David Praise has announced that he will end his time at Real Madrid at the end of his contract (next June 30) and will leave the white club. He will do so leaving the memory of an exemplary footballer on and off the field. The Austrian thus closes a career marked by titles (two Champions Leagues, two Leagues, one Cup, two European Super Cups, two Spanish Super Cups and two Club World Cups), silent leadership and also by injuries, which have slowed down a career in white that aimed to be much longer at the Bernabéu.
Alaba arrived at Madrid in the summer of 2021 from Bayern as one of the great signings at zero cost on the market. And its impact was immediate. In his first season he became a key part of Carlo Ancelotti’s team and was one of the leaders of that unforgettable 2022 Champions League, the one of the comebacks against PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City before completing the conquest in Paris against Liverpool.
That campaign also left one of the most iconic images in the recent history of Real Madrid fans. In the comeback against PSG, in the midst of the madness, Alaba celebrated on the sideline by raising a chair as a symbol of the resistance and madness that was being experienced at the Bernabéu. A scene that has already become part of the emotional history of that Champions League.
a leader
Beyond football, Alaba was always considered a capital player in the locker room. A conciliatory figure, respected by all and far from any conflict. In Valdebebas many defined it as “Switzerland” because of its character. Neutral, calm and always trying to unite the group. He never raised his voice more than necessary or entered into internal wars, although his ending with Arbeloa due to the lack of opportunities in this final stretch of the course has not been the best. His leadership from serenity and example was always highly valued in Valdebebas, where they regret the injuries.
Especially important was the torn cruciate ligament suffered in December 2023a very hard blow from which he never managed to fully recover. That injury completely changed the final stretch of his career at the white club and prevented him from having continuity and prominence on the pitch again. If something remains in the air with Alaba, it is the feeling that he was able to close his time in Madrid much higher still.
Alaba will leave free and on Saturday, in the background due to the tribute to Carvajal, he will also have his moment at the Bernabéu, which has always respected him.
Real Madrid statement
Real Madrid CF and David Alaba have agreed to end his time as a player for our club at the end of this season.
Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its love to a player who has been part of a team that has starred in one of the most successful periods in our history.
David Alaba has defended our shirt in 131 games over 5 seasons, in which he has won 11 titles: 2 European Cups, 2 Club World Cups, 2 European Super Cups, 2 Leagues, 1 Copa del Rey and 2 Spanish Super Cups.
For the president of Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez, “David Alaba is loved by all of Real Madrid fans for his dedication, his work and an iconic image on our way to the Fourteenth that symbolized the celebration of a victory and that is now the history of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.”
Real Madrid wishes David Alaba and his family all the best in this new stage of his life.
The Santiago Bernabéu stadium will pay tribute to him this Saturday on the occasion of the last League match that our team will play.
