Lucas Vázquez to Leave Real Madrid This Summer

Lucas Vázquez will leave Real Madrid when his contract ends in June. The 33-year-old, who has been with the club for 18 years, will stay until the FIFA Club World Cup before saying goodbye.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Vázquez will leave as his contract expires in June, and the club won’t renew it. Real Madrid plans to extend his deal by two weeks so he can play in the FIFA Club World Cup, which is from June 15 to July 13 in the United States.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Vázquez has been important for Real Madrid this season, especially after Dani Carvajal‘s ACL injury. The former winger has played 49 times this season, scored twice, and provided seven assists. He also wore the captain’s armband 22 times, showing his leadership skills in Carlo Ancelotti‘s team.

Real Madrid has had a poor 2024-25 season, winning no domestic titles and remaining out of the Champions League race. They are third in La Liga, five points behind leaders Barcelona and three behind second-placed Atlético Madrid with just two games to go. This lack of success has forced the club to make big changes.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

Vázquez’s departure is part of a bigger change at the club. Ancelotti is stepping down, and former player Xabi Alonso is expected to take over. The club has already signed Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen for $66 million and is close to securing free agent Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Alexander-Arnold’s arrival is a big reason for Vázquez’s exit. With Carvajal coming back from injury, Vázquez would be the third-choice right-back. At 33, he wants more regular playing time and will find it elsewhere.

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

Before looking at next season, Real Madrid has a busy schedule. They play Valencia and Real Betis in their last two La Liga games and want to secure third place. Then they will focus on the FIFA Club World Cup, their last chance for a trophy this season.

After the tournament, the club will start a new era under Alonso. Alexander-Arnold and Carvajal will likely be the main right-backs for the 2025-26 season, and the club will aim to bounce back from a rare trophyless season.