Real Madrid CF have confirmed the appointment of Álvaro Arbeloa as the club’s new first‑team manager, following the departure of former coach Xabi Alonso by mutual consent, in a shock move announced on Monday.
The decision comes shortly after Real Madrid’s 3‑2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, a result that reportedly accelerated the club’s plans for a change in leadership amid a challenging 2025‑26 season.
“Real Madrid C.F. announces that Álvaro Arbeloa will be the new first‑team coach,” the club said in an official statement confirming the managerial switch.
Alonso, who had signed a three‑year contract with Los Blancos in May 2025 after a successful stint with Bayer Leverkusen, left the club just seven months after his appointment. His tenure featured an impressive start but blurred form in recent months, including key defeats across competitions that left Real Madrid trailing in La Liga and searching for consistency.
Real Madrid expressed appreciation for Alonso’s contributions as both a player and coach and described the departure as a mutual agreement.
Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid defender and club stalwart, steps up from his role as coach of Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve team. The Spaniard has been part of Madrid’s coaching setup for several years, having progressed through youth coaching roles before managing Castilla since May 2025.
As a player, Arbeloa wore the famous white jersey from 2009 to 2016, making over 230 appearances and winning numerous trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles and other major honours with both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team.
Arbeloa’s first assignment in charge of the senior side will come swiftly, with a Copa del Rey round‑of‑16 match against Albacete scheduled this week, offering an early test of his leadership at the top level.
His promotion signals Real Madrid’s willingness to trust internal talent and continuity, as Arbeloa transitions from youth and reserve management to the pressures of La Liga and European competition.
The official announcement marks a new chapter for Real Madrid as the club aims to recover momentum across domestic and continental fronts under its newly appointed manager.
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