In an interview with Esquire, Dani Carvajal opened up about his greatest fear at the moment. Addressing various topics, including injuries, his future, and the challenges he’s facing, the veteran Real Madrid defender candidly shared what is currently weighing on his mind.
For many athletes, football is much more than just a job—it’s a true escape. While some stumble upon the sport by chance or curiosity, others fully commit, working tirelessly to reach the elite level and succeed there.
However, as with any sport, a professional career is limited, and injuries can disrupt this delicate balance, significantly increasing the risk of an early retirement. For players who struggle to make a smooth transition into life after football, this period can be particularly challenging.
Currently under contract with Real Madrid, Dani Carvajal is entering the final years of his career. A potential retirement in Qatar seems to be on the horizon, but uncertainty about his future is causing him visible anxiety.
Carvajal’s Heartfelt Confession
His testimony sheds light on the often-overlooked reality faced by top athletes confronting the challenges of life after their careers.
Seriously injured in his knee last October, the 32-year-old Spanish defender opened up with honesty in Esquire. Expressing his deep attachment to football, he confessed his anxiety about the end of his career: “Thinking about life after football makes me panic. The thought of waking up and not going to training terrifies me. I cherish every moment—being with my teammates, working out in the gym, chatting in the physiotherapy room—because I know all of this will come to an end, and I have to enjoy it while I can.”
Carvajal, who aims to return in time for the Club World Cup in the U.S. next July, also clarified his intentions. The former Bayer Leverkusen player (36 matches, 1 goal between 2012 and 2013) emphasized that he doesn’t plan to retire when his Real Madrid contract expires in June 2026. “I’m already 32. I’m no longer a kid. What do I have left? Maybe four or five years of football? Time flies,” he added, while expressing his desire to get back on the pitch quickly.
“I’m aiming to come back for the Club World Cup. By early June, it will have been eight months since my surgery. We’ll see how things progress, but I need to give my knee the time it needs to recover. As the date approaches, we’ll see if it’s feasible or not,” said Carvajal, making his goal clear.
During the interview, the Madrid defender also discussed the possibility of leaving Real Madrid in the coming months. One option on the table is a move to Qatar, where, like many club legends in recent years, he could accept a lucrative offer. Carvajal didn’t hide the fact that such an opportunity would help secure his financial future, an important consideration as he struggles to imagine his life after football.
