Álvaro Arbeloa Appointed Real Madrid Castilla Manager
Madrid, 12 January 2026 – Former Spain international Álvaro Arbeloa, who enjoyed a successful playing career with Real Madrid and Liverpool, has transitioned into management and is currently leading Real Madrid Castilla with a solid start to his tenure.
Career Overview
Álvaro Arbeloa Coca, born on 17 January 1983 in Salamanca, Spain, began his football journey in the youth ranks of Real Zaragoza before joining Real Madrid’s academy in 2001. He progressed through the club’s reserve teams, making his first-team debut in 2004. After stints at Deportivo La Coruña and Liverpool, where he played 98 matches and scored two goals, Arbeloa returned to Real Madrid in 2009. Over seven years, he amassed 233 appearances, winning major honours including two UEFA Champions League titles, one La Liga, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Internationally, he earned 56 caps for Spain, contributing to victories at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championships in 2008 and 2012. Arbeloa retired in 2017 after a brief spell at West Ham United.
Transition to Management
Arbeloa returned to Real Madrid in a coaching capacity in 2020, starting with the under-14 team and progressing to the Juvenil A side. In May 2025, he was appointed manager of Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve team competing in the Primera Federación. Under his guidance, Castilla has shown promising form in the early stages of the 2025/26 season.
Key Facts / Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Playing Career Appearances | 459 (344 league, 73 Europe, 36 cup, 6 league cup) |
| Playing Career Goals | 8 (5 league, 3 Europe) |
| International Caps | 56 for Spain |
| Major Honours | 2 UEFA Champions League, 1 La Liga, 1 FIFA World Cup, 2 UEFA European Championships |
| Managerial Record (as of 10 January 2026) | 19 matches: 10 wins, 1 draw, 8 losses (52.63% win rate) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What clubs did Álvaro Arbeloa play for?
Arbeloa played for Real Madrid (youth and first team), Deportivo La Coruña, Liverpool, Real Madrid (second stint), and West Ham United.
When did Arbeloa retire as a player?
He retired in June 2017 at the age of 34.
What is his current role?
As of May 2025, he is the manager of Real Madrid Castilla.