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Real Madrid have officially confirmed the departure of former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa. The 43-year-old was promoted from his role as Real Madrid B coach in January to become head coach, replacing former Liverpool teammate Xabi Alonso.
However, the club have now confirmed he will leave after a trophyless 2025/26 season. A club statement read: “Real Madrid C. F. and Álvaro Arbeloa have reached an agreement to end his tenure as the first-team coach.
“Real Madrid is deeply grateful to Álvaro Arbeloa, who throughout his career at the club, from the time he joined our academy, has always demonstrated loyalty, commitment, and professionalism.
“His persona is a true example of the values of our club. Real Madrid, which will always be his home, wishes Álvaro Arbeloa and his entire family the best of luck in this new chapter of their lives.”
Jose Mourinho is set to be named as the replacement for the departing Arbeloa. Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013.
Jose Mourinho ended the season with Benfica on May 16, securing third place in Liga Portugal with a 3-1 win over Estoril and completing an unbeaten league campaign.
The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager retains a strong relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez from his first spell at the club. His agent, Jorge Mendes, had been negotiating with Pérez and Real Madrid over the deal.
Real Madrid finished last season as La Liga runners-up, marking a second consecutive trophyless campaign after exiting the Champions League at the quarter-final stage against Bayern Munich.
Real supporters are said to be disappointed with the season’s outcome, with Hansi Flick’s Barcelona winning La Liga yet again.
Despite this, Arbeloa’s strong ties to the club and difficult mid-season appointment have been acknowledged, with inconsistency and pressure at the top level proving decisive factors in his exit.
Arbeloa played for Real between 2009 and 2016. Arbeloa joined Liverpool in January 2007 from Deportivo La Coruña for a fee of £2.6million.
The former Spanish defender went on to make 98 appearances for Liverpool, scoring two goals before leaving for Real Madrid in 2009.