Alvaro Arbeloa named Fulham coach, to face Xabi Alonso in opener

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·9 July 2026

Alvaro Arbeloa named Fulham coach, to face Xabi Alonso in opener

According to L'Équipe, Alvaro Arbeloa has been appointed Fulham coach on a contract until 2029 after leaving Real Madrid.

The 43-year-old, a 2010 World Cup winner with Spain and capped 56 times, succeeds Marco Silva, who has joined Benfica. Fulham finished 11th in the Premier League last season.

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Arbeloa took charge at Madrid in January 2026 and oversaw 28 matches without a trophy.

His side ended La Liga second behind Barcelona, went out of the Copa del Rey in the last 16 to Albacete, and lost to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.

He had succeeded Xabi Alonso at the Bernabéu. The pair are set to meet on the opening weekend of the Premier League, with Fulham hosting Chelsea on 24 August, now coached by Alonso.

Source: L'Équipe