​Alvaro Arbeloa has been named the new manager of Fulham, stepping into the role after leaving Real Madrid at the end of last season. The 43-year-old former Spain international takes over from Marco Silva, who departed Craven Cottage when his contract expired and chose to join Benfica rather than extend his stay. This marks a return to the Premier League for Arbeloa, who spent time in England earlier in his playing days with Liverpool for two seasons before concluding his career at West Ham United.
“I am truly honored to begin this new chapter with Fulham FC, the oldest club in London,” Arbeloa said. “I feel a strong sense of responsibility and I am deeply grateful to Mr. Shahid Khan and Tony Khan for the trust they have shown in me to lead Fulham in the Premier League. I am excited to experience the Craven Cottage atmosphere with Fulham fans and to start pre-season with the players next week. I am confident we will share an incredible journey together.”
Fulham co-owner Shahid Khan added: “Alvaro was one of our original candidates, and after presenting a compelling case during our June meetings, it became clear that he was the right choice to lead us forward. I’m delighted that he has accepted this challenge, and I have no doubt that our squad, staff, and supporters will respond to what his appointment means for the club’s present and future. Arbeloa is openly ambitious and has spent considerable time around top players, elite clubs, and advanced methods in football, experiences that will serve him well at Fulham.”
Arbeloa arrives at Fulham after a tumultuous period at Real Madrid, where the club finished trophyless for a second consecutive season. He led Real as they were eliminated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals and then watched rivals Barcelona edge them out in the La Liga title race. His tenure also coincided with a series of controversies, including fines levied on international midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni—each fined 500,000 euros (about £432,000) following a training-ground altercation. Striker Kylian Mbappe was reported to have been involved in a heated exchange with a staff member acting as an assistant referee during a practice match, while defender Antonio Rudiger reportedly apologized to the squad for another training-ground clash.
Arbeloa was appointed to steer Real Madrid after Xabi Alonso’s dismissal in January, promoted from his role as head coach of Real Madrid Castilla to take charge of the first team. With his move to Fulham, he now finds himself in close proximity to Alonso, who has taken charge of Chelsea, Fulham’s near neighbors. The two managers are set to face off in the opening match of the new Premier League season at Craven Cottage on August 24. This matchup promises to be a high-profile start to Arbeloa’s Fulham era, as the club aims to build on its recent progress and push for stronger results in England’s top flight.