Dani Ceballos and Real Madrid agree mutual contract termination after nine years

Mutual exit after nine years

Real Madrid and Dani Ceballos have agreed to terminate his contract, the club confirmed on Friday. The 29-year-old Spanish midfielder joined Madrid from Real Betis in 2017 and spent seven seasons in the first team, with a two-year loan at Arsenal from 2019 to 2021. The decision was described as mutual, with the club noting that Ceballos leaves "in one of the most successful periods in our history." He still had a year left on his deal but was not in new manager José Mourinho’s plans for the coming season.

After nine years, the moment has come to close one of the most important chapters of my life. It has not been an easy decision, nor has it been an easy year, and perhaps for that very reason I felt it was time to bring this stage to an end and take on a new challenge with the same excitement I arrived with.

16 titles in seven seasons

Ceballos made 215 appearances for Real Madrid and collected 16 trophies: three Champions Leagues, four Club World Cups, three European Super Cups, two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, and three Spanish Super Cups. The club’s official statement listed each honour and thanked the midfielder for his "commitment and work".

Farewell message to the Madrid faithful

Ceballos posted a lengthy note on social media, addressing the club, his teammates, and the fans. He called the Real Madrid crest "the greatest crest in the world" and said he leaves with "the peace of mind of having given everything for this badge."

It has been an honour to defend this jersey, to grow as a footballer and as a person, and to be part of a story full of successes that I will always remember.

He also thanked president Florentino Pérez, all the coaches he worked under, the club staff, and especially the supporters for making him feel like part of a family. The exit clears the path for Ceballos to negotiate with another club as a free agent.