Real Madrid Captain Dani Carvajal Under Investigation in Andorra Luxury Watch Smuggling Probe

Real Madrid captain and Spanish national team right-back Dani Carvajal is among several Spanish First Division footballers being investigated by an Andorran court for the purchase of smuggled luxury watches. The probe focuses on a scheme designed to evade taxes through a complex import-export loop between Spain and the Principality of Andorra.

According to reports, the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Principality has requested the collaboration of the UCO (Central Operating Unit) of the Civil Guard to assist in the investigation. Authorities are scheduled to take statements from the investigated players and businessmen involved in the scheme next week.

The heart of the investigation centers on an Andorran company known as Best in Asociados, which specializes in the marketing of high-end timepieces. Investigators allege that the company facilitated the sale of luxury watches without the payment of corresponding taxes.

The alleged operation functioned by having a Spanish company purchase luxury watches from state distributors. These watches were then formally imported to the Andorran company, Best in Asociados, which subsequently resold them to professional footballers. By routing the transactions through Andorra, the parties involved allegedly took advantage of the Principality’s tax deductions to avoid paying VAT, thereby generating an illegal profit margin.

The Andorran magistrate has officially requested collaboration from Spanish authorities to interrogate those under investigation. The probe extends beyond the footballers to include several individuals and Spanish companies that supplied the watches to the Andorran firm.

A Pillar of Real Madrid and Spain

The legal scrutiny comes as Carvajal remains a central figure for both Real Madrid and the Spain national team. Born in Leganés, Spain, Carvajal has established himself as one of the most decorated defenders in the history of the sport.

Having risen through the youth ranks at Real Madrid before a brief stint with Bayer Leverkusen, Carvajal returned to the Spanish capital in 2013. Since then, he has secured 27 major trophies with the club. His trophy cabinet includes four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles, and a joint record six UEFA Champions League wins—a milestone he shares with teammates Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, as well as Paco Gento and Nacho.

On the international stage, Carvajal has been equally successful. He was part of the Spanish squad that won the 2024 UEFA European Championship and the 2023 UEFA Nations League. His early career was also marked by success, winning the European Under-19 Championship in 2011 and the Under-21 edition in 2013.

Current Season Performance

Despite the off-field distractions, Carvajal continues to lead the Real Madrid defense. In the 2025-2026 campaign, he has appeared in 18 matches, logging 768 minutes of play. His recent La Liga contributions include 12 appearances, starting in seven of those matches and coming off the bench in five.

While he has not recorded a goal or an assist in the current season, his defensive work remains vital, having won back 22 balls and maintained a consistent presence in the starting lineup for the Madrid side.

As the Andorran justice system moves forward with its inquiries, the focus now shifts to the upcoming testimonies. Whether these investigations will lead to formal charges or financial penalties remains to be seen.

The next confirmed checkpoint in this case will be the statements taken by the Andorran court next week. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.

What are your thoughts on the intersection of athlete luxury spending and tax law? Let us know in the comments.