‘You will be sorely missed’ – Real Madrid midfielder pays emotional tribute to Dani Carvajal | OneFootball

The curtain is finally coming down on one of the greatest careers in Real Madrid history as Dani Carvajal prepares to leave the club at the end of the season.

After more than two decades linked to Real Madrid, the veteran full-back will officially say goodbye to the Santiago Bernabeu following an unforgettable journey that turned him into one of the most decorated defenders in modern football.

The emotional farewell has already triggered reactions from across the football world, but one of the most touching tributes came from young midfielder Arda Guler, who used social media to honour the Spanish defender’s extraordinary legacy.

The Turkish international described Carvajal as “the best right-back in the history of football” while thanking him for the lessons he passed down inside the dressing room.

Arda Guler’s emotional tribute

Carvajal’s departure officially marks the end of an incredible era at Real Madrid.

The Spaniard first arrived at the club’s academy back in 2002 before eventually becoming one of the defining players of the modern generation. 

Carvajal is set to leave Real Madrid. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Across 24 years connected to Real Madrid, he built a legacy few defenders in football history can match.

He leaves after making 450 appearances for the first team while lifting six Champions League trophies.

However, apart from the silverware, teammates have always called attention to his leadership and competitive personality as some of his greatest qualities.

That is exactly what Guler focused on while paying tribute to the veteran defender.

“To the best right-back in the history of football. It was a privilege to share the pitch with a legend like you. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arda Güler (@ardaguler)

“Your determination to win every match and your refusal to accept anything less than perfection in every training session taught me so much about what it means to be a Real Madrid player.

“Thank you for your leadership, humility and passion. You will be sorely missed,” the Turk wrote.

The final hurray

Carvajal’s 2025/26 season has not been without problems. Recurring injuries combined with the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold significantly reduced his role inside the squad.

Still, this weekend’s clash against Athletic Bilbao will now become even more emotional, as Carvajal prepares to captain Real Madrid one final time at the stadium he has called home for most of his life.

On Saturday, the Bernabeu will say goodbye to one of the defining leaders of an unforgettable era.