Real Madrid Legend Carvajal Hints at Career Twilight During Injury Recovery

Real Madrid’s veteran right-back Dani Carvajal has opened up about his career future, acknowledging that his playing days may be drawing to a close as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury suffered earlier this season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

“It’s been a long journey. My sports career is already nearing the end. I hope not, but I have to be realistic,” Carvajal stated in a recent interview. This candid admission from the 33-year-old comes as he continues rehabilitation from a serious injury sustained in October 2024 during a LaLiga match against Villarreal. The collision with Yeremy Pino resulted in an anterior cruciate ligament tear, external collateral ligament damage, and a ruptured popliteal tendon that has kept him sidelined for over seven months.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Carvajal joined Real Madrid‘s academy at age 10 and has established himself as a club legend, with only a single season spent at Bayer Leverkusen interrupting his Madrid career. His current contract runs until 2025, although reports suggest Real Madrid is planning to extend his deal until 2026. Despite his injury struggles, Carvajal has been targeting a return for the inaugural Club World Cup in June 2025, stating recently: “My mission is to be back for the Club World Cup, yes… that’s the goal.”

The defender’s absence has significantly impacted Real Madrid’s defense this season, with Lucas Vazquez filling in at right-back. Nevertheless, Los Blancos have maintained their competitive edge in LaLiga and Champions League campaigns, showing their depth and resilience even without their veteran defender.

CARVAJAL’S REMARKABLE LEGACY

Throughout his career at the Santiago Bernabéu, Carvajal has won multiple LaLiga titles and Champions League trophies, establishing himself as one of the club’s most decorated players. His commitment to the club has never wavered, with the defender previously expressing his desire to retire at Real Madrid. “I would like to retire in white,” he once told Marca, adding, “I have won everything with the club and, at the title level, it is difficult to ask for more.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR CARVAJAL?

While contemplating the eventual end of his playing days, Carvajal remains focused on his rehabilitation. His recovery is reportedly progressing better than expected, with the right-back already jogging and maintaining hope of participating in the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, scheduled from June 14 to July 13. If he achieves this goal, it would mark approximately eight months since his surgery.

Real Madrid faces several crucial matches before the season concludes, and while Carvajal won’t feature in these games, his leadership and experience continue to influence the squad as they pursue domestic and European glory. The club currently sits at the top of LaLiga with a comfortable lead over second-placed Barcelona, with just three matches remaining in the 2024-25 campaign.