ALVARO Arbeloa said it was “a real honour” and promised “an incredible journey” after Fulham appointed the former Liverpool defender as their new head coach to replace Marco Silva.
Arbeloa, 43, has signed a deal until the summer of 2029.
Arbeloa started his coaching career with Real Madrid’s under-14s in September 2020. He progressed through the coaching ranks and was named boss of the club’s reserve side, Castilla, in May 2025, taking over from legend Raul.
The 56-cap Spain international replaced the sacked Xabi Alonso as first-team boss last January and led the side to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and second in La Liga behind Barcelona.
He won eighteen and lost eight of his 28 matches in charge of Los Blancos.
Silva left Fulham after five seasons in charge to take over at Benfica to replace Jose Mourinho, who was reappointed Real boss this summer.
“It is a real honour for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham FC, the oldest club in London,” Arbeloa said on the club’s website. “I feel a great sense of responsibility and I’m deeply grateful to [owner] Mr Khan and [vice-chairman] Tony Khan for the trust they have placed in me with Fulham in the Premier League.
“I am really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage with Fulham fans and beginning pre-season with the players next week. I am sure we are going to enjoy an incredible journey together.”
Cottagers owner Shahid Khan described the recruitment process.
“Alvaro was an original candidate who built an exceptional case through our meetings in June to become our next head coach, and it quickly became quite clear that he was – and is – the right choice,” Khan said. “I am delighted that Alvaro has accepted the challenge to push Fulham forward, and I have no doubt that our squad, staff and fans will resonate with what his appointment means for the present and future of our club.
“Alvaro is, by his own admission, very ambitious. He has spent quality time around the best players, clubs and methods in the game, experiences which will serve him well here at Fulham.
“Alvaro also has great interest in our academy set-up and believes in giving young players a chance. I loved hearing that from Alvaro, as well as his intent on playing attacking football.
“All of this and a lot more makes Alvaro Arbeloa an ideal fit to lead Fulham Football Club into the upcoming Premier League season and beyond.”
As a player, Arbeloa won La Liga, the Spanish Cup, the Champions League and the Club World Cup with Real, and the World Cup and European Championships with Spain.
Tony Khan added:“I’m thrilled to welcome Alvaro Arbeloa as Fulham’s Head Coach. Alvaro is highly intelligent with a profound knowledge of the sport, a very strong work ethic, and he is determined to succeed at Fulham.
“I’m excited and looking forward to a bright future for the club under Alvaro’s tremendous leadership.”
