Overview
- Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed on Friday that he will step down after Real Madrid's final game of the season and said he will not join any coaching staff under José Mourinho.
- Multiple outlets report Mourinho is the leading candidate to succeed Arbeloa but his move from Benfica requires invoking a release clause and remains dependent on contract timing.
- The club has announced veteran defender David Alaba will leave at the end of his contract and will honour captain Dani Carvajal with a Bernabéu tribute in the final match.
- Arbeloa's four-month spell followed Xabi Alonso's January exit and was marked by inconsistent results and public dressing-room incidents, including a high-profile clash between Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
- Real finish a trophyless 2025/26 season for a second year running and now face a summer rebuild where the presidential election process could affect the speed and shape of any new coaching appointment.