Fulham have appointed Alvaro Arbeloa as head coach on a contract until 2029, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday, in the Spaniard’s first managerial role outside his home country.
The former Real Madrid player and manager replaces Portuguese coach Marco Silva, who left the west London team after five years in charge to join Benfica.
“It is a real honor for me to start this new phase at Fulham,” Arbeloa said in a club statement.
“I’m really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage with Fulham fans and starting preparation with the players next week.”
Arbeloa moves to London after leaving Real Madrid, where he was promoted from the reserve team in January to replace compatriot Xabi Alonso, now Chelsea manager, as first-team coach and guided the Spanish giants to a second-place finish in LaLiga.
The 43-year-old former defender returns to England, where he previously played for Liverpool and West Ham United, after a distinguished career that included two Champions League titles with Real Madrid and a 2010 World Cup winners medal.
“I am delighted that Alvaro has accepted the challenge of taking 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,” said Fulham owner and president Shahid Khan.
“Alvaro is, by his own admission, very ambitious. He has spent quality time with the best players, clubs and methods in the game, experiences that will stand him in good stead here at Fulham.”
Fulham finished eleventh in the Premier League last season and open the new season at home against rival Chelsea on August 24.
Published on July 8, 2026
