Alvaro Arbeloa confirmed on 22/5 that he will leave Real Madrid after their final La Liga match of the 2025-2026 season against Bilbao on 24/5. "I will leave with gratitude to the players. They have helped me improve myself, brought me joy every day, taught me many things, and made me a better coach since taking office on 12/1," Arbeloa stated at a press conference.

Arbeloa's six-month tenure at Real Madrid has been challenging. His first match saw a heavy defeat in the Copa del Rey against a second-division Spanish opponent. The team's disappointing run continued with elimination by Bayern in the Champions League quarterfinals, and they are now set to finish the season as La Liga runners-up behind champions Barca.

Arbeloa at the press conference before Real's final match of the 2025-2026 La Liga season. Photo: AFP

The 43-year-old coach expressed thanks to President Florentino Perez and CEO Jose Angel Sanchez for appointing him as first-team head coach earlier this year, following the departure of Xabi Alonso. Arbeloa previously coached Real's U14 and U19 teams from 2020 to 2025, before managing Castilla, the club's B team, from the start of the 2025-2026 season. During his playing career, he served as a right-back for Real from 2009 to 2016.

Arbeloa emphasized his focus on the club during his time at the helm. "For the past 4 months, I haven't thought about myself, only focused on Real and the next match," he noted. Reflecting on his rapid ascent, he added, "Looking back a year ago, I was coaching youth and reserve teams, and a year later I am in this position. I have made a big step, matured a lot, and feel ready for new challenges. From Monday, I will start planning my own future." He also expressed hope that this weekend's match against Bilbao would not be his permanent farewell to the club, saying, "I always consider this place home... I hope one day I can return."

The final weeks of the season have seen internal turmoil at Real, marked by rifts such as an altercation between vice-captain Fede Valverde and midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. More recently, Kylian Mbappe publicly expressed a differing opinion from Arbeloa in an interview. Arbeloa acknowledged disagreements during his 4 months in charge, which he views as common for any coach. "Many dedicated players always stood by me. I will cherish those memories. With those I had disagreements with, I resolved them amicably. I leave with good relationships with most people," he stated.

Prior to Arbeloa's confirmation, reliable Spanish and European sources reported on 18/5 that Jose Mourinho had reached a verbal agreement to return to manage Real. Mourinho previously coached the club from 2010 to 2013. An official announcement from the club is pending.

Coach Mourinho during Benfica's 0-1 loss to Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League play-offs at Da Luz stadium, Lisbon, Portugal on 17/2/2026. Photo: AFP

However, this process may face delays. Last week, President Perez confirmed that Real would hold early elections, with himself running for re-election. While Perez has often won unopposed in the past, this election could be more complex. Businessman Enrique Riquelme has begun procedures to challenge Perez for the presidency. Riquelme must meet all candidacy requirements by 23/5. If he successfully qualifies, an official election will take place, potentially postponing Perez's plans to bring Mourinho back until after the vote results are known.

When asked about the possibility of joining Mourinho's coaching staff, Arbeloa firmly stated: "I am not here to discuss hypotheticals. As for Mourinho, he already has a very good and suitable team of assistants. If he returns to Real, he will certainly bring his own staff, which is completely natural. There will be no situation where I join Mourinho's coaching staff."