Who Will Be Real Madrid’s New Head Coach After Xabi Alonso’s Exit?
Following their defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final, Real Madrid moved quickly and appointed Álvaro Arbeloa as the new first-team head coach, ushering in a new chapter on the bench.
Real Madrid wasted no time after the departure of Xabi Alonso. Just one day after falling to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, the club confirmed Álvaro Arbeloa as the new head coach of the first team, placing their trust in a familiar figure to guide the squad through the remainder of the season.
The announcement was made official through a club statement, which confirmed that Arbeloa, previously in charge of Real Madrid Castilla, would take over immediately. The decision underscores the club’s confidence in a coach who has been developed entirely within the Madrid system.
From the Academy to the First Team
Álvaro Arbeloa’s coaching career has been built exclusively inside Real Madrid. He began his journey on the sidelines during the 2020–21 season with the U-13 squad, leading the team to a league title. He later managed the U-15 side before taking charge of the U-19 team, where he achieved his most notable successes.
As head coach of the U-19s, Arbeloa delivered a historic treble in the 2022–23 season, winning the league, the youth Copa del Rey, and the Copa de Campeones, followed by another league title in the 2024–25 campaign. In June 2025, he was promoted to Real Madrid Castilla, whom he currently has sitting fourth in Group 1 of the Primera RFEF.
That steady progression through the academy ranks played a key role in the club’s decision to select him as Xabi Alonso’s successor, banking on his deep understanding of the club and its emerging talent.
A Club Icon Facing an Immediate Test
Before stepping into coaching, Arbeloa enjoyed a successful playing career with Real Madrid between 2009 and 2016. During that period, he made 238 official appearances and won eight major trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles, one LaLiga, two Copa del Rey trophies, and a Spanish Super Cup.
Now, the challenge is very different. Arbeloa takes charge of the first team in a high-pressure environment with little time to settle in. His first test will come this Wednesday, when Real Madrid travel to face Albacete in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey.
While the club has not disclosed the length of his contract, the expectations are clear. With a strong connection to the club, a proven record in the academy, and immediate responsibility on the biggest stage, Álvaro Arbeloa begins a defining chapter for both his career and Real Madrid’s immediate future.
