Álvaro Arbeloa has been confirmed as Real Madrid’s new head coach just minutes after Xabi Alonso’s departure, which the club said was by mutual consent. The timing raised eyebrows, but Madrid wasted no time in announcing a successor.
Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid player, had been coaching Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s B team, since June 2025.
A permanent appointment, not a stopgap
The club’s official statement on its website says Arbeloa has been appointed as the “new head coach of the first team.” The wording makes clear this is a permanent appointment rather than an interim solution.
That clarity will matter at a club where short-term fixes are often followed by rapid changes if results do not immediately follow.
From La Fábrica to the first team
Arbeloa joined Real Madrid’s youth academy at age 18 and made four first-team appearances during the 2004-05 season before leaving for Deportivo La Coruña. After two-and-a-half seasons with Liverpool, he returned to the Santiago Bernabéu in the summer of 2009.
He went on to make 233 appearances for Madrid, primarily at right back, becoming a trusted and often understated presence during one of the club’s most successful modern eras.
A trophy-laden playing career
When Arbeloa left Madrid for West Ham in 2016, he had won eight trophies with the club. Those honors included the 2011-12 LaLiga title and two Champions League crowns in 2013-14 and 2015-16.
Now, he returns to the Bernabéu in a very different role, with the task of translating his deep connection to the club into success on the sideline.
fihadloy
0
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Hansi Flicks has nothing to do with Alonso mutual departure. He beat Barcelona and lost one game. He left on his own because the players refused to stay back to honour Barcelona victory. Disrespect by players is the reason. He called them back to no avail.
hecabcinuz
1
Another Legend
Edooo87
1
interim until to finish the season
Chrismaris1
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No one cares
Of course we do
cubabcilst
1
Madrid is finished
AFerusmc6546
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he will do better trust me. but let nobody take away what Alonso Achieved with Bayer Leverkusen. He is a legend. unbeaten with that league Cup
No one cares
livingstoneDlam
0
i can't wait to see him at work. next match is the one we are waiting for to see his style 😎
Chrismaris1
1
he will do better trust me. but let nobody take away what Alonso Achieved with Bayer Leverkusen. He is a legend. unbeaten with that league Cup
MumbaRk
1
I said it when they appointed Alonso, I'll still say it again.........Jurgen Klopp is the right man for Real Madrid job. Florentino Perez should find all means to persuade the former Liverpool super coach and lure him to Madrid, honestly the fans deserve the best because Real Madrid is the best club in history of football. Sir Perez should please do the needful, a coach who knows exactly what to do to bring the best out of this lads is what the club need not rookies👀
kloop can't manage real madrid because they club doesn't give power to coaches when it comes to signs klop would never agree
KenSaroWiwa77
5
I said it when they appointed Alonso, I'll still say it again.........Jurgen Klopp is the right man for Real Madrid job. Florentino Perez should find all means to persuade the former Liverpool super coach and lure him to Madrid, honestly the fans deserve the best because Real Madrid is the best club in history of football. Sir Perez should please do the needful, a coach who knows exactly what to do to bring the best out of this lads is what the club need not rookies👀
reggy105
3