Real Madrid veteran close to matching club record that may remain untouched for years | OneFootball

As the 2025/26 campaign approaches, there is growing excitement around Dani Carvajal’s return to full fitness. The Real Madrid veteran missed much of last season due to injury but is now ready to compete once again.

After making a brief return at the Club World Cup, the 33-year-old is now preparing to challenge new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold for the starting spot at right-back.

But for Carvajal, there is more at stake this season than just winning his place back.

Matching Modric’s tally

The experienced defender is now just one trophy away from equalling Luka Modric’s club record of 28 titles, which is the most in Real Madrid’s history.

One more piece of silverware, and Carvajal will stand alongside the Croatian legend. Two, and he takes the record outright.

With Federico Valverde and Vinícius Jr. currently sitting on 14 trophies each, it is clear that Carvajal’s place at the top could last for many years.

Dani Carvajal will aim to match Modric’s tally. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

It is to be noted that since Carlo Ancelotti lifted La Decima, Real Madrid have enjoyed a golden era. After Marcelo ended his time at the club with 25, Modric, Carvajal, Nacho, and Karim Benzema.

Nacho eventually moved to 26, earning the third spot on the all-time list. Meanwhile, Toni Kroos and Lucas Vazquez also reached 23.

The all-time list

But Carvajal isn’t just climbing the ranks in Madrid – he is making waves across Europe. He currently sits seventh among players with the most titles at a single European club.

With 27 trophies, he is closing in on players like Gerard Pique (31), Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets (32), all of whom won their honours with Barcelona.

Only Lionel Messi (35 at Barça) and Ryan Giggs (36 with Manchester United) remain further out of reach, with the Welshman still holding the record.

This season, Carvajal is not only returning to compete—he’s returning to make history. One more trophy, and his name will be etched permanently into Real Madrid’s legacy.