Dani Ceballos: The Rise of a Spanish Football Star
Dani Ceballos has established himself as a prominent midfielder in European football, making significant contributions to top clubs and the Spanish national team, while showcasing his unique playing style and resilience.
Daniel Ceballos Fernández, commonly referred to as Dani Ceballos, is a professional football player from Spain who has emerged as a key player in both La Liga and international competitions. Born on August 7, 1996, in Utrera, Spain, Ceballos has distinguished himself as a talented and adaptable central midfielder, exhibiting his abilities at renowned clubs such as Real Madrid, Arsenal, and the Spanish national team.
Ceballos began his football career at a young age with Sevilla and later transitioned to Utrera. In 2011, he joined the youth program at Real Betis, where his extraordinary talent started to emerge. He made a notable impact with the senior squad, aiding in their promotion from the Segunda División, which garnered the attention of top European clubs. In 2017, he made the prestigious move to Real Madrid, where he has since established himself as an essential member of the team, contributing in both La Liga and international tournaments.
Ceballos' capacity to dominate the midfield, along with his technical prowess, vision, and passing ability, quickly established him as one of Spain's most promising young talents. His loan period at Arsenal from 2019 to 2021 showcased his versatility and dedication to self-improvement. Upon his return to Real Madrid, Ceballos continued to affirm his value as a crucial player for the team.
On the global stage, Ceballos has represented Spain in various youth teams before making his senior debut in 2018. Since then, he has earned numerous appearances for the national team, playing a significant role in Spain’s achievements in international tournaments. With the 2022 FIFA World Cup approaching and a bright future ahead, Dani Ceballos continues to be a prominent player to watch in the football arena.
Professional Career
Real Betis: A Bright Beginning
Joining Betis’ Youth System: Dani Ceballos began his football career in the youth sectors of Sevilla in 2004. However, after being released due to a health issue in 2009, he honed his skills at Utrera. His significant breakthrough occurred in 2011 when he signed with Real Betis, marking the start of his professional journey.
First Team Debut and Promising Performance: Ceballos signed a professional contract with Betis in February 2014, and made his first-team debut just a few months later in a La Liga match against Real Sociedad. Despite being a newcomer, he immediately showcased his potential.
Promotion and Success: During the 2014–2015 season, Ceballos played a crucial role in Betis' successful promotion back to La Liga following their victory in the Segunda División. He participated in 33 matches, scored five goals, and demonstrated his capability to impact games.
Top Flight Impact: His inaugural goal in La Liga occurred in April 2017 against Eibar, aiding his team to a 2–0 win. Ceballos' skill in managing the midfield while also contributing to offensive plays started to mark him as a promising talent.
Contract Renewal: Following a string of outstanding performances, Ceballos extended his contract with Betis in October 2015, securing his position at the club until 2020 and highlighting his increasing significance in the team.
Real Madrid: The Major Transfer
Joining Madrid: On July 14, 2017, Ceballos made a notable transfer to Real Madrid for a fee of €18 million, with expectations that he would become a long-term successor to some of the club's legendary midfielders.
Debut and Early Success: Ceballos made his first appearance in August 2017, coming off the bench in the 2017 Supercopa de España against Barcelona, a match that Madrid won 2–0. His initial start occurred in September, where he celebrated the occasion with two goals in a 2–1 victory against Deportivo Alavés, showcasing his promise at the elite level.
UEFA Champions League Triumph: Ceballos was a member of the team that triumphed in the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League, making numerous appearances throughout the season and playing a role in Real Madrid’s remarkable achievement of securing their third consecutive title in the tournament.
Key Moments: In January 2019, Ceballos made waves when he delivered an impressive free kick in a 2–1 victory against his previous club, Real Betis, during the Spanish league. Despite not being a regular starter, his performances on the field garnered him considerable recognition.
Loan to Arsenal: A New Challenge
Arsenal Loan Transfer: On July 25, 2019, Ceballos joined Premier League team Arsenal on a loan for the season, aiming for increased playing time and exposure in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
Outstanding Debut with Arsenal: Ceballos made an immediate impact, achieving man-of-the-match honors in his first start for Arsenal, where he recorded two assists in a 2–1 victory against Burnley.
