Dani Carvajal delivered the opening speech for the San Isidro festivities from the balcony of Madrid's Casa de la Villa. Our captain, who was born in the Madrid town of Leganés, said proudly: "Today I stand on this balcony not as a sportsperson, but as just another citizen. And, above all, as a grateful Madrileño. I am grateful for the honour of being the opening speaker for my city; it is one of those gifts that life gives you."
The Real Madrid captain highlighted the welcoming nature of the capital: “In Madrid, you become a Madrileño with each passing day, with the people, with your enthusiasm. Here, no one asks you where you come from, but where you are going. And when you understand that, you become part of something that cannot be explained."
The pride of representing Madrid and Real Madrid
"I know this because I feel it and see it every day in my people, and, how can I not say it, excuse me, Mayor, I feel it when I wear the Real Madrid shirt and step onto the pitch at the Bernabéu. Because representing this club also means representing this city: its ambition, its history, its non-conformity, and its desire to have the highest of aspirations."
The event concluded with a heartfelt message to the city that has seen him grow up: "Madrid is energy, it's diversity, it's generosity. It's that force that pushes you forward, even when the going gets tough. It's that city that welcomes you, challenges you, and transforms you. This city has a bright future ahead of it, full of opportunities. It knows no limits, it doesn't hold back. And we, its residents, are responsible for continuing to make it grow."
"To conclude, allow me to close with a phrase that never loses its power, because it sums up everything we feel for this city: From Madrid to the heavens!"