Daniel Ceballos leaves Real Madrid after nine years

Daniel Ceballos has announced that his nine-year spell with Real Madrid has come to an end at the end of the 2025/26 season. Ceballos, who joined Madrid from Real Betis in 2017 for a fee of around €18 million, confirmed his decision on Friday and is now looking for a new club. The 29-year-old played 215 games in all competitions during his time in the Spanish capital, scoring seven goals and providing 16 assists. He spent two seasons on loan at England's Arsenal between 2019 and 2021, and in his first season with the club, he helped the Gunners win the FA Cup. Ceballos won 15 major trophies with Madrid, including two La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues, and is enthusiastic about the opportunity for a new opportunity in his career. “This was not an easy decision,” Ceballos said in a statement posted on social media. "It wasn't an easy year either, and maybe that's why I felt it was time to end this stage and face a new challenge with the same enthusiasm with which I came to the club one day." Gracias por todo [@realmadrid](https://www.soccernews.com/it-has-not-been-%e2%81%a0an-easy-decision-ceballos-confirms-real-madrid-exit/401138/) [pic.twitter.com/oaGX1JITtf](https://www.soccernews.com/it-has-not-been-%e2%81%a0an-easy-decision-ceballos-confirms-real-madrid-exit/401138/) — Daniel Ceballos (@DaniCeballos46) [June 26, 2026](https://www.soccernews.com/it-has-not-been-%e2%81%a0an-easy-decision-ceballos-confirms-rea l-madrid-exit/401138/