Dani Carvajal Childhood Story (What you didn’t know)
Dani Carvajal’s childhood story
His full name is Daniel “Dani” Carvajal Ramos. He was born on January 11, 1992, in Leganés, in central Spain, to Lola Ramos and Mariano Carvajal. Dani is of completely Spanish origin and was raised in Leganés, which reinforces his roots in the city. He grew up with his sister, Patricia Carvajal, and since he was a baby his parents took him to the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
His father used to put him on his shoulders to celebrate goals, which made Dani fall in love with football. He developed a strong connection with Real Madrid from an early age, and playing football with friends became a common activity. His passion led his parents to sign him up for Real Madrid’s youth teams, where he began to hone his skills.
Dani Carvajal’s story in the youth academy
Dani joined Real Madrid’s youth academy at the age of 10 and, over time, rose through the ranks of the team. One of his most memorable moments was when he was honoured during an official ceremony at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training centre, where Alfredo Di Stefano awarded him for his efforts in being the best player on his team. In 2010, Dani joined Real Madrid’s reserve team (Real Madrid Castilla), where he became captain.
He played 38 matches and helped the B team return to the Segunda División after a five-year absence. However, as he failed to establish himself in the first team, Dani was transferred to Bayer Leverkusen, with Real Madrid maintaining a buy-back clause.
Dani Carvajal’s story at Bayer Leverkusen
On 11 July 2012, after failing to make a single appearance for Real’s first team, Carvajal signed a five-year contract with German side Bayer Leverkusen for a reported transfer fee of € 5 million. The Spanish club added a buy-back clause in the region of €6.5 million if they wanted to re-sign the player after one season, €7 million after two and approximately €8.5 million after three.
Carvajal made his Bundesliga debut on 1 September 2012 in a 2–0 home win against SC Freiburg , subsequently being named in the Team of the Week. He scored his first goal for his new club on 25 November, netting the second in an eventual 2–1 success at TSG Hoffenheim .
Carvajal was selected as one of the three best right backs at the end of his first and only season , behind Bayern Munich’s Phillip Lahm and Schalke 04 ‘s Atsuto Uchida . He received 16% of the total fan votes.
Dani Carvajal’s story at Real Madrid
On 3 June 2013, Real Madrid exercised their buy-back option on Carvajal, who became the team’s first signing for 2013–14 for a fee believed to be in the region of €6.5 million. This was confirmed by Bayer’s director of football Rudi Völler , who stated: “Real Madrid have noticed Dani’s excellent performances this season, and it was only a matter of time before they exercised their buy-back option.” Shortly after the move, he spoke of his happiness at returning, thanking the president, the fans and the club in a press conference.
Carvajal made his La Liga debut on 18 August 2013 in a 2–1 home win against Real Betis . A month later, he played his first UEFA Champions League match , again featuring the full 90 minutes in a 6–1 away win over Galatasaray in the group stage .
Carvajal appeared in 45 matches in his first season and scored twice, in the league against Rayo Vallecano and Osasuna . He added 120 minutes in the Champions League final , a 4–1 triumph over Atlético Madrid .
Carvajal was a starter in Real Madrid’s 2014 UEFA Super Cup triumphs over compatriots Sevilla , and in that year ‘s FIFA Club World Cup final against Argentina’s San Lorenzo de Almagro . In the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals on 5 May 2015, he conceded a penalty by fouling Carlos Tevez , with the Juventus striker converting the penalty to defeat the Spanish side 2–1.
On 8 July 2015, Carvajal signed a new contract with the Merengues until 2020. He contributed eight appearances and a goal against Shakhtar Donetsk , in the campaign’s Champions League , as the tournament ended in victory; in the final against Atlético Madrid, he was substituted injured at the start of the second half of a 1–1 draw ( penalty triumph ).
