Real Madrid summer signing determined to rebuild his image after difficult first season | OneFootball

Few players at Real Madrid have found themselves under more unexpected scrutiny in recent weeks than Alvaro Carreras.

The 2025 summer signing has become one of the most discussed names around the club, not because of his performances on the pitch, but due to a series of controversies that have dragged him into the spotlight during an already tense period for Real Madrid.

According to reports from AS, though, Carreras is now fully focused on turning the page and starting fresh next season after a turbulent campaign both professionally and personally.

Recent controversies

The first controversy involved an incident with Antonio Rudiger, which only became public months after it reportedly took place. 

Carreras had already addressed the matter himself through an official statement and made it clear that the situation had long been resolved internally.

However, what frustrated those close to the player was the timing of the story resurfacing and the attention it generated on social media, especially given that the issue had already been dealt with privately inside the dressing room.

The second controversy arrived more recently during Real Madrid’s match against Espanyol, when cameras captured Carreras smiling while sitting on the bench. 

Carreras is ready to redeem himself next season. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The reaction quickly sparked criticism online, with some supporters wrongly interpreting the gesture as mockery directed towards teammates Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy.

Far from the truth

As such, the aforementioned outlet now suggests the reality was completely different.

According to information, Carreras’ reaction had nothing to do with questioning the substitution or disrespecting any teammate. 

Instead, the defender was responding to a signal from a member of the medical staff indicating that he could be about to enter the match in place of Ferland Mendy.

Carreras apparently already knew he would not be coming on, which led to the brief smile that was later misinterpreted externally.

Despite the difficult attention surrounding him, Carreras remains determined to fight for his future at Real Madrid rather than allow the criticism to affect him mentally.

His first season back at the club has exposed him to both the pressure and demands that come with representing Madrid, but the defender remains fully committed to proving his value and contributing positively next season.