Concerns have emerged for a Real Madrid star, amid reports from Spain suggesting that he “may never play football again” due to a chronic knee injury.

David Alaba, who joined Real Madrid from German giants Bayern Munich in 2021, has enjoyed a successful three years with the Spanish club, making 102 appearances and winning numerous trophies.

However, the Austrian defender’s time in Madrid has been overshadowed by injuries, the most recent being a cruciate ligament tear sustained in late 2023, which has kept him sidelined ever since.

Reports now suggest that Alaba’s latest injury could potentially end his career at the age of 32.

According to the prominent Spanish radio station and news outlet Onda Cero, based in Madrid, Alaba is suffering from a reduction in the cartilage in his knee, causing the bones to rub together.

Since cartilage does not regenerate on its own, it is notoriously difficult to treat and the condition is extremely painful.

This has raised serious concerns about whether the player will be able to return to professional football.

At just 32, this would represent an early retirement for a player widely regarded as one of the best of his generation, and arguably the greatest footballer Austria has ever produced.

Alaba has been named Austrian Player of the Year 10 times and boasts an impressive list of honours, including four Champions League titles, 10 Bundesliga titles, and two La Liga titles.