Fulham Name Álvaro Arbeloa As Their New Head Coach

According to reports, the 43-year-old former Real Madrid coach has signed an agreement that will keep him in charge of the Premier League side until the summer of 2029, following the departure of Marco Silva, who ended his five-year tenure at the club to return to Portugal and take over at S.L. Benfica.

Arbeloa joins Fulham after a remarkable coaching journey at Real Madrid, where he rose through the club’s youth development system before being handed responsibility for the senior team during the second half of the 2025/26 season. He was later replaced by José Mourinho.

Reports indicate that Mourinho played a key role in Arbeloa’s appointment, with the Portuguese manager said to have recommended him to Fulham owner Shahid Khan during discussions over the vacant managerial position.

Speaking after being unveiled as Fulham’s new head coach, Arbeloa expressed his excitement about the opportunity, describing it as a major honour and thanking the club’s hierarchy for their confidence in him.

The Spaniard said he was eager to experience the atmosphere at Craven Cottage, work with the players during pre-season, and begin what he believes will be a memorable journey with the club.

The appointment represents Arbeloa’s return to English football, having previously featured in the Premier League during his playing career with Liverpool between 2007 and 2009.

During his time as a player, Arbeloa enjoyed a successful spell at Real Madrid, making 237 appearances and winning major honours, including a La Liga title, two UEFA Champions League trophies, and two Copa del Rey titles.

At international level, Arbeloa earned 56 appearances for Spain and was part of the golden generation that lifted the 2010 FIFA World Cup and European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012.