Surprise departure: Bayern star heads to Real Madrid | OneFootball

Shortly after the start of the new Bundesliga season, FC Bayern Women must cope with the departure of a key player. Arianna Caruso is leaving the German champions effective immediately to join Real Madrid. The 26-year-old had expressed her desire to make the move herself.

Just last weekend, the Munich women got off to a successful start in the new Bundesliga season with a 4-1 win at Union Berlin. Now, coach José Barcala is losing an experienced midfielder.

As FC Bayern officially announced, Caruso is moving to Real Madrid in Spain after one and a half years in Munich.

“Arianna approached us with the desire to seek out a new challenge once again. That’s why we made her move to Spain possible,” explained Bianca Rech, director of FC Bayern Women.

Rech also thanked the Italian national team player: “We’d like to express our sincere gratitude for her one and a half years wearing the FC Bayern Women’s jersey and wish her all the best and every success in her athletic and personal future.”

Caruso Leaves Her Mark at FC Bayern

Photo: IMAGO

Caruso had only joined Munich from Juventus Turin in February 2025. At the German record champions, the midfielder quickly became an important part of the team.

In total, the Italian played 40 competitive matches for Bayern, scoring three goals and setting up two more. She also celebrated numerous titles with the Munich team.

In addition to her athletic abilities, Caruso also left a lasting impression within the team.

“She enriched our team both on and off the field. She always took on responsibility and put the team’s interests before her own,” Rech emphasized.

Caruso herself also bid farewell to Munich with emotional words: “A year and a half may seem short at first glance, but some experiences leave a lasting impression.”

The 26-year-old described wearing the Bayern jersey as a “great privilege” and a dream she was able to live out. She also thanked her teammates, the staff, and everyone else who supported her at the German record champion.

Real Madrid continues to strengthen its squad

With her move to Madrid, Caruso is now beginning the next chapter of her career. Real Madrid is currently significantly strengthening its squad and has its sights set particularly on the Bundesliga.

In addition to Caruso, several other players from Germany have already joined the “Royals” this summer. Real Madrid aims to close the gap on its major domestic rival, FC Barcelona, and also play a bigger role on the international stage.

For Bayern, however, this last-minute departure represents a personnel setback immediately after the start of the season. Following their successful opener against Union Berlin, Bayern must now plan for upcoming matches without the experienced Italian player.