Real Madrid Coach Arbeloa to Depart After Season, Mourinho Set for Return

Alvaro Arbeloa Leaves Real Madrid

According to Главком: Alvaro Arbeloa, the head coach of Real Madrid, has officially announced he will leave the club at the end of the 2025/26 season. Following the La Liga 2025/26 campaign, Madrid sits in second place with 83 points from 37 matches and is mathematically out of the Spanish title race. Arbeloa will remain in charge until the season's conclusion, with his final game being the 38th round fixture against Oviedo.

Arbeloa took over the senior team in January, replacing Xabi Alonso. Before that, he managed Madrid's reserve side, Castilla. Having spent 20 years at the club as both a player and coach, his departure marks the end of a long era. In his farewell speech, he expressed his gratitude:

“I leave Real Madrid with immense gratitude. The players made me better and helped me enjoy every day. I am very thankful to the club for the opportunity, and I leave with a sense of appreciation after these eight years, taking many friends with me. I hope to return one day.” - Alvaro Arbeloa

Real Madrid's Situation and Mourinho's Return

Meanwhile, Real Madrid has been eliminated from the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Champions League. In a parallel development, Benfica has received a €3 million compensation fee for Jose Mourinho's move to Real Madrid. Mourinho has already agreed to a contract with the club and is expected to sign in the coming days, with the deal running either until mid-2028 or the summer of 2029. Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, leading the team to a La Liga title in the 2011/12 season, as well as one Copa del Rey and one Spanish Super Cup victory.

An official announcement regarding Mourinho's return to Madrid is expected within days.

Arbeloa's exit represents a significant shift for the club, given his deep involvement in Real Madrid's structure for many years as both a player and coach. Replacing him with Jose Mourinho, who has a proven track record with the team, suggests the club's ambition to regain success on the international stage. Mourinho's return could also influence the club's transfer policy and overall strategy for the coming seasons.

As Real Madrid prepares for a new chapter with Arbeloa's departure, the club is also moving swiftly to secure its future by bringing back a familiar face. Mourinho's return is anticipated to reshape the team's strategy and ambitions, especially after a challenging season that saw them fall short in multiple competitions.