Daniel Ceballos Fernández, commonly referred to as Dani Ceballos, is a professional Spanish football player who has achieved prominence in both La Liga and international play. Born on August 7, 1996, in Utrera, Spain, Ceballos has established himself as a dynamic and adaptable central midfielder, demonstrating his talents at prestigious clubs like Real Madrid, Arsenal, and the Spanish national team.

Ceballos began his football career at a young age with Sevilla before moving to Utrera. In 2011, he joined the youth system at Real Betis, where his exceptional talent began to emerge. He made a noteworthy impact with the senior team, aiding in their promotion from the Segunda División and attracting the interest of top European clubs. In 2017, he made a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid, where he has since become an essential member of the team, contributing in both La Liga and international tournaments.

Ceballos' proficiency in controlling the midfield, along with his technical abilities, vision, and passing range, quickly established him as one of Spain's most promising talents. His loan period at Arsenal from 2019 to 2021 further highlighted his versatility and dedication to improvement. Upon his return to Real Madrid, Ceballos continued to demonstrate his worth as an invaluable asset to the team.

On the global scene, Ceballos has represented Spain at various youth levels before making his senior debut in 2018. Since then, he has accumulated a significant number of caps 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 key player to keep an eye on in the realm of football.

Professional Career

Real Betis: An Encouraging Beginning

Joining Betis’ Youth System: Dani Ceballos began his football career in the youth academy of Sevilla in 2004. However, after being released due to a health issue in 2009, he moved on to refine his talents at Utrera. His significant breakthrough occurred in 2011 when he signed with Real Betis, marking the start of his professional career.

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

Promotion and Success: During the 2014–2015 season, Ceballos played a crucial role in Betis' successful return to La Liga after they won the Segunda División. He participated in 33 matches, scored five goals, and demonstrated his ability to impact games.

Top Flight Impact: He scored his first goal in La Liga in April 2017 against Eibar, helping secure a 2–0 win. Ceballos' skill in managing the midfield and making offensive contributions started to mark him as a player to keep an eye on.

Contract Renewal: Following several outstanding performances, Ceballos extended his contract with Betis in October 2015, securing his position with the club until 2020 and highlighting his increasing significance to the team.

Real Madrid: The Major Transition

Joining Madrid: On July 14, 2017, Ceballos completed a notable transfer to Real Madrid for a fee of €18 million. He was anticipated to be a long-term successor to some of the club’s legendary midfielders.

Debut and Early Success: Ceballos made his debut in August 2017, appearing as a substitute in the 2017 Supercopa de España against Barcelona, where Madrid emerged victorious with a score of 2–0. His first starting match took place in September, during which he impressed by scoring two goals in a 2–1 victory over Deportivo Alavés, showcasing his potential at the elite level.

UEFA Champions League Triumph: Ceballos was a member of the team that secured the UEFA Champions League title in the 2017–18 season, participating in multiple matches throughout the tournament and helping Real Madrid achieve their remarkable third consecutive victory in this prestigious competition.

Key Moments: In January 2019, Ceballos captured attention by scoring an impressive free kick during a 2–1 victory against his former club, Real Betis, in the Spanish league. His performances on the field, even though he was not a regular starter, brought 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 to gain more playing time and experience in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.

Remarkable Debut at Arsenal: Ceballos made a significant impression, achieving man-of-the-match honors in his first start with Arsenal, contributing two assists in a 2–1 victory against Burnley.

UEFA Europa League and FA Cup Success: Ceballos netted his inaugural goal for Arsenal during a 4–0 victory against Standard Liège in the Europa League and later scored a pivotal goal against Sheffield United in the FA Cup, aiding Arsenal's advance to the semi-finals. He completed the entire 90 minutes in the final, where Arsenal secured a 2–1 victory over Chelsea.

Another Season at Arsenal: In September 2020, Ceballos rejoined Arsenal on loan for an additional season, attributing his choice to manager Mikel Arteta's influence. He expressed that Arteta played a significant role in his development and improvement as a player, and his second season further established him as an important midfielder for the team.

Return to Real Madrid: A Resurgence

Injury Challenges: Ceballos was sidelined for a significant portion of the 2021–2022 season due to a severe ankle injury sustained during Spain’s first match at the 2020 Summer Olympics. Nonetheless, he made a successful comeback in January 2022, entering as a substitute in a 3–1 victory over CD Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey.

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

Heroics in the Copa del Rey: In January 2023, Ceballos netted a key goal and assisted another 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 through 2027, highlighting his continued value to the squad. Additionally, he netted 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’ international career took off in November 2014 when he was selected for the Spain U-19 team. He made his first appearance in a tournament featuring teams from Germany, France, and Greece. His outstanding performances marked the beginning of his rise in Spanish youth football.

Under-21 Success: Ceballos made a swift rise to the U-21 national team, debuting on March 26, 2015, in a friendly match that ended in a 2–0 win against Norway. Just four days later, he secured his first starting position in a 4–0 win over Belarus. His undeniable talent shone through, solidifying his place in the youth setup.

