Earthquake at Real Madrid! This player totally dismissed by Ancelotti – is his career at the Bernabéu over?

Jesús Vallejo’s tenure at Real Madrid has been a complex journey marked by limited playing time, multiple loan spells, and persistent challenges in securing a regular spot in the team’s defensive lineup. Since his arrival from Real Zaragoza in 2015, Vallejo has struggled to establish himself within the highly competitive environment of Los Blancos.

Following his signing, Vallejo was immediately loaned back to Real Zaragoza for the 2015–2016 season, where he continued to develop his skills and gain valuable match experience. The subsequent season saw him venture abroad to Germany, joining Eintracht Frankfurt on loan. During his time in the Bundesliga, Vallejo made a notable impression, contributing significantly to Frankfurt’s defensive efforts and showcasing his potential at a higher level of competition.

Despite these promising loan spells, Vallejo’s return to Real Madrid did not translate into increased playing opportunities. The presence of established defenders like Sergio Ramos, Raphaël Varane, and later Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger, limited his chances to break into the first team. This lack of game time led to further loan moves, including stints at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League and Granada CF in La Liga. At Granada, Vallejo enjoyed more consistent playing time, helping the team reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League during the 2020–2021 season.

The 2022–2023 season presented a glimmer of hope for Vallejo at Real Madrid. In April 2022, due to a series of injuries and suspensions within the squad, he was called upon to start in a crucial match against Espanyol. Partnering with midfielder Casemiro, who was deployed as a makeshift central defender, Vallejo contributed to a 4–0 victory that clinched Real Madrid’s 35th La Liga title. Despite this contribution, his overall involvement remained minimal, with only eight competitive appearances that season.

The following season saw Vallejo return to Granada on a season-long loan. However, this period was marred by limited playing time, accumulating just 106 minutes on the pitch, and culminated in Granada’s relegation from La Liga. This setback further clouded Vallejo’s prospects at Real Madrid, especially with his contract set to expire in June 2025.

In the 2024–2025 season, Vallejo’s situation at Real Madrid deteriorated further. He made a solitary appearance on September 24, 2024, in a league match against Alavés. Brought on as a substitute for Éder Militão with Real Madrid leading 3–0, the team conceded two late goals, narrowly securing a 3–2 victory. This performance did little to bolster Vallejo’s standing within the squad. citeturn0news27

Compounding his challenges, Real Madrid faced a defensive crisis in February 2025, with injuries sidelining key defenders such as Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and Éder Militão. Despite this “total emergency,” as described by coach Carlo Ancelotti, Vallejo remained on the periphery. Ancelotti opted to rely on academy defender Raúl Asencio and considered deploying midfielders like Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni in defensive roles, underscoring his lack of confidence in Vallejo. citeturn0news25

This marginalization highlights a paradox in Vallejo’s career at Real Madrid. Despite being part of the squad during a period of significant success, including multiple La Liga and Champions League titles, his personal contributions on the field have been minimal. Over five seasons with the club, interspersed with loan spells, Vallejo has amassed only 32 appearances, averaging a title approximately every 150 minutes played. citeturn0news24

Vallejo’s dedication and professionalism have never been in question. He has consistently maintained a positive attitude, demonstrating commitment in training and readiness to step in when called upon. However, the competitive nature of Real Madrid’s squad and the emergence of younger talents have continually impeded his ability to secure a regular role.

With his contract nearing its end in June 2025, the likelihood of Vallejo seeking opportunities elsewhere appears imminent. A move could provide him with the consistent playing time necessary to rejuvenate his career and fully realize the potential that once made him one of Spain’s promising defensive talents.

In retrospect, Vallejo’s journey with Real Madrid serves as a testament to the challenges players face in elite football clubs, where competition for positions is fierce, and opportunities can be scarce. His experience underscores the importance of timing, adaptability, and perhaps the need for strategic career decisions to ensure sustained development and success in professional football.

As the season progresses, Vallejo’s situation remains a poignant subplot in Real Madrid’s narrative. Whether he will have a chance to contribute meaningfully to the team’s objectives or if his tenure at the Santiago Bernabéu has effectively concluded is a question that looms over the remainder of the campaign.

For Vallejo, the upcoming months are crucial. They represent not just the closing chapter of his time with Real Madrid but also a pivotal moment to assess his career trajectory and explore avenues that align with his aspirations and abilities.

In the grander scheme, Vallejo’s story is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football careers. It highlights how talent and potential must be matched with opportunity and timing, and how resilience and perseverance are essential attributes for professional athletes navigating the complexities of top-tier football.

As fans and analysts observe the unfolding of Vallejo’s career, there is a collective hope that he finds a platform where his skills are valued, and he can contribute significantly on the pitch, fulfilling the promise he showed as a young defender emerging from Zaragoza.

Ultimately, Vallejo’s experience at Real Madrid, with its highs and lows, may serve as a valuable chapter in his career, providing lessons and insights that will inform his future endeavors in football.