Real Madrid have confirmed the appointment of former defender Álvaro Arbeloa as the club’s new first-team coach, marking a significant shift towards internal continuity and long-term planning at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Arbeloa’s promotion follows his steady rise through the club’s coaching ranks and comes at a time when Real Madrid are prioritising stability and a strong link between the first team and the club’s youth structures. The appointment signals confidence in a coach who understands the club’s philosophy, expectations and winning culture.
Since joining Real Madrid’s academy setup in 2020, Arbeloa has built an impressive coaching résumé. He began with the Under-14s A side during the 2020–2021 season, leading them to a league title, before progressing to the Under-16s in the 2021–2022 campaign. His most notable success came with the Under-19s, whom he coached from 2022 to 2025. During this period, Arbeloa guided the team to a historic treble in the 2022–2023 season, winning the League, Copa del Rey and Champions Cup, and later secured another league title in the 2024–2025 season.
In June 2025, Arbeloa was appointed head coach of Real Madrid Castilla, where he continued to strengthen his reputation by developing young talent and aligning the reserve side closely with first-team demands. His work with Castilla further positioned him as a natural successor for a bigger role within the club.
Arbeloa’s return to the first team carries added symbolism given his history as a player. He represented Real Madrid between 2009 and 2016, making 238 official appearances during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. In that time, he won eight major trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles, a LaLiga crown, two Copa del Rey trophies, a Club World Cup, a UEFA Super Cup and a Spanish Super Cup.
Beyond club football, Arbeloa was part of Spain’s golden generation that dominated international football. He earned 56 caps for the national team and contributed to Spain’s historic achievements, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and UEFA European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012.
