Sports Nicknames - Dani, Kiwi Head

Daniel Carvajal Ramos is a Spanish footballer, a world-class right back, who has spent the majority of his career playing for Real Madrid. The "Kiwi Head", as he is affectionately called by his teammates and fans, is a European Under 19 title winner with Spain.



Dani joined Real Madrid's youth system as a 10-year-old. He was steadily working his way up the ranks, but struggled to break through to the first team and had to depart to the German Bundesliga in 2012, where he played for Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Playing for Bayer, Carvajal made a name for himself dominating in the right back position.

He is physically strong, constantly running and pressing. When he makes his way up the pitch he usually crosses the ball in or passes.

With the German league being more physical and played at a faster pace compared to the Spanish league, which is more techincal, this was an experience that toughened Dani up. Dani also mentally matured during his time in Germany, as he lived alone and had to adjust to the language and a different culture.

After his outstanding performances, it did not take long for Real Madrid to exercise the buy-back clause in the contract with Bayer and get their man back in 2013.

Carvajal has been with Real Madrid ever since and has won five Champions Leagues with the club, as well as three La Liga trophies. He is considered to be one of the greatest right backs in the history of the club.

For the Spanish national team, Carvajal debuted in 2014 and has played on 30 occasions.

At the time of this writing Dani is still in his peak form at the age of 30 and it will be interesting to see how his career unfolds from here.

No matter what happens going forward, he will always be a Real Madrid legend.

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