Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed he will not remain at Real Madrid next season, as former manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly poised to return to the Bernabeu. The Portuguese coach is expected to leave Benfica in the summer after an unbeaten domestic campaign that saw his side finish third, paving the way for a second spell at Real Madrid, 13 years after his departure.
Arbeloa's Departure
Arbeloa took over from new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso in January and, despite another trophyless campaign, steered the club into a second-place finish, 11 points behind champions Barcelona. The former Real Madrid defender, who previously coached in the club’s youth and reserve teams, confirmed he would not be part of the backroom staff next season.
“I’m not here to talk about possibilities. In Mourinho’s case, I think he has a fantastic coaching staff, as good as he is, and he is very well surrounded,” Arbeloa told a press conference ahead of Sunday’s final game at home to Athletic Bilbao, which will also see long-serving captain Dani Carvajal leave the club. “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.”
Arbeloa 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. 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.”
However, Arbeloa did not rule out a future return to the club. “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 Departures
Defender David Alaba is also departing after five years at the club, during which he won two Champions Leagues and two LaLiga titles. The Austria international has become an increasingly peripheral figure since suffering an ACL injury in January 2025 and has started just three league games this season.
Real president Florentino Perez said: “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.”
Athletic Bilbao are also saying goodbye to their boss this weekend, as Ernesto Valverde departs San Mames after taking charge of more than 500 matches across three spells with the Basque club.
