Former Real Madrid star believes the veteran defender deserves greater respect as questions continue over his role and contract situation
Luís Figo has come to the defence of Dani Carvajal amid growing uncertainty surrounding the Real Madrid defender’s future, insisting the veteran full back deserves respect after years of service to the Spanish giants.
Speaking during ‘The Forum’ event at Estadio Metropolitano, the former Portugal international reflected on Carvajal’s difficult season and criticised the way experienced players are sometimes handled towards the end of their careers.
“In Carvajal’s case, he’s had a serious injury; I don’t know what his physical condition is like. I’m very grateful to people who give their all for a club, regardless of whether they’re playing. When you have to leave, it’s just as easy to do it well as it is to do it badly,” Figo said.
“Carvajal deserves every respect; I don’t know if he should get more playing time or not—that’s up to the manager. A player with a certain amount of experience should be treated differently in terms of communication. I went through that myself during my final spell at Inter, when they treated me like a child, even though I was old enough to understand everything. Often it’s done wrong for no good reason.”
Carvajal’s situation at Real Madrid has become increasingly uncertain during the 2025/26 season. Injuries and fierce competition for places have significantly reduced his involvement, while the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold has accelerated speculation surrounding the long-term future of the club captain.
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His latest injury blow, a fractured toe, recently forced him back onto the sidelines just as he attempted to regain momentum.
Real Madrid preparing for life after Carvajal
According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid have already decided not to offer Carvajal a contract extension beyond this summer.
Spanish football insider Matteo Moretto reported that the defender’s current deal expires on June 30 and that the club is planning for a future without one of the most decorated players of the modern era.
If Carvajal does leave at the end of the season, it would mark the end of a remarkable chapter in Real Madrid history.
A product of the club’s academy, Carvajal returned to Madrid from Bayer Leverkusen in 2013 and went on to become one of the most successful full-backs of his generation.