Dani Ceballos departs Real Madrid after nine‑year spell

Midfielder Dani Ceballos announced on 26 June 2026 that he is leaving Real Madrid by mutual agreement, terminating his contract a year early and waiving the final year’s salary. The 29‑year‑old joined the club from Real Betis in 2017, made 215 appearances and collected 16 trophies, including three UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga crowns and four Club World Cups.

Ceballos said, “It has not been an easy decision… I feel the time has come to end this stage and face a new challenge with the same enthusiasm with which I arrived.” Real Madrid thanked him for his dedication and confirmed he is now a free agent. The club’s new coach José Mourinho did not include him in his plans, prompting speculation about a move back to Betis or a possible transfer to Ajax, though no offer has been finalized.

The termination frees Ceballos to negotiate with any club without a transfer fee, but his reported €5 million yearly wage at Madrid may limit interested parties.