The Spanish football world is on edge following the emergence of an explosive rumor involving two of Real Madrid’s stars: Thibaut Courtois and Dani Carvajal. According to unconfirmed sources, the Belgian goalkeeper has been accused of having an affair with Daphne Cañizares, the wife of his teammate, the right-back and club captain. Both parties involved have vehemently denied the allegations, but an alleged video captured in a hotel at midnight has sparked a wave of speculation and controversy on social media and in the media. This scandal, which emerges at a critical moment in the 2025-2026 season, threatens to destabilize the harmony in the Real Madrid dressing room.
Thibaut Courtois, considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world, has been a key figure in Real Madrid’s recent successes, including winning several La Liga and Champions League titles. Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal, the team’s captain following Luka Modrić’s departure, is a fundamental pillar of the defense and a symbol of the club’s values. The relationship between the two players has always seemed solid, both on and off the field, making these allegations even more shocking. Daphne Cañizares, a Dutch-born model and businesswoman born in Mallorca, has been married to Carvajal since 2022 and is the mother of his two sons, Martín and Mauro. The couple has been seen as a model of stability, adding further incredulity to the speculation.
The scandal began with an alleged video circulating on social media, showing Courtois and a woman, presumably Cañizares, entering a hotel together in Madrid late at night. Although the video’s quality is questionable and it doesn’t allow for clear identification of those involved, the footage has fueled rumors and sensational headlines. The media has speculated about the nature of this encounter, but so far, no conclusive evidence has been presented to support the allegations of infidelity. Courtois, who is engaged to Israeli model Mishel Gerzig, issued a statement on social media categorically denying any inappropriate relationship and calling the accusations “malicious lies intended to damage my reputation.” For his part, Carvajal also came to the defense of his wife and partner, stating that the video is “a montage” and that he fully trusts them both.
Fan reaction has been mixed. While some believe the video could be an attempt to destabilize Real Madrid at a time when the team is looking to regain its dominance in La Liga after an inconsistent start to the season, others have expressed their disappointment and demanded clarity. Social media, especially platforms like X, has become a hotbed of opinions, with hashtags related to the scandal reaching millions of interactions. Some users have pointed out that these types of rumors are not new in the world of football, recalling past cases involving other players, but the involvement of two such prominent Real Madrid figures has heightened the level of attention.
In a sporting context, this scandal comes at a delicate time for Real Madrid. Following the departures of historic players like Modrić and Kroos, the team relies heavily on the cohesion of its leaders, such as Carvajal and Courtois. Their recent recovery from serious injuries, including Carvajal’s torn ligament in October 2024 and Courtois’s struggles following his injury in 2023, had been a cause for celebration for fans. However, this latest incident could cause tension in the dressing room, especially if the rumors persist. Coach Carlo Ancelotti, known for his crisis management skills, has yet to publicly comment on the matter, but is expected to address the situation to maintain calm within the team.
For now, the club has chosen to remain silent, allowing those involved to handle the allegations personally. However, pressure from the media and public opinion could force Real Madrid to issue an official statement. Meanwhile, Daphne Cañizares has limited her comments on her Instagram posts, where she often shares family moments, and has avoided making direct reference to the scandal. The football community hopes this episode will not affect the team’s performance in upcoming matches, especially in the Champions League, where Real Madrid faces a demanding schedule.
This scandal, although still lacking solid evidence, has put the personal lives of two of Real Madrid’s most beloved players in the spotlight. The truth behind the video and the accusations may take time to unravel, but for now, the controversy continues to grow, leaving fans wondering if this is just a passing rumor or the beginning of a larger crisis at the club
