Real Madrid confirms Alaba departure
Real Madrid has confirmed David Alaba will leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season, after five years in the Spanish capital.
Alaba joined Madrid in a free transfer in 2021, having spent 13 years with Bayern Munich, where he helped the German giant win 25 trophies.
The Austria international helped Madrid win two LaLiga crowns and two UEFA Champions League titles, in addition to a Copa del Rey, a Supercopa de Espana, a UEFA Super Cup, a FIFA Club World Cup and an Intercontinental Cup.
Alaba was a regular in his first couple of seasons at Madrid and started its 2022 UEFA Champions League final win against Liverpool, but injuries have hampered him in recent seasons.
He spent 13 months on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in December 2023, missing Madrid's next UEFA Champions League final triumph, over Borussia Dortmund, as well as Austria's participation at UEFA Euro 2024.
Alaba was restricted to 17 appearances in 2023-2024, across all competitions, then made 14 in 2024-2025 and 15 in 2025-2026.
He only played 600 minutes in 2024-25 and has been limited to a mere 505 this campaign, with both of those campaigns ending without silverware.
Now, the club has confirmed the defender will depart after Sunday's (AEST) LaLiga finale against Athletic Club, having also announced head coach Alvaro Arbeloa will not be kept on for next season, when Jose Mourinho is widely expected to return.
President Florentino Perez said: "David Alaba carries with him the affection of all Madridistas for his dedication, his work, and an iconic image in our journey toward the 14th [Champions League title], symbolising the celebration of a victory that is now a part of our club's history.
"Real Madrid will always be his home."
