Alvaro Arbeloa joins Fulham after Real Madrid spell

Fulham have officially appointed Álvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach, confirming a contract that will keep the Spaniard at Craven Cottage until 2029. Arbeloa’s tenure at Real Madrid ended in June after he stepped in mid‑season following Xabi Alonso’s dismissal, guiding the team through a turbulent spell but ultimately finishing without a trophy, widely seen as essential for retaining the job.

The 43‑year‑old now returns to the Premier League, where he previously played for Liverpool, to begin his first long‑term managerial project. Fulham described his arrival as a significant step, highlighting his development within Madrid’s coaching structure, from youth teams to the senior bench. Arbeloa expressed gratitude to Shahid and Tony Khan, calling it an honour to lead London’s oldest club. His debut will carry added intrigue: Fulham’s opening league match pits him against Xabi Alonso, who is also set for his Premier League managerial bow after taking over at Chelsea.