Real Madrid captain much closer to leaving than to renewing with Qatar emerging as favoured destination

Over the past couple of summers, Real Madrid have bid goodbye to club captains and icons such as Toni Kroos, Nacho Fernandez, Luka Modric, and Lucas Vazquez.

And, the trend seems likely to continue in the summer of 2026 as well, with Dani Carvajal seemingly set to bring his time at the club to an end.

Dani Carvajal likely to leave at the end of the season

Indeed, according to journalist Jorge C Picon, Carvajal is ‘much closer to leaving than to renewing’ at Real Madrid.

The 33-year-old veteran right-back, who is currently recovering from injury, has a contract that will run down at the end of the season.

The sole survivor of the La Decima winning team, Carvajal has earned himself a legend status at Real Madrid, given everything he has achieved since returning to the club in 2013 after a year at Bayer Leverkusen.

Physical problems have somewhat restricted his influence in the team over the past year or so, and it seems like Carvajal has decided to move on in the summer when his contract expires.

Qatar – Carvajal’s next destination?

Set to reunite in Qatar? (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

And, as per the report, Qatar could be Carvajal’s next destination when he decides to leave Real Madrid in the summer.

The 33-year-old star recently visited the country and spent time at Al-Gharafa, the club where his close friend, brother-in-law, and former Real Madrid teammate Joselu plays.

According to the journalist, Carvajal’s trip was no coincidence and Qatar was the destination that appealed to him the most.

The Spaniard feels he does not have much left to achieve in European elite football and is seeking a less challenging destination, where he can enjoy family time while seeing out the last moments of his playing career.

Carvajal’s top priority at this moment is recovering 100% from the injury, trying to add to his trophy haul with Real Madrid in 2026, and win one tournament above all the rest – the World Cup – his big dream.

Real Madrid, for their part, will honour Carvajal’s wishes and decision over his future – whether he chooses to stay or go.