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Real Madrid and defender David Alaba decided to end their partnership at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano broke the news on February 16, 2026, and confirmed the decision had been fully made.
The Austrian international joined Real Madrid from Bayern Munich in 2021 on a free transfer. He contributed to multiple trophies during his time at the club, including La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League.
However, recurring injuries limited Alaba’s appearances in recent seasons. He played 126 matches for Real Madrid overall, where he scored five goals and provided nine assists.
Real Madrid chose not to renew Alaba’s contract, which expires on June 30, 2026. As a result, the 33-year-old departed as a free agent.
Injuries and Squad Planning Influence Decision
Alaba suffered significant setbacks, particularly with knee problems that sidelined him for extended periods. These issues reduced his role in the first team under manager Carlo Ancelotti.The club prioritized squad renewal and wage management. Similar situations affected other experienced defenders, though no formal announcement came for all cases yet.
Future Prospects Remain Open
No immediate destination emerged for Alaba following the announcement. Speculation linked him to opportunities in Saudi Arabia earlier, but nothing materialized by mid-February 2026.
Alaba focused on recovery and potential contributions in the remaining matches of the campaign. Real Madrid continued their pursuits in domestic and European competitions without immediate changes to the squad announcement.
The departure marked another transition for the veteran defender, who previously enjoyed success at Bayern Munich and with the Austria national team.
