Real Madrid’s rebuilding process is officially underway following the arrival of head coach Xabi Alonso in June, with a clear focus on young talent over veteran hierarchy. As part of this new era, two star defenders are now reportedly set to leave the club at the end of the 2025–26 season.
Veterans Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez already said their goodbyes to the Santiago Bernabeu ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. That tournament provided Alonso with a crucial opportunity to evaluate his squad, and it now appears that two more key names may be on their way out.
According to Diario AS, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are expected to depart when their contracts expire in June 2026. Unlike the approach taken with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, the club has yet to open renewal talks with either defender.
Both players, who arrived as free agents, are now on the wrong side of 30—Rudiger is 32, and Alaba 33. In line with Real Madrid’s long-standing policy, players over 30 typically receive only one-year contract offers, although Courtois has been an exception. For now, the club will wait until season’s end to make a final decision on their futures.
Alaba and Rudiger, on different paths
Both Alaba and Rudiger have been pivotal in recent Champions League triumph: Alaba alongside Eder Militao in 2022, and Rudiger paired with Nacho during the 2024 title run. However, as of now, the two center backs find themselves in vastly different situations regarding potential renewals.
In Alaba’s case, two major concerns are reportedly weighing against him. First, his salary remains one of the highest in the squad. According to Football Leaks via Der Spiegel, Alaba earns an annual salary of €10.5 million, in addition to a €17.7 million signing bonus, €5.2 million to his agent Pini Zahavi, and €6.3 million to his father.
Injury concerns have also mounted. Alaba has struggled with recurring issues in his knee following his ACL tear, managing just 14 appearances last season. With no current transfer interest, the Austrian international is becoming more of a liability than a consistent presence in Madrid’s back line.
Rudiger, meanwhile, finds himself in a more favorable position. Although he also dealt with knee pain, the German international returned in time for the Club World Cup and reclaimed his spot in the starting XI. Still, despite his strong form, a renewal is not guaranteed, especially after the arrival of Dean Huijsen, the professional contract signing of Raul Asencio, and the club’s hopes for a full recovery from Militao.