UEFA Europa League and FA Cup Success: Ceballos netted his first goal for Arsenal during a 4–0 victory against Standard Liège in the Europa League, and subsequently scored a vital goal against Sheffield United in the FA Cup, aiding Arsenal's advancement to the semi-finals. He played the entire 90 minutes in the final, where Arsenal emerged victorious with a 2–1 win over Chelsea.
A New Season at Arsenal: In September 2020, Ceballos returned to Arsenal on loan for a new season, mentioning manager Mikel Arteta as a significant influence on his choice. He expressed that Arteta played a crucial role in his growth and development as a player, and his second season further reinforced his position as an essential midfielder for the team.
Return to Real Madrid: A Resurgence
Injury Setbacks: Ceballos was sidelined for a significant portion of the 2021–2022 season due to a severe ankle injury incurred during Spain’s first match at the 2020 Summer Olympics. Nevertheless, he successfully returned to the field in January 2022, making a substitute appearance in a 3–1 victory against CD Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey.
Champions League Glory: Ceballos had a minor yet impactful contribution to Real Madrid’s victory in the 2022 UEFA Champions League, participating in the final match against Liverpool, which Madrid won 1–0.
Copa del Rey Heroics: In January 2023, Ceballos played a pivotal role by scoring a vital goal and providing an assist during an intense 3–2 win against Villarreal in the Copa del Rey, showcasing his increasing impact at Madrid.
Contract Extension: In June 2023, Real Madrid extended Ceballos' contract through 2027, highlighting his significant role within the team. Additionally, he netted his first Champions League goal in December 2023, helping secure a thrilling 3-2 victory against Union Berlin.
Global Career
Initial Experiences with Spain’s Youth Teams
Under-19 Debut: Dani Ceballos began his international career in November 2014 when he received his call-up to the Spain U-19 team. He made his debut in a tournament featuring Germany, France, and Greece. His remarkable performances laid the groundwork for his rise in Spanish youth football.
Successful Under-21 Journey: Ceballos quickly advanced to the U-21 national team, where he made his debut on March 26, 2015, in a friendly match, winning 2–0 against Norway. Just four days later, he got his first start in a 4–0 win over Belarus. His exceptional talent was clear, and he soon became a key player in the youth team.
Triumph at the UEFA European Under-21 Championships
2017 UEFA Under-21 Championship: Ceballos was instrumental in leading Spain to the final of the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship held in Poland. Though he began the tournament on the sidelines, his impressive performances throughout earned him the accolade of Player of the Tournament, highlighting his talent for rising to the occasion.
2019 UEFA Under-21 Championship: Ceballos furthered his success with the U-21 team by playing a crucial role in Spain's triumph at the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. His outstanding performances secured him a spot in the Team of the Tournament for the second year in a row, solidifying his status as one of Europe’s most promising young talents in football.
Making a Debut and Achieving Success with the Senior National Team
First Cap and Goal: Ceballos made his senior debut for Spain on September 11, 2018, during a convincing 6–0 victory against Croatia in the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League. He quickly made an impression by playing the entire match. In his subsequent game on November 15, 2018, he scored his first goal for Spain in a 3–2 defeat to Croatia, marking a significant emotional milestone in his international career.
Ongoing Involvement with the National Team: Ceballos showcased his talents during the Nations League, proving himself on the senior level, and was subsequently selected for additional international matches. His poise and skill were apparent as he consistently performed well for Spain.
Selection for the 2020 Summer Olympics
Olympics Call-Up: After missing the UEFA Euro 2020 due to an injury, Ceballos was picked for Spain’s squad for the 2020 Summer Olympics. He was included as one of three over-aged players in the preliminary roster, contributing his experience and leadership to the under-23 team.
Olympic Participation: Ceballos was selected for the final 22-player roster for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, reflecting Spain’s confidence in his skills on the international stage. His background in international competitions was crucial for the team, despite Spain finishing without a medal in the event.