Triumph in the UEFA European Under-21 Championships

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 as a substitute, his outstanding performances led him to be named Player of the Tournament, highlighting his talent for performing under pressure.

2019 UEFA Under-21 Championship: Ceballos continued his successful run with the U-21 squad, assisting Spain in securing the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship title. His outstanding performances led to him being named in the Team of the Tournament for the second time in a row, solidifying his status as one of the most promising young talents in European football.

Debut and Achievements with the Senior National Team

First Cap and Goal: Ceballos made his senior debut for Spain on September 11, 2018, during a commanding 6–0 victory against Croatia in the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League. He had an immediate impact, playing the entire match. In his subsequent appearance on November 15, 2018, he netted his first goal for Spain in a 3–2 defeat to Croatia, marking a significant emotional milestone in his international career.

Ongoing Participation with the National Team: Ceballos showcased his abilities during the Nations League, proving his worth at the senior level, which led to his continued selection for upcoming international matches. His poise and talent were apparent as he reliably contributed to Spain's efforts.

Selection for the 2020 Summer Olympics

Olympics Call-Up: After missing UEFA Euro 2020 due to an injury, Ceballos was chosen for Spain’s squad for the 2020 Summer Olympics. He was named as one of three over-aged players in the preliminary squad, contributing his experience and leadership to the under-23 team.

Olympic Participation: Ceballos was named in the final squad of 22 players for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, indicating Spain's confidence in his skills on the international stage. His previous experience in global tournaments greatly contributed to the team, although Spain ultimately did not win a medal during the event.

Dani Ceballos has experienced a swift ascent in his international career, moving through Spain's youth teams to becoming a vital player for the senior squad. His achievements in the UEFA Under-21 Championships, debut in the senior team, and his ongoing contributions highlight his potential and significance to the national side. With his skillset, 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 versatile and dynamic central midfielder, recognized for his technical skill, vision, and work ethic on the pitch. His playing style is characterized by his ability to control the pace of the game and manage the midfield effectively. Ceballos excels in confined spaces, using his ball control, dribbling ability, and agility to maneuver around opponents. His technical skills enable him to execute complex passes, whether short or long, allowing him to facilitate play and transition quickly from defense to offense.

One of Ceballos' most impressive qualities is his awareness and vision, which enable him to identify crucial passes and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He is adept at maintaining possession, often choosing to hold onto the ball until the perfect moment to make a play. His capability to analyze the game and make smart decisions makes him an essential figure in midfield, frequently taking charge of the play and influencing the pace of the match.

Ceballos' strong work ethic is a key aspect of his game. He relentlessly presses the opposing team, consistently striving to regain possession and assist defensively. His stamina and resolve allow him to participate actively in both offensive and defensive plays, marking him as a box-to-box midfielder. Although he may not be particularly known for scoring, his ability to create chances and maintain control in midfield is exceptionally valuable.

Additionally, Ceballos' adaptability is highlighted by his capability to play in different midfield positions. Whether in the role of a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder, or as a deep-lying playmaker, he exhibits tactical versatility, enabling his managers to deploy him in various systems and formations. This flexibility, paired with his technical abilities, makes Dani Ceballos an essential player for both his club and 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)
	2015–16	La Liga	34 (0)	4 (0)	—	38 (0)

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 capability to excel in high-pressure situations. Here are a few of his most memorable highlights:

The Contribution of Dani Ceballos

Dani Ceballos has already established an impressive legacy in football, recognized for his dynamic playing style and versatility as a central midfielder. His skill in controlling the game's tempo, delivering precise passes, and demonstrating his dribbling prowess distinguishes him as a vital player for both his club and country. 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 career at Real Betis, where he played a key role in the club's return to La Liga, alongside his impactful stint at Arsenal during their FA Cup victory, further underscores his rising profile.

Ceballos' outstanding performances for Spain’s youth teams, including receiving the Player of the Tournament award at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, highlight that his legacy extends beyond titles and accolades. He has played a significant role in shaping the Spanish midfield with his talent and leadership, making him a representative of the upcoming generation of Spanish football. His ongoing success cements his place in the annals of football history.

Envisioning the Future

As Dani Ceballos advances in his career, his future appears promising. Now in his late twenties, Ceballos' vast experience in La Liga, the Premier League, and international football provides him with the necessary skills to remain a vital player for both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. With his contract at Real Madrid extended until 2027, he has the chance to add even more trophies to his achievements and continue to play a key 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 emerging young talents. With an eye on the 2024 UEFA European Championship and future competitions, Ceballos is expected to be instrumental in steering his country towards greater achievements. His technical skills, leadership qualities, and dedication to growth indicate that his finest years lie ahead, both at the club and international levels. The upcoming seasons are set to be pivotal in what has already been a remarkable career.