Former Real Madrid Teammates Alonso and Arbeloa Face Off as Premier League Rivals
Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa, former Real Madrid teammates and close friends, both sacked as managers by Real Madrid last season, now debut as Premier League rivals. Alonso, appointed Chelsea manager in May 2026, leads his team against Arbeloa’s Fulham at Craven Cottage. Their intertwined careers include playing together at Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Spain, winning Euro 2008, Euro 2012, and the 2010 World Cup. Both began coaching at Real Madrid’s academy before moving to their current roles.
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Alonso's Most Frequent Teammates: Arbeloa Third with 262 Games Ahead of Chelsea vs Fulham
On August 24, 2024, Chelsea will face Fulham in a Premier League match where former Real Madrid teammates Xabi Alonso (Chelsea) and Álvaro Arbeloa (Fulham) reunite as head coaches for the first time in their managerial careers. Transfermarkt published a list of Alonso's most frequent teammates, with Iker Casillas leading at 281 matches, followed by Sergio Ramos (276), and Álvaro Arbeloa ranking third with 262 shared appearances. The list also includes Cristiano Ronaldo (208), Jamie Carragher (199), Karim Benzema (195), Pepe Reina (184), Marcelo (166), Steven Gerrard (165), and Pepe (156). The article highlights the reunion and the statistical context of Alonso's career.
Arbeloa and Alonso to Make Premier League Managerial Debuts in Same Match
According to TNT Sports, former Liverpool teammates Álvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso will both make their Premier League managerial debuts in the upcoming match between Fulham and Chelsea. Arbeloa takes charge of Fulham, while Alonso manages Chelsea. The two previously played together for Liverpool and later for Real Madrid, and have now transitioned to coaching roles in the Premier League. Their direct confrontation is scheduled for 3 AM tomorrow, marking a special moment as they begin their managerial chapters in the same match.
Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa: Sacked by Real Madrid, Old Friends Now Premier League Rivals
Former Real Madrid teammates and close friends Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, both sacked as managers by Real Madrid last season, now face each other as Premier League rivals. Alonso, appointed Chelsea manager in May 2026, leads his team against Arbeloa's Fulham at Craven Cottage in the opening round. Their intertwined careers include playing together at Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Spain, winning Euro 2008, Euro 2012, and the 2010 World Cup. Both began coaching at Real Madrid's academy before Alonso's successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen (winning the 2023-24 Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double) and Arbeloa's promotion to Castilla. Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti at Madrid but was sacked in January 2026; Arbeloa briefly took over before also being dismissed. The article highlights their friendship, shared history, and the irony of their current rivalry.
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Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa: Sacked by Real Madrid, old friends are now Premier League rivals
Former Real Madrid teammates and close friends Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, both sacked as managers by Real Madrid last season, now face each other as Premier League rivals. Alonso, appointed Chelsea manager in May 2026, leads his team against Arbeloa's Fulham at Craven Cottage. Their careers have been closely intertwined since playing together at Liverpool, Real Madrid, and the Spanish national team, winning multiple trophies including the 2010 World Cup. Both began their coaching careers in Real Madrid's academy before Alonso moved to Bayer Leverkusen (winning a Bundesliga and cup double) and then returned to Madrid as first-team manager. Arbeloa replaced Alonso at Castilla before also being dismissed. The match marks a new start for both managers.
Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa: Sacked by Real Madrid, old friends are now Premier League rivals
The article previews the Premier League match between Fulham and Chelsea, focusing on the managers Alvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso. Both were sacked by Real Madrid last season—Alonso after a brief stint as first-team coach, and Arbeloa after replacing him as reserve team manager. They are long-time friends and former teammates at Liverpool, Real Madrid, and the Spanish national team, winning multiple trophies together. Their careers have closely intertwined since playing days, through coaching roles at Real Madrid's academy, and now as Premier League rivals. The match marks a new start for both, with Alonso appointed Chelsea manager in May 2026 and Arbeloa taking over Fulham in July 2026.