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Arbeloa Takes Helm at Real Madrid After Alonso Sacking
12 Jan
Summary
- Alvaro Arbeloa appointed Real Madrid's new head coach on January 12.
- Arbeloa previously managed Real Madrid's reserve and youth teams.
- Alonso was dismissed following a Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona.
Real Madrid has appointed Álvaro Arbeloa as their new first-team head coach, effective January 12, 2026. This decision comes swiftly after the team's Spanish Super Cup final loss to arch-rivals Barcelona. Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid defender, steps into the role previously held by Xabi Alonso, who managed the team since June 2025.
Arbeloa brings a wealth of experience from his time coaching Real Madrid's youth academy, where he has been since 2020. He most recently managed the reserve side, Castilla, and previously led youth teams to significant title victories, including a treble with the Juvenil A squad. As a player, Arbeloa was a key figure during a highly successful era for Real Madrid, winning eight titles between 2009 and 2016.
Xabi Alonso's tenure, which began in June 2025, was marked by inconsistency, with Real Madrid currently second in La Liga. Despite a recent winning streak that initially secured his position, the Super Cup final defeat proved to be the deciding factor in his dismissal. Alonso had originally signed a three-season deal until June 2028.
