Real Madrid has appointed former defender Alvaro Arbeloa as the new head coach of Castilla, the club's reserve team, for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The Spanish giants announced the appointment on Wednesday through an official statement on their website.
Arbeloa, 42, will replace Raul Gonzalez at the helm of Castilla as the club continues its tradition of promoting former players into coaching positions within its structure.
The appointment marks a significant step in Arbeloa's coaching career, bringing him back to the club where he enjoyed considerable success as a player. The former right-back is deeply connected to Real Madrid, having initially joined the club's youth system in 2001 as a Juvenil A player before eventually becoming a first-team regular.
A Real Madrid Legend Returns
During his playing career, Arbeloa represented Real Madrid's senior team in 238 matches between 2009 and 2016. His trophy cabinet includes two UEFA Champions League titles, one FIFA Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, one Spanish Super Cup, one LaLiga title, and two Copa del Rey trophies.
This appointment continues Real Madrid's philosophy of entrusting former players with key developmental roles. Arbeloa has been working within the club's youth system in recent years, gaining coaching experience before this promotion to the Castilla position.
Castilla serves as the final stepping stone for young talents before potentially breaking into Real Madrid's first team, making it a crucial position in the club's player development pipeline. The team competes in Spain's lower divisions and has historically been a launching pad for numerous stars who later established themselves in the main squad.
Arbeloa's appointment comes during a period of transition at the senior level as well, with the club recently announcing Xabi Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement for the first team, according to information in the original report.
