‘It has not been an easy decision’ – Ceballos confirms Real Madrid exit
Daniel Ceballos has announced his nine-year association with Real Madrid has come to an end following the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign.
Ceballos, who joined Madrid from Real Betis in 2017 for a reported €18m transfer fee, confirmed his decision on Friday and is now on the hunt for a new club.
The 29-year-old made 215 appearances across all competitions during his time in the Spanish capital, scoring seven goals as well as providing 16 assists.
He spent two seasons on loan with Premier League side Arsenal between 2019 and 2021, and helped the Gunners win the FA Cup in his first campaign with the side.
Ceballos lifted 15 major honours with Madrid, including two LaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues, and he is embracing the chance for a new opportunity in his career.
“It has not been an easy decision,” Ceballos said in a statement on social media.
“It has not been an easy year either, and perhaps that is precisely why I have felt that the time had come to put an end to this stage and face a new challenge with the same enthusiasm with which I arrived one day.”
Gracias por todo @realmadrid pic.twitter.com/oaGX1JITtf
— Daniel Ceballos (@DaniCeballos46) June 26, 2026
Ceballos endured an injury-hit campaign last season, playing just 27 times across all competitions, with only seven of those being starts under Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.
“Real Madrid thanks Dani Ceballos for his commitment and dedication during his time defending our jersey,” Los Blancos said in a statement.
“We wish him and his entire family the best of luck in this new chapter of their lives. Real Madrid is and will always be his home.”
Ceballos follows Dani Carvajal and David Alaba out of the exit door at Madrid ahead of the new season which will see Jose Mourinho return to the Santiago Bernabeu dugout.
Madrid have been busy in the summer transfer window so far, completing deals for Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva.
