After a distinguished career spanning two decades with Real Madrid, culminating in nine impactful seasons as a first-team integral, Lucas Vázquez has officially announced his departure from the esteemed club. The Spanish stalwart, whose contract with the Royal team recently concluded, conveyed his heartfelt sentiments via a social media video, eliciting an equally profound and appreciative response from Real Madrid. The club extended its profound gratitude and sincere best wishes to Vázquez, recognizing his consistently brilliant and exemplary contributions while adorned in the iconic white kit. An official farewell ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Valdebebas training center, providing the club and its global fanbase an opportunity to formally honor a truly dedicated servant.
From Youth System Inception To First-Team Indispensability
Lucas Vázquez's foundational connection with Real Madrid commenced in 2007, at the formative age of 16, upon his integration into the club's prestigious youth development program. He meticulously ascended through every tier of the academy structure, from Juvenil C through to Castilla, where he was a notable component of a highly regarded "golden generation" that included future senior squad members such as Dani Carvajal, Álvaro Morata, and Nacho. This extensive developmental phase was instrumental in cultivating the unwavering dedication and notable versatility that would become hallmarks of his professional career.
Following a pivotal loan period at Espanyol, which afforded him crucial first-team experience and refined his capabilities, Vázquez made his anticipated return to Real Madrid during the summer 2015 transfer window. His acquisition for a modest €1 million subsequently proved to be an exceptionally "bargain" transaction, signaling the commencement of an era where he would emerge as an understated yet vital contributor. Under the tutelage of various head coaches, including Rafa Benítez and Zinedine Zidane, Vázquez consistently garnered trust through his unwavering commitment and adaptable willingness to fulfill any tactical role. He evolved into a quintessential utility player, adeptly operating across the entire right flank, proficiently performing as both a winger and a temporary right-back. His consistent reliability was particularly underscored during the 2024/25 season, where he assumed a critical role as a mainstay due to Dani Carvajal's unfortunate anterior cruciate ligament injury, unequivocally demonstrating his enduring significance to the squad.
A Trophy-Laden Legacy And Enduring Memorabilia
Across his ten seasons as a first-team member at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu, Lucas Vázquez accumulated an impressive total of 402 appearances for Real Madrid. His final competitive showing in the revered white shirt occurred during the recent Club World Cup semi-final defeat to PSG. However, it is his integral contribution to one of the most successful epochs in the club's illustrious narrative that definitively characterizes his lasting legacy.
Vázquez departs Real Madrid having amassed an extraordinary 23 major trophies, a powerful testament to his consistent presence within squads that achieved unparalleled dominance across both domestic and European competitions. His remarkable collection of silverware encompasses:
- 5 UEFA Champions League titles
- 5 FIFA Club World Cups
- 4 UEFA Super Cups
- 4 La Liga championships
- 1 Copa del Rey
- 4 Spanish Super Cups
These comprehensive accolades not only underscore the collective success of the team but emphatically highlight Vázquez's integral role within these triumphs, frequently providing critical assists, decisive passes, or crucial defensive stability during high-stakes encounters.
A Madridista's Profound Parting Words
In his moving social media address, Lucas Vázquez articulately conveyed the profound emotional bond he shares with Real Madrid: "Dear Madridistas. It has been two decades since the 16-year-old Lucas joined the team, with much joy and excitement. Every step of the way to accompany the club has been a happiness and since then, Real Madrid has been my home." His heartfelt words deeply resonated with the dedicated fanbase, unequivocally showcasing the genuine affection of a player who consistently embodied the spirit of the club.
He extended sincere gratitude to President Florentino Pérez, the executive board, the coaching staff, the tireless support personnel, his teammates, and, preeminently, the devoted supporters. "You have motivated me, helped me to always try to do just that little bit more," he acknowledged, emphasizing the deeply symbiotic relationship between player and fan.
Concluding his message, Vázquez affirmed his enduring sense of pride and accomplishment: "Today, after more than 400 games, the time has come for me to say goodbye to the club of my life. But I leave with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that I have given my all. I have always understood the responsibility and the ho