MADRID — Dani Carvajal expressed that his departure signifies the “end of a marvelous era” at Real Madrid after playing his final match for the team in a 4-2 victory against Athletic Club.
The six-time Champions League winner received a guard of honour from both teams, along with a standing ovation from the crowd, as he was substituted in the 84th minute at the Bernabéu on Saturday.
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This week, Madrid announced that academy product Carvajal, 34, would be leaving at the season’s conclusion following an injury-riddled campaign in 2025-26.
He departs as the player with the second-most trophies in Real Madrid’s history, boasting 27 titles, just one behind former teammate Luka Modric.
“I’m very emotional,” Carvajal shared, delivering a heartfelt speech on the pitch after the match. “First and foremost, I’d like to thank our president, Don Florentino [Pérez]. He was instrumental in bringing me back from Germany. Together, we’ve achieved so much in the Champions League.
“What stands out to me is that not even 24 hours after I sustained a knee injury [in 2024], he was quick to renew my contract. Thank you. I also want to thank all my teammates. The last two seasons have been challenging, but I believe we’ll rise again; this is Real Madrid, and that’s our history.”
Carvajal dedicated a decade to Madrid’s academy as a youth player, participating in the ceremonial laying of the first stone at the club’s training facility, Valdebebas, alongside legend Alfredo di Stéfano.
After spending a season at Bayer Leverkusen, he returned to Madrid in 2013, establishing himself as a critical figure during a remarkable period, winning the Champions League in 2014 and again in 2016, 2017, and 2018, culminating in further victories in 2022 and 2024.
“I can’t overlook the golden era we’ve experienced,” Carvajal noted on Saturday. “With my departure today, we conclude a splendid chapter. It was a time of four Champions League titles in five years, including the Décima [Madrid’s 10th European Cup], and three in a row.
“Names like Cristiano [Ronaldo], [Iker] Casillas, [Sergio] Ramos, [Carlo] Ancelotti, [Zinedine] Zidane … there are countless individuals who propelled this badge and us to extraordinary heights.”
Real Madrid also bid farewell to David Alaba, who at 33 leaves after five years with two league titles and two Champions League crowns to his name.
During another tribute after the match, Alaba and fans held up plastic chairs, a nod to the defender’s signature celebration during Madrid’s thrilling comeback win over Paris Saint-Germain in 2022.