David Alaba’s time at Real Madrid appears set to end in 2026, when his current contract runs out, according to multiple reports. While Alaba has publicly dismissed rumours of an early exit, many media outlets—especially in Spain—believe his departure at the end of the 2025-26 season is almost certain.
Alaba, now 33, joined Madrid in 2021 after a distinguished spell at Bayern Munich, where he won multiple league titles and Champions League trophies. At present, he remains under contract until June 2026, but changes in the club’s defensive ranks, fitness issues, and incoming younger defenders are pushing him further down the pecking order.
The Austrian suffered a severe ACL injury in December 2023 and further injuries have limited his playing time ever since. Those fitness concerns, combined with the arrivals of other central defenders—such as Dean Huijsen—and the intention of the club to strengthen its backline, have led many to expect that Alaba will not be a part of Real Madrid’s long-term plans.
On Alaba’s side, he has publicly rejected rumors of an immediate exit. In national team duties, he described exit talk as “lies” and emphasized his commitment to staying until his contract ends. Still, the club reportedly has made plans for life after him, identifying replacements and preparing for a reshuffled defensive setup by mid-2026.
If Alaba does leave at the end of the season, it would mark the end of a key era for Real Madrid’s defence—one shaped by his leadership, versatility, and experience. Even as his role has diminished, his presence has been a stabilizing factor in many high-pressure matches. Whether the final chapter at Madrid will be one of farewell on good terms or a quieter exit remains to be seen.
Africa Digital News, New York
