OFFICIAL: Arbeloa appointed as Real Madrid's head coach.

Real Madrid's official website has just released a statement confirming Alvaro Arbeloa as the new head coach of the first team, marking a significant change on the coaching bench at the Bernabéu.

In a press release published on January 13th (Vietnam time), the club stated: “Real Madrid CF announces that Alvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as the head coach of the first team.” The decision was made shortly afterReal Madrid ends its partnership with Xabi Alonso.According to the agreement between the two parties.

Original link: https://www.realmadrid.com/en-US/news/club/announcements/comunicado-oficial-alvaro-arbeloa-12-01-2026

Previously, Real Madrid confirmed: "After reaching an agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, both sides have decided to terminate their partnership, bringing to an end his tenure as head coach of the first team." The appointment of Arbeloa is considered a step towards continuity, as the former defender has been associated with the club's youth academy for many years.

Alvaro Arbeloa will lead Real Madrid Castilla from June 2025 and has previously coached at various levels in the academy since 2020. He left his mark at Juvenil A with a treble in the 2022/23 season and the 2024/25 Youth Liga title, and is highly regarded for his tactical thinking and ability to convey the club's identity.

As a player, Arbeloa was a member of Real Madrid's successful period (2009–2016), playing 238 matches and winning 8 major titles, including 2 Champions Leagues. At the national team level, he was part of the generation that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.

Alongside the appointment, Real Madrid expressed their gratitude to Xabi Alonso, affirming that he will always receive the respect of the Madridistas: "Real Madrid will always be Xabi Alonso's home." The club thanked him and the coaching staff for their contributions over the past period.