Real Madrid Assigns Alvaro Carreras Jersey Number That Carries Dark History
Real Madrid presented newly acquired defender Álvaro Carreras with the club's No. 18 jersey during his official introduction ceremony at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday.
Carreras completed his transfer from Benfica over the weekend in a transaction valued at €50 million ($58.3 million), with Madrid having pursued the left-back prior to the FIFA Club World Cup but finalizing the deal afterward.
The 22-year-old defender, who developed through the club's youth system before departing for Manchester United at age 17, represents another significant addition to the defensive restructuring that Xabi Alonso will oversee this season and in future campaigns—following previous acquisitions of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen.
Carreras began his 'introduction day' in Madrid by undergoing standard medical examinations at Valdebebas, followed by a meeting with Los Blancos president Florentino Pérez in the Bernabéu's trophy chamber. Following photo opportunities displaying his new No. 18 jersey, the contract was formally executed.
Carreras had previously donned No. 3 throughout his 18-month tenure with Benfica, having worn No. 33, No. 42, No. 2 and No. 74 at different stages of his professional journey.
While Aurélien Tchouaméni held No. 18 during his initial two campaigns with the club, this number hasn't frequently been linked with triumph at Real Madrid. Its latest holder was Jesús Vallejo, with Gareth Bale sporting it in his concluding season, and Luka Jović possessing it previously. Julien Faubert, Jonathan Woodgate, Antonio Cassano, Javier Saviola and Mariano Díaz represent other past bearers.
The number appears to hold no particular meaning for Carreras who, when questioned about his choice of No. 18, merely stated: "I'll wear any number to represent this club."
While Huijsen faces an immediate competition for a regular position and Alexander-Arnold confronts the challenge of permanently displacing Dani Carvajal, Carreras might rapidly establish himself as Madrid's first-choice left-back ahead of Ferland Mendy. The injury-prone Frenchman managed just 12 La Liga starts in 2024–25 and was absent from the Club World Cup.