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David Alaba Becomes Real Madrid’s First Departure Following Álvaro Arbeloa’s Exit
After five seasons with Los Blancos, the Austrian center-back leaves alongside former defender-turned-coach Álvaro Arbeloa.
David Alaba’s chapter with Real Madrid has officially come to an end. The Austrian defender departs alongside former Merengue full-back and coach Alvaro Arbeloa after injuries severely affected his consistency over the last three seasons. The club confirmed his exit and paid tribute to his contributions during a successful spell in the Spanish capital.
ALABA’S LEGACY AT REAL MADRID
“David Alaba leaves with the affection of all Madridistas for his commitment, his professionalism, and for an iconic image on our road to La Decimocuarta that became part of the club’s history,” club president Florentino Pérez said in his farewell message to the 33-year-old defender. “Real Madrid will always be his home.”
Alaba made 131 appearances across five seasons with Los Blancos, helping the club lift 11 trophies during one of its most successful eras in recent memory.
The Austrian international joined Madrid from Bayern Munich in 2021 amid high expectations and quickly delivered. He played a key role in a dominant period that included two UEFA Champions League titles, two LaLiga crowns, two FIFA Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, two Spanish Super Cups, and one Copa del Rey triumph.
A BITTERSWEET GOODBYE
However, everything changed after Alaba suffered a torn ACL in his left knee on December 17, 2023 — an injury that kept him sidelined for more than a year, missing 384 days of action.
Since then, the veteran defender struggled to regain a regular starting role and was plagued by additional physical setbacks. His situation mirrored the injury crisis that also affected fellow defenders such as Éder Militão and weakened the squad across multiple areas of the pitch.
Those setbacks ultimately contributed to difficult stretches for Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, and Arbeloa, as Madrid lost defensive solidity during crucial moments.
Alaba is expected to receive a farewell tribute this Saturday, May 23, when Real Madrid hosts Athletic Club at the Santiago Bernabeu in the final round of the LaLiga season. The Madrid faithful are set to say goodbye to one of the club’s key figures from its latest golden era.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR ALABA?
Age, injuries, and limited playing time have dramatically reduced Alaba’s market value in recent seasons, reportedly dropping nearly $69 million to an estimated current value of $4 million. Still, interest in the Austrian remains strong ahead of the winter transfer window.
Beyond leading Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Alaba is attracting attention from several clubs. According to ESPN, AC Milan is interested in signing him for the 2026-27 campaign, while teams from Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League are also monitoring his situation, per transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.
For now, Alaba’s focus remains on the Austrian national team, which will face Tunisia in a friendly on June 1 before beginning its World Cup journey.
Austria, placed in Group J at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will face Jordan in Santa Clara, California on June 16, Argentina in Dallas, Texas on June 22, and Algeria in Kansas City on June 27.
