Farewell to Real Madrid turned into a warm and moving finale to Lucas Vázquez’s eighteen-year story. The player—whose journey began with a childhood photo and a white scarf—leaves the club but not the hearts of Madridistas. Today, as applause echoes around Valdebebas, one main question arises: where will the versatile Galician’s career continue?
Final Bow at Valdebebas
At the farewell ceremony, the 33-year-old Vázquez spoke without pomp, yet every word radiated genuine love for the crown-topped crest. He thanked the supporters for “the most wonderful journey of my life” and stressed, “Wherever I go, I will proudly say I played for the best club in the world.” The formal end of his contract closes one chapter but leaves him free to decide where to write the next.
Three Possible Career Routes: The Persian Gulf, The Bosphorus, or Europe?
Arabian Perspective
Back in spring, insiders linked the winger with clubs from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The main contender was Al-Qadisiyah, which veteran captain Nacho Fernández joined a year ago. Another former Madridista, Míchel, is at the helm, eager to build a “mini-Madrid” in the Pro League. A high-paid “retirement” similar to his ex-teammates’ moves looks the most logical choice, especially given the league’s appetite for big names.
Turkish Temptation
Early in the summer, Turkish papers headlined a meeting between Fenerbahçe representatives and the player’s agent. Reportedly, José Mourinho insists on the transfer, planning to use Vázquez as a wing-back in a 3-4-3 system. Negotiations remain stuck on contract length and bonuses, but the Süper Lig giant’s interest is intriguing: a chance to fight for titles and Champions League football while staying in a familiar European setting.
Spanish Turn That Never Happened
Catalan side Espanyol, where Vázquez enjoyed a productive 2014/15 loan, tried to bring him back but received a polite refusal, according to Estadio Deportivo. Lucas seemingly prefers not to face “Madrid” in La Liga, choosing instead to keep warm ties with the Bernabéu stands.
Eighteen Years in White: From Dribbler to Right-Flank Specialist
During the “Zidanes y Pavones” era, Florentino Pérez dreamed of blending superstars with academy talent. Lucas Vázquez became the ideal “Pavón”: modest, hard-working, ready to fill any role. He began as a classical winger but morphed into a right-back, covering for the injured Dani Carvajal. More than four hundred official matches prove that versatile soldiers can be more valuable than dazzling soloists.
The club president put it this way: “Vázquez embodies hard work, perseverance, and a winning spirit.” Those traits helped him claim 23 trophies: five Champions League titles, four La Liga crowns, four Spanish Super Cups, four UEFA Super Cups, and five Club World Cups, including the 2024 Intercontinental Cup.
Moments That Forge Legends
- Milan 2016. Champions League final against Atlético. Lucas comes off the bench, steps up first to the spot, spins the ball on his finger, and calmly beats Oblak—an image that became a Madridista meme.
- Vitoria-Gasteiz 2023. In the 92nd minute, down to ten men, he heads in a corner against Alavés, lifting Madrid back to the top of the table—where they stay until the title is clinched.
- 400th Match, May 2025. A joint farewell with Luka Modrić: Vázquez leaves to ovations, embracing every teammate. Fittingly, his 80th assist in the same game closes his club cycle.
What Awaits the Humble Hero Next?
Vázquez’s sporting profile is unique: for Middle East clubs he is an ambassador of the “royal” brand, boosting media appeal. For Fenerbahçe, he is a tactical joker able to patrol the entire flank. The player himself has repeated that he wants “to be useful where professionalism is valued.”
A decision will likely emerge in the coming weeks: the Saudi Pro League opens registration in early August, while Turkey’s transfer window traditionally closes later than Europe’s. Any club would benefit from Vázquez’s choice: alongside five Champions League victories comes the character that, in Jorge Valdano’s words, “makes a 170-centimetre man rise for a decisive header when his team is down to ten.”
Wherever Lucas lands this autumn, coaches will gain a fighter unafraid of “dirty work,” and fans will gain a professional whose name is forever etched in Los Blancos lore. The white shirt is archived, yet the chapter titled “Vázquez” is far from its epilogue—the most exciting part is only beginning.
