Dani Ceballos is facing one of the most uncertain phases of his Real Madrid career, with his role in the squad becoming smaller since Alvaro Arbeloa stepped into the dugout.
The Spanish midfielder, who once fought his way back into the team with consistent performances, now finds himself struggling for minutes.
Since the managerial change, Ceballos has not started a single match. In fact, he has not even stepped onto the pitch in four games.
To make matters more difficult, younger or less established players from the academy have been introduced ahead of him, leaving the former Real Betis midfielder watching from the bench.
Expression is a freedom of speech
Despite the setback, Ceballos has chosen to express his mindset publicly through social media.
Instead of direct complaints, he has opted for motivational messages that hint at his determination to turn the situation around.
In his latest Instagram post, he shared a quote aimed at reinforcing self-belief during difficult moments.
Dani Ceballos sent a cryptic message. (Picture source: Instagram)
“Believe in yourself. I never stopped believing in myself, and you should believe in yourself too; you are worth more than you think.“
This is a quote from Benito Antonio, an athlete who played in the Super Bowl final in 1960.
There have been instances
This was not an isolated message. Earlier in the week, Ceballos had already posted another line that caught the attention of fans and followers.
It carried a more reflective tone, suggesting the challenges he is facing during this period.
“We don’t have many friends here; loyalty is expensive.”
While the posts do not directly mention his situation at Real Madrid, the timing has led many to interpret them as a reaction to his lack of opportunities.
Even so, those close to the club insist that Ceballos continues to train with intensity, hoping to convince the coaching staff that he deserves a bigger role.
