Alaba’s High-Stakes Comeback: Will Real Madrid Trust His Left Foot Again?

Alaba's mounting challenge at Real Madrid

Real Madrid is gearing up for one of the most consequential moments alongside David Alaba, long considered a defensive pillar, but now battling an almost endless run of injuries.

With his future still undecided, the defender faces a big test: proving he can again become a trusted player after a spell of absence.

Behind this situation lies a pivotal contractual issue that could influence the direction of his Real Madrid career.

Proof of merit

David Alaba has faced difficulties for several seasons at Real Madrid, fighting to regain the momentum that powered his successful first year, when he played a central role in winning the Champions League.

Over time, he has suffered a series of injuries, losing his rhythm and continuity, until he became physically unfit.

With his contract due to expire in June, the 33-year-old is among the club's highest earners and knows he must be regularly available if he wants a contract extension option, according to AS.

This equation is complex, as Alaba has spent years trying to escape a cycle of setbacks that undermined his standing in the club. He now faces the biggest test of his Madrid career: becoming a regular starter again before Real Madrid makes a final decision about his future.

From Bayern to Madrid: a career in highlights

Alaba, an Austrian footballer who made a name for himself with Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and European competitions, later joined Real Madrid to become one of the worlds top defenders, despite recurring injuries in recent years.

He has been a model of defensive versatility, a captain of the Austrian national team, and one of the most decorated players of his generation.

Birth and upbringing

David Alaba was born on June 24, 1992, in Vienna, Austria, to a Nigerian father and a Filipino mother, and has a younger sister who works in music. He grew up in a multicultural environment, shaping a humble and cheerful personality.

He began his early training in 1998 at an Austrian club, before moving in 2002 to Austria Vienna.

Bayern Munich

He joined Bayern Munich's youth ranks in 2008, progressed to the reserve team in 2010, playing 33 matches in the third division and scoring one goal.

He was loaned to Hoffenheim in 2011, playing 18 matches and scoring two goals, before returning to the Bavarians. He played for Bayern from 2011-2012 through 2020-2021, scoring 33 goals in over 400 official matches, and under Louis van Gaal he was converted to a left-back, then to a center-back under Pep Guardiola.

Real Madrid

In the summer of 2021, Alaba moved on a free transfer to Real Madrid, and in his first season (2021-2022) he started regularly, contributing to winning the Champions League alongside the league title and the Spanish Super Cup.

Nevertheless, his Madrid spell has faced major challenges due to injuries that disrupted him frequently.

He credits Louis van Gaal for moving him to the left side in 2010, which helped him become one of the world's best defenders, and Otmar Hitzfeld called him a gift from heaven.

Internationally, Alaba has captained Austria since age 17 (the youngest player in the national team's history), has over 110 caps, 15 goals, and has played in Euro 2016 and 2020, but missed Euro 2024 due to injury.

Playing style: Primarily as a center-back or left-back, he is known for his powerful left-foot shots, quick transitions from defense, and positional versatility (he can play in midfield or as a wing-back). He excels in set-pieces, crossing, and vision; Guardiola once described him as wonderful and capable of playing anywhere.

Off the field, he is known for humility and cheerfulness with teammates, loves music (sings and dances at celebrations), but denies pursuing it professionally as his sister does.

Despite injuries threatening his Madrid career, Alaba remains a symbol of perseverance and versatility, a respected captain in the dressing room. With his contract due to end in 2026, he is focusing on regaining full form under Xabi Alonso, amid speculation about his future.

Punchline 1: If injuries were bullets, Alaba would be a legend of the calendar; his diary reads injury time but the scoreboard keeps calling for action.

Punchline 2: His left foot is so versatile that even the medical staff asks it for tutoring; Madrid may keep a spare copy just in case the original one goes on vacation.