A new era is dawning at Real Madrid, and Dani Carvajal stands as one of its last remaining pillars. With Luka Modric’s departure, Carvajal becomes the final representative of a legendary generation, now wearing the captain’s armband. But at 33 years old and coming off a devastating knee injury, his path forward is anything but easy.

Having torn his anterior cruciate ligament, external collateral ligament, and popliteal tendon last October against Villarreal, Carvajal spent nine long months sidelined. His return came during the Club World Cup defeat to PSG, where he played the final 19 minutes. Now, under Xabi Alonso’s leadership, he’s hoping to regain his rhythm in a preseason that will be anything but ordinary.

The challenge is steep—not just physically, but competitively. Carvajal must now fight for his place at right back against newly signed Trent Alexander-Arnold, a world-class addition who represents the future. But Carvajal isn’t just fighting for his position—he’s also chasing a piece of club history.

With 27 titles, Carvajal is just one behind Luka Modric’s record of 28, the most ever by a Real Madrid player. Equaling or surpassing that mark this season would not only cement Carvajal’s legacy, but also put his name at the summit for years to come. Behind him, Valverde and Vinícius Jr. each have 14 trophies, still far from catching up.

This golden era of Madrid dominance, which began under Ancelotti with La Décima, has seen legends like Marcelo (25), Benzema (25), Nacho (26), Kroos and Lucas Vázquez (23 each) join and surpass Gento’s 23-title benchmark. Seven players from this generation have now reached or exceeded that legendary mark.

On the European stage, Carvajal currently ranks seventh among the most decorated players with a single club. He’s just behind the likes of Piqué (31), Iniesta and Busquets (32), and chasing the unreachable heights of Messi (35) and Giggs (36), with the Welshman holding the all-time record for most trophies with a European club.

As the 2025-26 season begins, Dani Carvajal isn’t just looking to return—he’s looking to make history. The battle is physical, symbolic, and historic. His comeback could mark the final chapter in the reign of a generation that defined Real Madrid greatness.

********************************************************

You can now download the Madridista News App for free on the Apple Store and Google Play.

You can follow us on Facebook here.

You can follow us on X (Twitter) here.                                                                    

You can follow us on Instagram here.

You can subscribe to our YouTube channel here.

You can follow us on Telegram here.

You can follow us on TikTok here.

You can join our WhatsApp channel here.