Alvaro Arbeloa Confirms Departure from Real Madrid
Alvaro Arbeloa has officially confirmed that he will not be remaining with Real Madrid for the upcoming season. This decision comes as former manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly set to return to the club, marking a potential new chapter in the team’s history.
Arbeloa took over from Xabi Alonso, who has since become the new manager of Chelsea, in January. Despite another season without major trophies, he guided the club to a second-place finish in LaLiga, though they finished 11 points behind champions Barcelona.
Mourinho is expected to leave Benfica this summer after an unbeaten domestic campaign that saw his team finish third. His return to Real Madrid would mark a second spell at the Bernabeu, 13 years after his initial departure.
As a former Real defender, Arbeloa had previously worked within the club’s youth and reserve teams. He recently confirmed that he will not be staying on the backroom staff next season. During a press conference ahead of Sunday’s final home game against Athletic Bilbao, which will also see long-serving captain Dani Carvajal leave the club, Arbeloa shared his thoughts on Mourinho’s potential return.
“I’m not here to talk about possibilities. In Mou’s case, I think he has a fantastic coaching staff, as good as he is, and I think he is very well surrounded,” Arbeloa said. “If he comes to Real Madrid, he will do so with his coaching staff, as it should be. There is no possibility that I could be part of it.”
He added, “I have spent four months not thinking about myself, focusing on Real Madrid and the next game. Starting Monday, it will be time for me to think about what’s best for me.”
Arbeloa reflected on his journey, stating, “A year ago, I saw myself coaching in the academy, with the youth A team, and now I am here. I have already made the leap, improved greatly over these four months, and I feel prepared for new challenges. Starting Monday, I will think about them.”
Although he did not rule out returning to the club in the future, Arbeloa emphasized that this will be his last match as a coach for Real Madrid this season. “Hopefully, it’s a ‘see you later’ because I have always considered this my home. I have been part of Real Madrid for 20 years in many roles. It’s clear that this will be my last match this season as coach of Real Madrid, but I don’t know if it will be the last of my life as a Real Madrid coach. I will try to enjoy it and focus on winning.”
Other Key Departures
Defender David Alaba is also leaving Real Madrid after five years with the club. During his tenure, he won two Champions Leagues and two LaLiga titles. However, his role has diminished significantly since suffering an ACL injury in January 2025, and he has started just three league games this season.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez praised Alaba, stating, “David Alaba carries with him the affection of all Madridistas for his dedication, his work and an iconic image on our journey toward the 14th (European cup), symbolising the celebration of a victory that is now a part of our club’s history. Real Madrid will always be his home.”
Changes on the Opposite Side
Athletic Bilbao is also saying goodbye to their manager this weekend. Ernesto Valverde is departing San Mames after overseeing more than 500 matches across three spells with the Basque club.
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