David Alaba will play his final match for Real Madrid tomorrow against Athletic Bilbao before leaving the club at the end of the season [1].
The departure of the veteran defender marks the end of a trophy-laden era for the Austrian international at the Santiago Bernabéu. Alaba's exit comes amid a broader trend of high-profile departures from the Madrid squad as the club transitions its roster.
Alaba's five-year contract is set to expire in June 2026 [2], marking the conclusion of the 2025-2026 campaign. The decision to part ways was mutual, driven largely by an injury-hit season that severely limited the defender's time on the pitch [3].
During his five seasons with the club [4], Alaba became a central figure in the defense, appearing in 131 total matches [5]. His tenure in Madrid was defined by significant success, as he won 11 titles while wearing the white shirt [6].
However, the current season proved challenging for the defender. Alaba made only 15 appearances throughout the year [7]. His presence in the starting lineup was even more limited in domestic competition, where he earned only four starts in La Liga [8].
The farewell match against Athletic Bilbao will serve as the official send-off for the player at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium [9]. This final appearance caps a spell that saw Alaba transition from a versatile wing-back to a reliable center-back for one of the world's most successful sporting institutions.
Real Madrid has not yet announced a replacement for the defender's position. The club's management will now look to fill the void left by Alaba as they prepare for the next competitive cycle.
“David Alaba will play his final match for Real Madrid tomorrow against Athletic Bilbao”
Alaba's exit reflects the physical toll of recent injuries on a veteran player and Real Madrid's strategic shift toward a younger defensive core. By allowing his contract to expire, the club avoids a protracted transfer negotiation while freeing up significant wage space for new signings in the summer window.
