Real Madrid captain posts strong message after Rayo Vallecano omission | OneFootball

Dani Carvajal is going through one of the most testing phases of his long and successful career at Real Madrid. 

The club captain was once again left without a single minute on the pitch during the recent league clash against Rayo Vallecano, despite being confident of featuring.

After the final whistle, Carvajal chose not to speak publicly but instead sent a clear message through social media. 

The defender posted an image from a solo training session, underlining his determination to fight his way back into the team. 

A message from the captain

Alongside the photo, he shared a message that showed his current mindset during this difficult spell.

Carvajal made it clear that his focus remains on staying positive while waiting for his opportunity. He wrote,

“Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to maintain a good attitude while waiting.”

Dani Carvajal posted a message on his social media. (Source: Instagram)

It must be noted that Alvaro Arbeloa opted not to introduce the Real Madrid captain at any point during the match against Rayo, despite the team lacking a natural right-back option.

What makes the situation more striking is the ongoing absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is still recovering. 

Even with that opening, Carvajal has struggled to find minutes in 2026, playing just 27 minutes out of a possible 810 across nine matches.

Is Carvajal completely fit?

Although medically cleared since January 3, his return to the squad did not lead to meaningful involvement under either Xabi Alonso earlier in the season or following Arbeloa’s arrival. 

His only appearances came in brief cameos against Albacete and Monaco, before being unused in matches against Villarreal, Benfica, and Rayo Vallecano.

Sources close to the player insist that Carvajal is physically fine, with no pain in the knee that previously required surgery. 

He is said to be training at full intensity and waiting patiently for a chance.