Name: Daniel Carvajal Ramos (commonly known as Dani Carvajal)
Introduction: Dani Carvajal is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a right-back. He is widely regarded as one of the best full-backs in modern football, known for his relentless work rate, defensive solidity, attacking contributions, and exceptional big-game mentality. He has been a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s unprecedented success in the 21st century.
Date of birth: January 11, 1992
Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m)
Place of birth: Leganés, Spain
Family:
- Parents’ names: Information not widely publicized.
- Siblings: Information not widely publicized.
- Spouse: Daphne Cañizares (m. 2022). She is a model and businesswoman.
- Children:
- Martín Carvajal (son, born late 2020)
- Mauro Carvajal (son, born mid-2023)
- Relatives: He is the brother-in-law of fellow footballer Joselu, who is married to Daphne Cañizares’s twin sister.
Profession: Professional footballer (right-back).
Nationality: Spanish
Religion: He is likely Catholic, given the predominant religion in Spain and his public actions (such as Real Madrid offering trophies to the Virgin Mary at the Madrid Cathedral). Some online discussions suggest he is a believer but not necessarily a regularly practicing Catholic.
College or university attended: While not a traditional university, he is listed as having attended Camilo José Cela University, likely for a specialized sports management or similar program. He rose through the youth ranks of Real Madrid from a young age.
Biography and What Famous For:
Dani Carvajal began his football journey in Real Madrid’s youth academy, “La Fábrica,” joining at the age of 10 in 2002. He progressed through the ranks, eventually playing for Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve team.
To gain first-team experience, he was sold to Bayer Leverkusen in Germany in 2012, where he quickly impressed with his performances in the Bundesliga. His talent was undeniable, and after just one successful season, Real Madrid activated a buy-back clause, bringing him back to the club in 2013.
Since his return, Dani Carvajal has become an indispensable figure at Real Madrid and a key part of their historic dominance in European football.
He is most famous for:
- Unprecedented UEFA Champions League Success: He has won the UEFA Champions League six times with Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024), starting in multiple finals and often delivering crucial performances in big moments, including scoring in the 2024 final. This makes him one of the most decorated players in the competition’s history.
- His Relentless Work Rate and Consistency: Carvajal is known for his incredible stamina, tirelessly running up and down the right flank to contribute in both defense and attack. He rarely has an off day and maintains a high level of performance.
- Defensive Prowess and Tactical Intelligence: Despite his relatively modest height for a defender, he is excellent at one-on-one defending, anticipating opponents’ movements, and making vital interceptions.
- Attacking Contributions: He is adept at overlapping runs, delivering accurate crosses, and combining with wingers, providing a constant threat on the right side.
- Leadership and Experience: As one of the longest-serving players at Real Madrid, he has grown into a significant leader on the pitch and in the dressing room.
- Success with the Spanish National Team: He has represented Spain at multiple major tournaments, winning the UEFA European Under-19 Championship (2011), the UEFA European Under-21 Championship (2013), and the UEFA Nations League (2023) with the senior team, where he scored the winning penalty in the shootout. He also scored a crucial goal in the UEFA Euro 2024 opening match.
Carvajal’s career is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and consistent high-level performance at the very top of world football.
Have participated (Selected Career Highlights):
Clubs:
- Real Madrid (youth academy, 2002–2010)
- Real Madrid Castilla (2010–2012)
- Bayer Leverkusen (2012–2013)
- Real Madrid (2013–present)
Major Club Honours (Selected):
- UEFA Champions League: 6 (2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2021–22, 2023-24) with Real Madrid
- La Liga: 4 (2016–17, 2019–20, 2021–22, 2023-24) with Real Madrid
- FIFA Club World Cup: 5 (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022) with Real Madrid
- UEFA Super Cup: 5 (2014, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2024) with Real Madrid
- Copa del Rey: 2 (2013–14, 2022–23) with Real Madrid
- Supercopa de España: 4 (2017, 2019–20, 2021–22, 2023–24) with Real Madrid
International Honours (Spain):
- UEFA European Championship: 1 (2024)
- UEFA Nations League: 1 (2023)
- UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 1 (2013)
- UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 1 (2011)
Individual Awards (Selected):
- UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2013–14, 2016–17, 2023-24
- UEFA La Liga Team of the Season: 2016–17, 2019–20
- FIFA FIFPro World XI nominee
- Champions League Final Man of the Match: 2024