Farewell after five years
Alaba is leaving Real Madrid on a free transfer
May 22, 2026 – 7:00 p.mReading time: 1 min.
Real Madrid is not extending David Alaba’s contract – the 33-year-old Austrian is leaving the club on June 30th. He will be farewelled at the Bernabéu on Saturday, after which the next big chapter awaits.
After five years at Real Madrid, David Alaba’s time in the Spanish capital is coming to an end. The Austrian international is leaving the record champions on June 30th – his contract expires and will not be extended.
At the last home game of the season on Saturday (9 p.m.) against Athletic Bilbao, Alaba will be farewelled at the Bernabéu. The club announced this. During his time at Real, the central defender won eleven titles – including the Champions League twice (2022 and 2024) and the Spanish championship twice.
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The former Bayern professional’s time in Madrid was marked by serious injuries. At the end of 2023, Alaba suffered a torn cruciate ligament and was out for over a year. A torn meniscus put him out of action again for a long time in the summer of 2025. This season he only played 15 competitive games.
A club statement said Real wanted to show its gratitude and all its affection to a player “who was part of a team that shone during one of the most successful periods in our history.” Club president Florentino Pérez added: “Real Madrid will always be his home.”
After saying goodbye, Alaba will travel to the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada (June 11 to July 19) as captain of the Austrian national team. It remains to be seen where he will continue his career afterwards. According to reports, Inter Milan and Juventus Turin are interested – as are clubs from Saudi Arabia.
