Fulham Appoint Álvaro Arbeloa As New Head Coach

Fulham F.C. have confirmed the appointment of Álvaro Arbeloa as the club’s new head coach on a three-year contract.

Álvaro Arbeloa, 43, has signed a deal that will keep him at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2029, replacing Marco Silva, who left after five years in charge to return to Portugal and take over S.L. Benfica.

Arbeloa arrives after a brief spell in charge of Real Madrid CF’s senior side, having progressed through the club’s youth coaching ranks before taking over the first team during the second half of the 2025/26 season. He was later succeeded by José Mourinho.

According to reports from talkSPORT, Mourinho personally recommended Arbeloa to Fulham owner Shahid Khan during discussions over the managerial vacancy.

Speaking after his appointment, Arbeloa said: “It is a real honour for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham FC, the oldest club in London. I feel a great sense of responsibility and I’m deeply grateful to Mr. Khan and 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.

“Come on Fulham!”

The appointment marks Arbeloa’s return to the Premier League, where he previously spent two and a half seasons with Liverpool F.C. between 2007 and 2009.

As a player, Arbeloa enjoyed a glittering career, making 237 appearances for Real Madrid and helping the club win one La Liga title, two UEFA Champions League crowns and two Copa del Rey trophies.

On the international stage, he earned 56 caps for Spain national football team and was part of the side that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012.