Álvaro Carreras is now officially a new member of Real Madrid. The club has paid €50 million to Benfica to finalize the transfer. He has signed until June 2031, in a move that had been developing behind the scenes for months.
For Carreras, this isn't a new destination, but a return home. In his day, he was part of La Fábrica and left his mark as one of the most promising talents of his generation. He left to seek playing time and experience, and he has returned more prepared than ever.
Xabi Alonso has approved this signing because he knows his level perfectly. He not only defends with good judgment, but also attacks with intelligence and precision. In modern soccer, complete full-backs like him are true treasures.
Álvaro Carreras returns to Bernabéu with Xabi Alonso's trust
It won't be easy for Álvaro Carreras to earn a spot among the regular starting eleven. Fran García and Ferland Mendy have shown commitment and talent in every appearance. Both have the support of the coaching staff and won't give away a single minute.
Even so, Carreras has been clear from day one: He wants to play, and the sooner, the better. He returns with maturity, ambition, and with a goal marked in red: to succeed at Santiago Bernabéu. He doesn't intend to take a step back for anyone.
During his official presentation, he made a good impression on the fans and the media. However, the detail that attracted the most attention was his jersey number. Many expected a more symbolic number, but the choice was surprising.
Álvaro Carreras will wear an unexpected number not everyone associates with his position
In the end, Álvaro Carreras will wear number 18 on his back this season. It's a number that's not usually associated with left-backs. However, he has decided to adopt it naturally and without giving too many explanations.
Some see this gesture as a way to break the mold and build his own legacy. Others believe it's simply a practical choice, nothing more. The truth is that the number has already sparked conversation among fans and experts.
Álvaro Carreras wants to leave his mark with number 18 at Real Madrid
At 22, he arrives at one of the best moments of his career. He has shown in Portugal a consistency that convinced everyone in the club's board. Now, all that's left is for him to respond on the field with the same drive he has shown off it.
Number 18 is already registered in his name and will be his calling card. But beyond the number, what matters is the impact he has in every match. Bernabéu is waiting, and Álvaro Carreras is already ready to write his new story.