Real Madrid have appointed Alvaro Arbeloa to lead the first team, a decision announced just minutes after confirming Xabi Alonso’s departure. The former defender had previously managed the club’s Castilla side.
Frenetic Monday at Real Madrid. Just after 6:00 p.m., the club announced the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. Minutes later, they confirmed that Álvaro Arbeloa would take charge of the first team.
The Basque coach ends his tenure at the club by mutual agreement, according to the official statement. He leaves after the defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final against their eternal rival, Barcelona, finishing with a record of 24 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses in 34 official matches.
His replacement is another former Real Madrid player, Álvaro Arbeloa. This will be the Salmantino’s first experience at the top level; he took over Castilla this past summer. He has managed a total of 18 matches, with a record of 10 wins, 1 draw, and 7 losses. The B team currently remains in promotion spots for Segunda División.
Arbeloa will not have much time to work, as his official debut will take place this Wednesday, against Albacete in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey.
Full statement from Real Madrid:
“Real Madrid C.F. announces that Álvaro Arbeloa is the new first-team coach.
Álvaro Arbeloa has been the coach of Castilla since June 2025 and has spent his entire coaching career in Real Madrid’s youth academy since 2020. He managed Infantil A in the 2020-2021 season, winning the league; Cadete A in 2021-2022; and Juvenil A from 2022 to 2025. As Juvenil A coach, he achieved the treble in 2022-2023 (League, Copa del Rey, and Champions Cup) and won the League in 2024-2025.
As a player, Álvaro Arbeloa was part of one of the most successful eras in Real Madrid’s history. He wore the white shirt from 2009 to 2016, playing 238 official matches. During that time, he won 8 titles: 2 Champions Leagues, 1 Club World Cup, 1 UEFA Super Cup, 1 La Liga, 2 Copa del Rey, and 1 Spanish Super Cup.
With the Spanish national team, Álvaro Arbeloa was also part of a historic era, winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and 2 European Championships (2008 and 2012). He earned 56 international caps.”
SOURCE: besoccer.com
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