Daniel Ceballos Fernández, commonly known as Dani Ceballos, is a professional football player from Spain who has progressed to become an important player in both La Liga and international football. He was born on August 7, 1996, in Utrera, Spain, and has established himself as a dynamic and versatile central midfielder, demonstrating his abilities at prominent clubs like Real Madrid, Arsenal, and the Spanish national team.

Beginning his football career at an early age with Sevilla and later transferring to Utrera, Ceballos joined the youth system of Real Betis in 2011, where his exceptional talent started to stand out. He made a considerable impact with the senior team, aiding them in achieving promotion from the Segunda División before attracting the attention of top clubs across Europe. In 2017, he made a notable move to Real Madrid, where he has since become an essential player, making significant contributions in both La Liga and international matches.

Ceballos' talent for controlling the midfield, along with his technical skills, vision, and passing ability, quickly established him as one of Spain's most promising players. His stint at Arsenal, where he was on loan from 2019 to 2021, showcased his versatility and dedication to development. Upon returning to Real Madrid, Ceballos continued to demonstrate his value to the team.

On the global stage, Ceballos has represented Spain in various youth teams before making his senior team debut in 2018. Since then, he has accumulated numerous appearances for the national team, playing a vital role in Spain’s achievements in international competitions. With the 2022 FIFA World Cup approaching and a bright future ahead, Dani Ceballos continues to be a prominent player to follow in the world of football.

Professional Career

Real Betis: An Encouraging Beginning

Joining Betis' Youth System: Dani Ceballos' football career began in the youth academy of Sevilla in 2004. However, after facing a health issue that led to his release in 2009, he honed his skills at Utrera. His significant breakthrough occurred in 2011 when he signed with Real Betis, marking the beginning of his professional journey.

First Team Debut and Promising Performance: Ceballos signed a professional contract with Betis in February 2014 and made a remarkable first-team debut just a few months later in a La Liga match against Real Sociedad. Despite being a newcomer, he instantly showcased his potential.

Promotion and Success: During the 2014–2015 season, Ceballos was instrumental in Betis' successful return to La Liga after they clinched the Segunda División title. He participated in 33 matches, netting five goals and demonstrating his capacity to impact games.

Top Flight Impact: His inaugural goal in La Liga was scored in April 2017 against Eibar, aiding his team in a 2–0 win. Ceballos' skill in controlling the midfield and making offensive contributions began to highlight him as a player to keep an eye on.

Extended Contract: Following a remarkable run of performances, Ceballos extended his contract with Betis in October 2015, securing his position with the club until 2020 and highlighting his increasing significance within the team.

Real Madrid: A Significant Transition

Signing with Madrid: On July 14, 2017, Ceballos completed a notable transfer to Real Madrid for a fee of €18 million. He was seen as a potential long-term replacement for some of the club's iconic midfield players.

Debut and Early Success: Ceballos made his professional debut in August 2017, coming off the bench during the 2017 Supercopa de España match against Barcelona, which Real Madrid won 2–0. He secured his first starting appearance in September, where he celebrated the milestone by scoring twice in a 2–1 victory against Deportivo Alavés, showcasing his potential at the elite level.

UEFA Champions League Victory: Ceballos was part of the team that claimed the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League title, participating in various matches throughout the tournament and aiding Real Madrid in achieving their remarkable third consecutive win in the competition.

Key Moments: In January 2019, Ceballos gained attention by scoring a remarkable free kick during a 2–1 victory against his previous club, Real Betis, in the Spanish league. Although he was not a regular starter, his performances on the field brought him significant recognition.

Loan to Arsenal: A New Challenge

Arsenal Loan Transfer: On July 25, 2019, Ceballos signed with Premier League team Arsenal on a loan for the season to gain more playing time and showcase his skills in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.

Outstanding Debut at Arsenal: Ceballos made an immediate impact by delivering a man-of-the-match performance in his first start for Arsenal, contributing two assists in a 2–1 victory against Burnley.

UEFA Europa League and FA Cup Achievement: Ceballos netted his inaugural goal for Arsenal during a 4–0 victory over Standard Liège in the Europa League and followed it up with an important goal against Sheffield United in the FA Cup, aiding Arsenal's journey to the semi-finals. He completed a full 90 minutes in the final, where Arsenal emerged victorious with a score of 2–1 against Chelsea.

Another Season at Arsenal: In September 2020, Ceballos rejoined Arsenal on loan for another year, stating that manager Mikel Arteta was a significant influence in his choice. He expressed that Arteta contributed to his growth and development as a player, and during his second season, he further established himself as a key midfielder for the team.

Return to Real Madrid: Rising Again

Setbacks Due to Injury: Ceballos missed a significant portion of the 2021–2022 season after sustaining a severe ankle injury during Spain’s first match at the 2020 Summer Olympics. Nevertheless, he made a triumphant return in January 2022, coming on as a substitute in a 3–1 victory against CD Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey.

Champions League Glory: Ceballos had a minor yet impactful role in Real Madrid's victory in the 2022 UEFA Champions League, participating in the final match against Liverpool, which Madrid secured with a score of 1–0.

Copa del Rey Heroics: In January 2023, Ceballos played a pivotal role by scoring a key goal and providing an assist during a thrilling 3–2 win against Villarreal in the Copa del Rey, highlighting his increasing impact at Madrid.

Contract Extension: In June 2023, Real Madrid renewed Ceballos’ contract until 2027, highlighting his continuing significance to the team. Additionally, he scored his first ever Champions League goal in December 2023, contributing to 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 was selected for the Spain U-19 team. He made his debut in a tournament featuring teams from Germany, France, and Greece. His standout performances marked the beginning of his rise in Spanish youth football.

