Real Madrid have moved swiftly following their defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final, confirming Alvaro Arbeloa as the club’s new head coach after parting ways with Xabi Alonso. The decision came shortly after the 3–2 loss to Barcelona in the final played in Saudi Arabia, a result that ultimately triggered a change at the top.
Alvaro Arbeloa is no stranger to the Santiago Bernabéu. A former Real Madrid defender, he made 238 appearances for the club between 2009 and 2016 and collected eight major trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles and a La Liga crown. On the international stage, Arbeloa was part of Spain’s golden generation, winning the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and the UEFA European Championship in 2008 and 2012.
At 42, Arbeloa steps into the senior managerial role after steadily rising through Real Madrid’s coaching ranks. He has worked within the club’s youth academy since 2020, guiding multiple age groups including Under-14 Under-16 and Under-19 teams. His most notable success came with the Under-19 side, where he achieved a historic treble during the 2022–23 season and later secured another league title in the 2024–25 campaign.
In June 2025, Arbeloa was appointed head coach of Castilla, further strengthening his reputation within the club hierarchy. His deep understanding of Real Madrid’s philosophy and his proven track record in youth development played a key role in the club’s decision to hand him the first-team job.
Following Alonso’s departure, several players shared messages of appreciation, including Kylian Mbappé, who praised the former coach for his clear ideas and football knowledge. While Alonso had been under pressure since late 2025, the Super Cup loss against Barcelona ultimately marked the end of his tenure. Now, all eyes turn to Arbeloa as he begins a new chapter at Real Madrid, tasked with leading the club forward during a crucial phase of the season.
