German World Cup participant
©IMAGO
Antonio Rüdiger clarified his future, at least in the medium term, during the World Cup. The 33-year-old central defender has extended his expiring contract with Real Madrid by one year until June 30, 2027, as the Royals announced on Tuesday. The German international is thus spared the major upheaval at Real, which has so far mainly affected the defense.
Former Bayern Munich player David Alaba (33) and captain Daniel Carvajal (34) will leave Real, unlike Rüdiger. The former Stuttgart, Roman and London player has become the most experienced defender in returning coach José Mourinho’s team. Right-back Denzel Dumfries (30, Inter Milan) and Rüdiger’s upcoming rival Ibrahima Konaté (27, Liverpool) have already been confirmed for these, but have not yet been announced. On Monday, Los Blancos announced the signing of left-back Marc Cucurella (27, Chelsea). The Spanish World Cup participant costs a basic fee of 55 million euros.
Rüdiger also moved from Stamford Bridge to Madrid in 2022, but for a free transfer. Since then he has appeared in 182 games for Real, scored eight goals, prepared four more and won eight titles – including the Champions League in 2024. Recently, however, there have been two years in a row with almost no titles, which is why President Florentino Pérez, who has just been confirmed in office, has initiated the change in the team.