Under-21 Success: Ceballos rapidly advanced to the U-21 national team, making his debut on March 26, 2015, in a 2–0 friendly victory against Norway. Just four days later, he secured his first starting role in a 4–0 win over Belarus. His skill was unmistakable, and he quickly became a key player in the youth program.

UEFA European Under-21 Championship Triumph

2017 UEFA Under-21 Championship: Ceballos was instrumental in Spain's journey to the final of the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship held in Poland. Although he began the tournament on the bench, his significant contributions earned him the title of Player of the Tournament, highlighting his ability to excel in high-pressure situations.

2019 UEFA Under-21 Championship: Ceballos continued his success with the U-21 squad by playing a crucial role in Spain's victory at the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. His outstanding performances earned him a spot in the Team of the Tournament for the second consecutive time, solidifying his status as one of the most promising young talents in European football.

Debut and Achievements of the Senior National Team

First Cap and Goal: Ceballos made his senior debut for Spain on September 11, 2018, in a commanding 6–0 victory against Croatia during the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League. He quickly made his presence felt, playing the entire match. In his following appearance on November 15, 2018, he scored his first international goal in a 3–2 defeat to Croatia, achieving an important milestone in his international career.

Ongoing Commitment to the National Team: Ceballos' outstanding performance in the Nations League showcased his ability on the senior level, leading to his continued selection for upcoming international matches. His poise and talent were consistently on display as he made significant contributions to Spain.

2020 Summer Olympics Selection

Olympics Call-Up: After missing UEFA Euro 2020 due to an injury, Ceballos was chosen for Spain's 2020 Summer Olympics team. He was included as one of the three over-aged players in the preliminary squad, 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, demonstrating Spain's confidence in his skills on an international platform. His previous experience in global tournaments gave the team a significant advantage, despite Spain not achieving a medal in the event.

Dani Ceballos has swiftly advanced through Spain's youth teams to establish himself as a crucial member of the senior national team. His achievements in the UEFA Under-21 Championships, along with his senior debut and further appearances for Spain, highlight his potential and significance within the national setup. With his talent, maturity, and leadership qualities, Ceballos continues to represent Spain on the global stage, promising a bright future ahead.

Dani Ceballos' Playing Style

Dani Ceballos is a flexible and energetic central midfielder, recognized for his technical skills, vision, and dedication on the pitch. His style of play is characterized by his capability to control the pace of the game and manage the midfield effectively. Ceballos excels in confined spaces, utilizing his excellent ball control, dribbling, and agility to maneuver around defenders. His technical proficiency enables him to execute complex passes, both short and long, facilitating smooth play and swift transitions from defense to attack.

Ceballos possesses remarkable awareness and vision, enabling him to identify crucial passes and create chances for his teammates. He is confident in maintaining possession, often choosing to hold onto the ball until the ideal moment to play it. His skill in reading the game and making astute decisions makes him an essential figure in midfield, where he frequently orchestrates the play and controls the pace of the match.

Ceballos' work ethic is a key characteristic that sets him apart. He is tenacious in pressing the opposition, consistently striving to regain possession and contribute defensively. His endurance and commitment ensure he plays a vital role in both attack and defense, positioning him as a box-to-box midfielder. Although he may not be widely recognized for scoring regularly, his ability to create opportunities and maintain control in the midfield is invaluable.

Additionally, Ceballos' versatility is highlighted by his capability to perform in different roles within the midfield. Whether as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even as a deep-lying playmaker, he demonstrates tactical adaptability that enables his coaches to deploy him in various systems and formations. This flexibility, along with his technical abilities, makes Dani Ceballos a vital asset for both his club and national team.

Club Career Statistics

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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)
	2015–16	La Liga	34 (0)	4 (0)	—	38 (0)

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International Career Statistics

National Team	Year	Apps	Goals
Spain	2018	5	1
	2019	4	0
	2020	2	0
	2023	2	0
Total (Spain)	—	13	1

Memorable Performances

Dani Ceballos has had numerous standout performances during his career, demonstrating his talent, resolve, and capacity to excel in high-pressure situations. Below are some of his most memorable moments:

The Impact of Dani Ceballos

Dani Ceballos has established an impressive legacy in football, recognized for his energetic playing style and adaptability as a central midfielder. His talent for controlling the game's pace, delivering precise passes, and exhibiting his dribbling abilities sets him apart as an essential player for both his club and national team. At Real Madrid, Ceballos has made significant contributions to the team's achievements, including several UEFA Champions League titles, La Liga championships, and domestic cups. His experience at Real Betis, where he played a crucial role in the club's promotion to La Liga, as well as his time at Arsenal, where he was instrumental in their FA Cup victory, further highlight his rising stature.

Dani Ceballos has made a significant impact through his outstanding performances for Spain’s youth teams, highlighted by his Player of the Tournament accolade at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship. His legacy goes beyond titles and accolades; it encompasses his role in shaping the Spanish midfield. Ceballos' talent and leadership have established him as a key figure in the emerging generation of Spanish football, and his ongoing success guarantees his place in the annals of football history.

Looking Forward

As Dani Ceballos advances in his career, the prospects appear promising. Now in his late twenties, Ceballos' experience across La Liga, the Premier League, and international competitions provides him with the skills needed to remain an essential player for both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. With his contract with Real Madrid extended until 2027, he has the chance to accumulate even more trophies and continue supporting the team's pursuit of success on both domestic and international stages.

Ceballos' role in the midfield is essential for Spain as the squad transitions under new management and integrates younger talents. With an eye on the 2024 UEFA European Championship and other upcoming competitions, Ceballos is expected to be instrumental in steering his country toward greater achievements. His technical skills, leadership qualities, and dedication to improvement indicate that his prime years are still ahead, both in club football and on the international stage. The upcoming seasons are set to be pivotal in what has already been a remarkable career.