Lucas Vazquez Set to Leave Real Madrid After Club World Cup

Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez will leave the club after the FIFA Club World Cup. This will end his 18-year stay with the team. The 33-year-old right-back’s contract ends this summer, and there are no talks about a new one.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Lucas Vazquez, a long-time defender for Real Madrid, will leave the team when his contract ends in June. The Spanish right-back has played 48 games this season, covering for the injured Dani Carvajal. He will play in the FIFA Club World Cup before looking for a new team. There are no contract extension talks, marking the end of his time with Madrid.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Vazquez’s exit is part of Real Madrid’s big changes after a poor 2024-25 season, with no local or Champions League trophies. The club is reportedly signing Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold for free, making Vazquez unneeded. Alexander-Arnold’s signing and Carvajal’s return from an ACL injury mean Madrid will have two strong right-backs next season.

Vazquez joined Real Madrid’s academy in 2007 and has been key to their team. Once a winger, he adapted to play in defense. He has nearly 500 games and 20 trophies at the Bernabeu. He was never a superstar, but his skills and reliability made him vital to the club through many successful times.

WHAT NEXT FOR VAZQUEZ?

The 33-year-old defender aims to end his Real Madrid career on a high by playing in the FIFA Club World Cup. Once the tournament ends, Vazquez will be a free agent looking for new opportunities. His high-level experience and flexibility should attract clubs across Europe.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid seems to be in a transition phase. Reports suggest the club wants Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti, and they’re planning more defensive signings beyond Alexander-Arnold. This summer may bring big changes at Santiago Bernabeu as Madrid tries to bounce back from a trophy-less season and compete for major honors in 2025-26.