On 9 August 2016, Carvajal started in the UEFA Super Cup clash against Sevilla in Trondheim , and scored the final 3–2 in the 119th minute after an individual effort. During the league season , despite several physical ailments, he still contributed 23 games to help the team be crowned champions. On 3 December 2016, after Sergio Ramos equalised in the last minute against Barcelona at the Camp Nou , he celebrated the goal by giving the middle finger to the opposing fans, but later apologised; after almost a month out, he returned to action just in time to start in the Champions League final on 3 June, which they won for the third time in four years.
On 17 September 2017, Carvajal’s contract was extended until 2022. Early the following month, he was sidelined due to a heart problem; he made eight appearances during that year’s Champions League , as Madrid won their third consecutive and 13th overall title in the competition. In the decisive match against Liverpool, he was forced off the field due to injury, in an eventual 3–1 victory at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv.
Carvajal scored Real Madrid’s first league goal of the new season on 19 August 2018, in a 2–0 home win over Getafe .
The following season, Carvajal was a regular starter as Real Madrid won the 2019–20 La Liga . On 29 July 2021, he extended his contract until June 2025.
On 1 June 2024, he scored his second Champions League goal with a header in a 2–0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the final . He also became the first player to win six finals in the competition along with Luka Modrić .
During the 2024–25 season , with the departure of Nacho , Carvajal was promoted to vice-captain of the team. On 5 October 2024, Carvajal suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) along with lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and injuries to the posterolateral corner of his right knee during Real’s match against Villarreal , he was ruled out for the rest of the season. season , with an estimated recovery period of eight to ten months. One day after the injury, his contract was extended until 2026.
Dani Carvajal’s family history
Dani Carvajal’s parents
Dani has always understood the importance of family and still does. To show his commitment, he always finds the perfect moment to relax with his parents after watching games at the Santiago Bernabéu .
Below is Dani relaxing after playing with her father (Mariano) , mother (Lola) and sister (Parica) .
Who is Dani Carvajal’s wife
Daphne’s life today is very different from her upbringing. She was born in 1990 into a small family in Madrid. She focused on her studies at school and aspired to be a model. She became a successful model after working with major clothing and jewelry brands and in fashion shows.
Dani Carvajal’s wedding
Dani, 30, and Daphne, who have two children, exchanged vows in front of 250 of their closest friends and family on June 24, 2022.
Children of Dani Carvajal
Carvajal has two children from his relationship with his wife Daphne Cañizares.
In July 2023, the couple gave birth to their second child, Mauro. Daphne announced the same via Instagram.
Dani Carvajal’s family life
Carvajal is married to Daphne Cañizares, with whom he has one son. His wife’s sister, Melanie, is married to Carvajal’s former Madrid teammate Joselu . His father is an inspector in the National Police .
Personal life
- Dani is an independent player, who has progressed both in his personal and professional life.
- He is a natural leader, capable of planning his career and family life, although he is not yet married.
- His ability to learn from mistakes, especially in his relationship with Marta Morales, helped him grow.
- Dani makes the most of what life has to offer, without focusing only on the material.
He tends to be wary of people and is known by his nickname “Kiwi Head”. - He values his girlfriend, family, Spanish traditions and quality artisanal products.
Dani Carvajal’s heart condition
Dani Carvajal faced a major challenge in his career when he was diagnosed with a viral infection in his pericardium, which kept him off the field for at least two months. During that time, he was banned from training. Fortunately, Dani made a full recovery from the condition, much to the relief of himself and his fans.
Playing style
Carvajal is known for his consistency, aggressive style and his ability to assist his team in both defence and attack. A tenacious and tactically intelligent player, defensively he is known for his positioning, mentality, approach, anticipation and ability to intercept loose balls. Going forward, he also possesses excellent technical and crossing skills , as well as an ability to advance with his overlapping runs due to this awareness. In terms of physical qualities, he also stands out for his speed, energy and work rate, despite his diminutive stature. He is also highly regarded for his leadership qualities. Despite his ability, he has often struggled with injuries throughout his career.
