Fulham appoint Alvaro Arbeloa as head coach until 2029

LONDON: Fulham have confirmed the appointment of former Spain and Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach on a contract running until 2029, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

The 43-year-old succeeds Marco Silva, who ended his five-year spell at Craven Cottage after accepting the head coach role at Benfica. 

Arbeloa arrives in west London for his first managerial position outside Spain.

Arbeloa expressed his excitement about meeting the club's supporters at Craven Cottage and starting pre-season with the squad.

"It is a real honour for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham," Arbeloa said in a club statement.

"I am really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage with Fulham fans and beginning pre-season with the players next week."

Arbeloa joins Fulham after a successful coaching spell at Real Madrid. Having initially worked with the club's reserve side, he was promoted to the first team in January following Xabi Alonso's departure to become Chelsea manager.

Fulham owner and president Shahid Khan welcomed the appointment, expressing confidence in the club's new manager.

"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," Khan said.

"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."

Fulham finished 11th in the Premier League last season and will begin their 2026-27 campaign at home against Chelsea on 24 August.