Dani Carvajal is the latest to experience the Real Madrid captains curse.
The defender will leave the club a year on from being given the armband, making him the fifth-straight player to do so.
Madrid announced the departure of the right back after a trophy-filled 23 years at the club.
They wrote in a statement: “Real Madrid C.F. and our captain Dani Carvajal have agreed to bring an end to a wonderful chapter as a player of our club at the conclusion of the current season.
“Real Madrid wishes to express its gratitude and affection to one of the greatest legends of our club and world football.
“Carvajal is one of the five players in football history to have won 6 European Cups and has been part of a team that has experienced one of the brightest periods in our history.
“He joined Real Madrid in 2002 and has represented our jersey for 23 seasons: 10 in the academy and 13 in the first team, with which he has achieved 27 titles: 6 European Cups, 6 Club World Cups, 5 European Super Cups, 4 La Liga titles, 2 Copa del Rey titles, and 4 Spanish Super Cups.
President Florentino Perez added: “Dani Carvajal is a legend and a symbol of Real Madrid and its academy.
“His image alongside our beloved and remembered Alfredo Di Stéfano laying the first stone of Ciudad Real Madrid will forever remain in the hearts of all madridistas and in the history of our club.
“Carvajal has always exemplified the values of Real Madrid. This is and will always be his home.”
The curse continues
Since Sergio Ramos’ six years as Real Madrid captain from 2015 to 2021, every following captain has left the proceeding year.
It started with Marcelo, then Karim Benzema, Nacho, Luka Modric, and now Carvajal.
Carvajal’s departure is slightly different, though, having fallen out with coaches Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.
He had to make way for summer arrival Trent Alexander-Arnold, but as the former Liverpool man’s performances dropped off, Carvajal didn’t come back into the fold amid a long-term injury.
Returning from a lay-off in the new year, Arbeloa caused headlines by starting youth team players ahead of him.
Giving his take on what had gone on, Spain great Santi Canizares said: “Carvajal is the one who forced Arbeloa to retire, and when you’re forced out, you feel a tremendous injustice because you believe you’re still capable of playing.
“I’m convinced it’s not a sporting issue, it’s the jealousy you feel when that happens to you.
“For me, what’s happening with Carvajal is tremendously unfair , because Carvajal is more than just a footballer. He’s clearly much more than that.”
He added: “Carvajal should have had the opportunity this season to show himself, Real Madrid, and football in general, if he wants to continue playing football because his contract is expiring, what form he’s in.
“He should have had that opportunity, but this isn’t a sporting issue.”
Carvajal says goodbye
Carvajal later gave his own statement on his departure, saying: “Madridistas, one of the most difficult moments of my life has arrived. This weekend I will wear our shirt for the last time.
“I still remember that day in 2002, I received the best gift a child could imagine: the centenary kit at my first communion and the news that I would become part of the Real Madrid youth academy.
“That dreamy boy could never have imagined that he was beginning the journey of his life. Those were ten unforgettable years going through every category of La Fábrica, learning as a footballer and, above all, as a person. There I learned what it means to defend this badge. I understood that being a Madridista is not just about playing football, it’s a way of understanding life.
“In 2012 we achieved that historic promotion with Castilla, a feat I cherish. Then, after a year in Germany, I returned home. I came back to the place where I always wanted to be. My dream was coming true, but the best was yet to come.
“Since then we have experienced nights that will forever remain in history and in my heart. The tenth, three consecutive Champions Leagues, Leagues, impossible comebacks… Two more European Cups won in a Santiago Bernabéu that trembled like never before. Only those who have been inside this stadium can understand the magic of this club when it defies the impossible.
“The road wasn’t always smooth. There were injuries, falls, and moments of doubt that tested me. And I always, always got back up. Because if there’s one thing this shield has ingrained in me, it’s never giving up.
“On the day of my presentation, I told you that I would give my all on the field to make this club and this team better. Today, six Champions Leagues and 27 titles later, I leave calm and at peace knowing that I have kept my word.
“I’m closing this chapter after more than 450 matches, having given absolutely everything. I can only thank you for every applause, for every magical night, for pushing us towards impossible victories and for making the Bernabéu the place where dreams come true. Thank you for being there in the difficult moments too, for your unconditional support and for making me feel part of something much bigger than myself.
“I leave with a full heart and eternal pride. Knowing that I gave everything for this club, because being a Madridista isn’t explained, it’s felt. Goodbye forever, Real Madrid.”
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