Real Madrid CF has officially announced Álvaro Arbeloa as the new manager of Castilla, the club’s reserve team, for the 2025-2026 season.
The appointment comes after Raúl González’s departure earlier this week, with Arbeloa stepping up from his role as Juvenil A (U19) coach.
A revered figure in Spanish football, Arbeloa is a product of Real Madrid’s famed youth academy, La Fábrica. He initially joined the club’s Juvenil A squad in 2001 before progressing to Castilla, where he helped secure promotion to Spain’s second division in the 2004-2005 season.
The 42-year-old enjoyed a decorated playing career with Los Blancos, making 238 appearances between 2009 and 2016—a period marked by unprecedented success. During his time with the first team, Arbeloa won two UEFA Champions League titles, a FIFA Club World Cup, a UEFA Super Cup, one LaLiga title, two Copa del Rey trophies, and a Spanish Super Cup.
Internationally, Arbeloa earned 56 caps for Spain, playing a key role in the golden generation that triumphed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
Since retiring in 2017, Arbeloa has steadily climbed the coaching ranks within Real Madrid’s youth system. He began with the Infantil A (U13) team in 2020-2021, guiding them to a league title, before taking charge of Cadete A (U15) in 2021-2022.
His most notable success came with Juvenil A, where he secured a historic treble in the 2022-2023 season—winning LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Copa de Campeones. This season, he added another league title and is currently competing in the final stages of the UEFA Youth League.
Real Madrid’s statement highlighted Arbeloa’s embodiment of the club’s values, both as a player and a coach. Known for his leadership, professionalism, and tactical intelligence, he is seen as the ideal candidate to nurture the next generation of talent at Castilla.
With this appointment, the club reinforces its tradition of promoting from within, ensuring continuity in its football philosophy. Arbeloa’s deep understanding of Real Madrid’s culture and his proven track record in youth development make him a fitting successor to Raúl.
Fans and analysts will now watch closely as Arbeloa takes on his biggest coaching challenge yet—preparing Castilla’s young stars for the demands of top-flight football while maintaining the team’s competitive edge in Spain’s third division.
Arbeloa is expected to officially assume his new role at the conclusion of the current season, with his first task being to oversee Castilla’s preseason preparations ahead of the 2025-2026 campaign.
