David Alaba will leave Real Madrid at the end of his contract this summer, bringing a four-year spell at the Santiago Bernabéu to a close. The Austrian defender addressed supporters after Saturday’s 4-2 victory over Athletic Club, a match that also marked the farewells of captain Dani Carvajal and head coach Álvaro Arbeloa. Alaba’s departure was confirmed as the club opted not to renew his contract.
Alaba arrived at Real Madrid in 2021 from Bayern Munich and quickly established himself as a key player, winning two La Liga titles, two Champions League titles, and a Copa del Rey. However, his time in Madrid was hampered by a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in December 2023, limiting him to just 47 appearances across the following three seasons. Marca reported that Alaba delivered a heartfelt speech to the fans following the match, expressing his gratitude for the support he received throughout his time at the club.
“I am very grateful, we have had many successes, also moments like when I broke my knee but they have always been with me, in my heart, I want to say thank you very much to all the team, the staff, coaches, the president… and of course my family,” Alaba said, as reported by Marca. “It’s been a very special journey, I can’t describe my feelings.”
Despite the injury setbacks, Alaba’s contribution to Real Madrid’s success was significant during his initial seasons. Before the ACL tear, he proved a versatile and reliable defender, capable of playing both centre-back and left-back. His absence undoubtedly impacted the team’s defensive solidity in the seasons that followed. Alaba will now focus on international duty with Austria, preparing for upcoming World Cup commitments. His next club has not yet been announced, but several European teams are expected to be interested in signing the experienced defender on a free transfer. This move allows Real Madrid to potentially reshape their defensive options and pursue younger alternatives.
