Real Madrid extend defender Antonio Rüdiger for one year

Defender Antonio Rüdiger has signed a one-year contract extension with Real Madrid, keeping the German international at the club until June 30, 2027. The club confirmed the deal on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, securing the 33-year-old center-back for a fifth season at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The extension adds a single year to Rüdiger's existing contract, which was set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season. This follows the club's established policy of offering rolling one-year extensions to players over the age of 30. The renewal had been under discussion for some time, with the player initially seeking a longer commitment before accepting the club's position. The move preempts potential interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Europe.

Since joining on a free transfer from Chelsea in 2022, Rüdiger has made 182 official appearances for Real Madrid, winning eight trophies including La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. However, his most recent campaign was disrupted by injuries, limiting him to 26 appearances across all competitions. His renewal is seen as providing experienced depth to the squad as the club navigates defensive uncertainties, including David Alaba's...