Carvajal Bids Farewell: Real Madrid Legend to Depart After Final Game

Real Madrid confirm Carvajal exit at end of season

The 34-year-old defender will play his last match for Madrid against Athletic Club, closing a career that brought 27 trophies including six Champions Leagues.

Dani Carvajal to leave Real Madrid after 450 appearances...

Real Madrid have confirmed that club captain Dani Carvajal will depart when the season ends, the club announced on Monday.

The Spain defender has made 450 appearances for Los Blancos and won 27 trophies during his time at the club, including six Champions League titles and four LaLiga championships.

Carvajal is 34 and came through Real Madrid’s La Fabrica academy. He left for Bayer Leverkusen in 2012, and Madrid brought him back the next summer.

"Carvajal is a legend and a symbol of Real Madrid and its academy,” said Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

“Real Madrid wishes to express its gratitude and affection to one of the greatest legends of our club and world football,” said the Spanish giants in a statement.

Official Announcement: Carvajal.

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 18, 2026

The defender had hoped to be part of Spain’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, but a series of injuries during a difficult season mean he will not be called up by Luis de la Fuente, according to Spanish reports.

Carvajal’s final game for Madrid will be at the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend against Athletic Club in LaLiga. It closes a second consecutive season in which the club failed to win a major trophy.