Defender is 33 years old and has been sidelined since October with an ACL injury
Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has hinted that the curtain may soon fall on his decorated career with Real Madrid.
The veteran right-back has been a cornerstone of the club’s success since breaking into the first team during the 2013/14 season under Carlo Ancelotti. Across 427 appearances, Carvajal has collected an astonishing 27 trophies, including multiple Champions League titles, establishing himself as one of the most reliable defenders of his generation.
But injuries have taken their toll, with a major ACL injury in October 2024 sidelining the Spain international for the entire season. It has sparked questions about what lies ahead for the 33-year-old, and he has now offered his own candid assessment of where he stands, according to Fabrizio Romano:
“It’s been a long journey. My sports career is already nearing the end. I hope not, but I have to be realistic,” said Carvajal.
Although there’s no immediate plan for retirement, Carvajal’s comments suggest he is beginning to come to terms with the final stretch of his career. Madrid have already laid plans to bring in his permanent replacement. The club are expected to agree on a deal with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in time for the 26-year-old to feature at the Club World Cup in June.
Alexander-Arnold’s arrival means that Carvajal may be moved into a supporting role at the Bernabeu next season, even with full fitness .
