaking to The Athletic back in 2024, he revealed: "When I decide not to be at Real Madrid, I'm not going to play in Europe and the alternatives are much reduced."
-
Major League Soccer
MLS could be an attractive option for Carvajal. When asked in the same interview with The Athletic if MLS appealed to him, Carvajal replied, "It's a possibility." A switch to join Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at Inter Miami might be unlikely, but there are plenty of clubs who would be only too happy to offer a contract to a bona fide world star with the ability to impart a winning mentality. The Los Angeles clubs, Galaxy and LAFC, have proved attractive destinations for Spanish-speaking stars over the years.
-
Saudi Pro League
The obvious option. Carvajal, even at 34 and past his very best, offers the kind of clout the Saudi Pro League desperately desires.
However, The Athletic reports that a possible move to Saudi Arabia may be "difficult" at the moment, due to the ongoing geo-political situation in the region. Al Nassr would offer the familiar faces of Cristiano Ronaldo and ex-Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez.
-
Qatar Stars League
Carvajal's brother-in-law Joselu has been playing in Qatar. Like Saudi Arabia, Qatar might be a tricky move for Carvajal right now due to the current climate.