Dani Ceballos' international career has swiftly advanced from Spain's youth teams to becoming a key player on the senior squad. His achievements in the UEFA Under-21 Championships, along with his senior debut and ongoing appearances for Spain, highlight his potential and significance to the national team. With his talent, composure, and ability to lead, Ceballos continues to proudly represent Spain on the global stage, with a promising future ahead.
Dani Ceballos's Playing Style
Dani Ceballos is a versatile and dynamic central midfielder, recognized for his technical skills, vision, and work ethic on the pitch. His style of play is characterized by his ability to control the game's tempo and manage the midfield. Ceballos excels in confined areas, demonstrating exceptional close ball control, dribbling, and agility to outmaneuver his opponents. His technical prowess enables him to execute complex passes, both short and long, facilitating effective link-up play and a swift transition from defense to offense.
One of Ceballos’ most notable qualities is his awareness and vision, which enable him to identify crucial passes and create chances for his teammates. He is at ease with the ball, often seeking to maintain possession and waiting for the right opportunity to make a pass. His capacity to read the game and make smart choices makes him a vital player in midfield, frequently managing the play and controlling the pace of the match.
Ceballos' work ethic stands out as one of his key traits. He is relentless in his efforts to press the opposition, consistently working to regain possession and contribute defensively. His stamina and determination ensure that he plays a significant role in both attacking and defensive phases, making him an effective box-to-box midfielder. While he may not be widely recognized for scoring goals, his ability to create opportunities and maintain control in the midfield is truly invaluable.
Additionally, Ceballos' versatility is highlighted by his capability to perform in multiple midfield positions. Whether he takes on the role of a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder, or acts as a deep-lying playmaker, he demonstrates the tactical adaptability that enables his managers to deploy him across various systems and formations. This range of skills, paired with his technical abilities, makes Dani Ceballos a crucial asset for both his club and his national team.
Club Career Statistics
Club |
Season |
League |
National Cup |
League Cup |
Europe |
Other |
Total |
Real Betis |
2013–14 |
La Liga |
1 (0) |
0 (0) |
— |
1 (0) |
2 (0) |
2014–15 |
Segunda División |
33 (5) |
2 (0) |
— |
— |
35 (5) |
Global Career Statistics
National Team |
Memorable Performances Dani Ceballos has had numerous unforgettable performances during his career, highlighting his talent, perseverance, and capability to shine in high-pressure situations. Below are some of his most significant moments: The Impact of Dani CeballosDani Ceballos has already carved out an impressive legacy in football, recognized for his dynamic playing style and versatility as a central midfielder. His capacity to control the game's tempo, deliver precise passes, and exhibit his dribbling talents distinguishes him as a crucial player for both his club and his national team. At Real Madrid, Ceballos has played a significant role in the team's achievements, including several UEFA Champions League titles, La Liga championships, and domestic cups. His tenure at Real Betis, where he was instrumental in the club's return to La Liga, and his contribution to Arsenal's FA Cup victory further highlight his rising stature in the sport. Ceballos has left a remarkable mark through his outstanding performances for Spain’s youth teams, highlighted by his Player of the Tournament recognition at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship. His legacy transcends mere titles and accolades; it encompasses his significant impact on the development of the Spanish midfield. With his talent and leadership qualities, he has become a representative of the upcoming generation of Spanish football, and his ongoing achievements assure his place in the annals of football history. Future ProspectsAs Dani Ceballos progresses in his career, the outlook remains positive. Now in his late twenties, Ceballos possesses a wealth of experience from playing in La Liga, the Premier League, and on the international stage, which equips him to continue being an essential player for both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. With his contract at Real Madrid now extended until 2027, he has a chance to accumulate even more trophies and keep on playing a vital role in the team's pursuit of domestic and international success. Ceballos' role in midfield is crucial for Spain as the team transitions with new leadership and the introduction of younger players. As Spain aims for the 2024 UEFA European Championship and other upcoming tournaments, Ceballos is expected to play an essential part in steering his country toward further achievements. His technical skills, leadership qualities, and dedication to self-improvement indicate that his prime years are still ahead, both in club and international play. The next few seasons are set to be pivotal chapters in what has already been a remarkable career. |