David Alaba Returns After 399 Days Absence

David Alaba returned to play for Real Madrid after recovering from a severe injury for about a year (Instagram/@davidalaba).

JAKARTA - David Alaba has returned to play for Real Madrid after being sidelined by 399 due to a severe injury that hit him in December 2023.

He was fielded by Carlo Ancelotti when Los Blancos silenced Las Palmas 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on January 19, 2025. Alaba came off the bench to replace Antonio Rudiger in the 76th minute.

Alaba could not hold back her joy to return to play after battling injury for more than a year.

After the match, he uploaded a touching message on his personal Instagram addressed to the coaches, teammates, and supporters who always support him.

"What do you fight for at the end of the day? What do you deal with for yourself every day? How do you always try to see the positive side even in gloomy days?"

"I know that, I've always known that for the past few days, weeks and months. All for today! All for this moment! I can't reveal how much I miss that feeling."

"I miss stepping onto the pitch, especially at home, helping teammates, celebrating a win with fans afterwards."

"After more than a year, now I can do what I like above all else. It's a long journey, but every day hard work is not in vain!"

"Thank you to your family, friends, teams, clubs and fans for being with me all this time. Thank you to God for giving me faith and strength."

"Often not easy, but you have brought me here today. Back to the pitch, back to football! Now back to the real thing! We have a lot to do!" wrote Alaba.

The Moment You Have Been Waiting For

After the match against Las Palmas, Alaba received a warm welcome from all the team members.

He congratulated team-mates and coaches. In fact, Real Madrid President Florentino Perez also went to the dressing room to congratulate him directly.

"I've worked hard every day waiting for this moment. The team has helped me a lot. Without team-mates, medical staff, physiotherapists and rehabilitation teams, it would be more difficult."

"I'm very happy. It's a special day for me. I want to thank the fans."

"I have waited a long time for this moment because last year was very long and difficult. I have worked hard every day waiting for this moment. Returning to play at home itself is amazing."

"The team has helped me a lot. They help me a lot every day by working very hard," the Austrian said at Real Madrid TV.

Alaba suffered an ACL injury in her left knee on December 17, 2023 against Villarreal in Bernabeu. Two days later, he underwent surgery.

Since then, he has started a long recovery process. After recovering from injury, and after several weeks of training with his teammates, Ancelotti revealed that Alaba would play against Las Palmas.

Alaba also looked emotional when the whole of Bernabeu gave him a lively applause.

"We played very well. For me, it was an incredible match and we deserved to win," Alaba said after the match.