Real Madrid: Arbeloa spoke with Xabi Alonso

In partnership with

Foot Africa

·13 January 2026

Real Madrid: Arbeloa spoke with Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid has turned a sensitive page in its recent history by handing the reins of the first team to Álvaro Arbeloa, the direct successor to Xabi Alonso. This transition is a delicate one, as the bond between the two men goes far beyond the professional sphere, but the former Madrid defender accepted the challenge without hesitation.

OneFootball Videos

A transition marked by friendship

At a press conference, Arbeloa was quick to clarify the context of his appointment, emphasizing the unbroken relationship with his predecessor.

“Yesterday afternoon, I learned that Xabi and the club had reached an agreement and that they wanted me to take over. Of course, I spoke with Xabi; everyone here knows about the friendship that binds us,” he explained,

before adding:

“He wished me all the best, just as I would have done for him. Our friendship is unbreakable.”

Now at the helm of Los Merengues, Arbeloa is well aware of what the job demands. But by his account, this handover was carried out with respect and loyalty, underpinned by a shared conviction: