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 made his first-team debut for Los Blancos in 2013–14.
Final Season Overview
Carvajal's final season at Real Madrid has been a disappointing one. After returning from an ACL injury, the veteran right-back faced increased competition for game time from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
He made just 22 appearances in all competitions during a trophyless 2025–26 season, including just nine starts in La Liga.
Madrid Hails a Legend
Manager Álvaro Arbeloa said earlier this season: "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 and made The Best FIFA Men's XI, after scoring in the Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund.
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. 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 clubs this summer.
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: When asked 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 happy to offer a contract to a world star.
- Saudi Pro League: The obvious option. Even at 34 and past his very best, Carvajal offers the kind of influence the Saudi Pro League desires. However, The Athletic reports that a possible move may be "difficult" due to the ongoing geo-political situation.
- Qatar: Like Saudi Arabia, Qatar might be a tricky move right now due to the current climate.