Rudiger's future up in the air: End of the road for the German wall at Real Madrid

Antonio Rudiger shook the football world last spring with his infamous throat-slitting gesture after Real Madrid's penalty win over Atletico in the Champions League round of 16 - and that was only the start of a turbulent few months for the German defender. Several incidents followed in La Liga, including an attempted confrontation with a referee.

Now, according to Bild, the Germany international is heading for the exit door. Rudiger's contract runs out in June 2026, and there will be no renewal. His three-year spell at the Bernabeu looks set to end quietly, without the extension once taken for granted.

German legends disgusted by Rudiger's behaviour: 'That's unacceptable!'

Once untouchable under Carlo Ancelotti, Rudiger has lost his place since the arrival of Xabi Alonso. The Spanish coach, known for tactical discipline and strict standards, is reportedly unimpressed by Rudiger's fitness levels and inconsistency. The 32-year-old centre-back has been sidelined since early September with a thigh injury and is not expected back until November. In his absence, Eder Militao and Dean Huijsen have formed a solid partnership, pushing the German veteran down the pecking order.

Madrid's stance is also financial: Rudiger's salary - over €10 million a year - is considered excessive for a player now seen as a rotation option. Everything points toward a parting of ways at the end of the season.

Adding to the tension are reports of a training-ground spat with Jude Bellingham earlier this year, when tempers flared during a rough period that saw Madrid finish runners-up in La Liga and bow out in the Champions League quarter-finals. Rudiger allegedly made a hard tackle on the Englishman, who responded with an insult, before teammates intervened to separate them. The matter was later smoothed over, club sources insist.

Rudiger joined Real Madrid in 2022 as a free agent from Chelsea and has since made 157 appearances, winning eight trophies, including the Champions League, La Liga and the UEFA Super Cup. Before Madrid, he played for Stuttgart, Roma and Chelsea, and has earned 81 caps for Germany.

Bellingham and Rudiger clash at training session!

His influence may have faded, but Rudiger will be remembered in Madrid as a fierce, passionate defender who brought intensity and fire to the dressing room. Where he goes next remains to be seen - but one thing is certain: offers won't be lacking for a warrior of his experience.

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 9

Friday

22.00: (3.00) Oviedo (3.25) Espanyol (2.60)

Saturday

15.00: (1.87) Sevilla (3.45) Mallorca (4.40)

17.15: (1.22) Barcelona (7.75) Girona (13.0)

19.30: (1.95) Villareal (3.50) Betis (3.90)

22.00: (1.40) Atletico Madrid (4.50) Osasuna (8.50)

Sunday

15.00: (3.50) Elche (3.20) Athletic Bilbao (2.20)

17.15: (2.20) Celta (3.40) Sociedad (3.30)

19.30: (2.85) Levante (3.25) Rayo Vallecano (2.55)

22.00: (8.00) Getafe (4.40) Real Madrid (1.43)

Monday

22.00: (2.30) Alaves (3.10) Valencia (3.40)

***odds are subject to change***