Former Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal has completed a free transfer to Getafe CF, signing a one-year contract that will keep him at the La Liga club until June 30, 2027.
The 34-year-old right-back joins Getafe after ending his 23-year association with Real Madrid, where he established himself as one of the most decorated defenders of his generation.
His arrival offers the Madrid-based club a wealth of experience as they look to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the 2026/27 campaign and push up the LaLiga standings. “Getafe CF has reached an agreement with Dani Carvajal, linking him to the azulón club until June 30, 2027,” the club confirmed in its official announcement.
Carvajal becomes Getafe’s latest addition following his departure from the Santiago Bernabéu at the end of the 2025/26 season after his contract expired.
Carvajal Begins New Chapter After Real Madrid Exit
Having spent the summer without a club, the Spanish international now begins a new chapter in his career with a team based in the southern part of Madrid.
Carvajal’s move to Getafe brings an end to a remarkable spell at Real Madrid, where he spent 10 years in the youth academy before establishing himself in the first team.
Born in Leganés, Madrid, on January 11, 1992, the defender joined Real Madrid’s academy in 2002 and progressed through the club’s youth ranks. He played a key role in the development of the club’s reserve side, Real Madrid Castilla, before earning his opportunity to compete at senior level.
However, his first-team breakthrough required a temporary departure. In 2012, Carvajal signed for German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, where he spent one season gaining valuable experience in European football.
His performances in Germany convinced Real Madrid to bring him back and triggered the buy-back clause in his deal in 2013, and he quickly established himself as the club’s first-choice right-back.
Carvajal went on to make 450 appearances for Real Madrid’s senior team, scoring 14 goals and winning 27 major trophies during 13 seasons in the first team.
His honours included four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, four Spanish Super Cups, five UEFA Super Cups, six FIFA Club World Cup titles and six UEFA Champions League crowns.
His consistency, defensive discipline and ability to contribute in attack made him a central figure in Real Madrid’s success across domestic and European competitions.
Champions League Glory and International Success
One of the defining moments of Carvajal’s career came on June 1, 2024, when Real Madrid faced Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium.
After a difficult first half against the German side, Real Madrid took control of the contest in the second period. Carvajal opened the scoring in the 74th minute with a powerful header from a Toni Kroos corner before Vinícius Júnior added a second goal to secure a 2-0 victory.
The goal was particularly significant as it helped Real Madrid claim their 15th European Cup, while Carvajal secured his sixth Champions League title.
His performance earned him the man-of-the-match award, underlining his influence in one of the biggest matches of his career.
Carvajal’s achievements also extend to the international stage, where he earned 51 caps for Spain.
He was part of the Spanish team that won the UEFA Nations League in 2023 before helping his country capture the European Championship in Germany in 2024.
Spain defeated England 2-1 in the Euros final in Berlin, with Carvajal playing his part in a tournament that restored the national team’s position among Europe’s leading sides.
His international experience, combined with his success at club level, makes him one of the most accomplished Spanish defenders of his generation.
Experience and Leadership for Getafe
Getafe will hope Carvajal’s arrival strengthens their defensive options and provides valuable leadership to a squad competing in Spain’s top division.
His familiarity with La Liga, having spent the majority of his professional career at Real Madrid, should ease his transition to his new surroundings.
The defender also brings extensive experience from Champions League campaigns, domestic title races and major international tournaments, qualities that could prove useful as Getafe seek greater consistency during the season.
Although his departure from Real Madrid marked the end of a significant era, the move to Getafe allows Carvajal to continue his playing career without leaving the city where he was born and developed as a footballer.
Getafe welcomed their new signing and expressed confidence in the next stage of his career. “From Getafe CF, we want to welcome Dani Carvajal and wish him much success in this new stage,” the club stated.
The defender will now look to make his experience count at the Coliseum, where Getafe will expect him to contribute both on the pitch and within the dressing room.
The move represents an opportunity for the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen defender to extend his career in Spanish football after an illustrious spell in the city of Madrid, where he won six Champions League titles and became one of the club’s most successful academy graduates.
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