# Álvaro Arbeloa > Spanish football manager and player (born 1983) **Wikidata**: [Q250901](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q250901) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Álvaro_Arbeloa) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alvaro-arbeloa ## Summary Álvaro Arbeloa is a Spanish association football player and coach, known for his career as a defender and later as a manager. He is recognized for his time with Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, where he won major international titles including the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 UEFA European Championship. ## Biography - Born: January 17, 1983, in Spain - Nationality: Spain - Education: Not specified - Known for: Playing as a defender for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, winning multiple international titles - Employer(s): Real Madrid, Spanish national football team, Deportivo La Coruña, Liverpool (loan), West Ham United (loan) - Field(s): Association football (player, coach) ## Contributions - Played as a defender for Real Madrid, contributing to multiple Champions League victories and domestic success. - Represented Spain in major international tournaments, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2012 UEFA European Championship. - Transitioned into coaching after retirement from professional play. - Contributed to the golden era of Spanish football through his defensive skills and leadership on the field. ## FAQs **What is Álvaro Arbeloa known for?** Álvaro Arbeloa is best known for his role as a defender in Spanish football, particularly with Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. He was a key player in Spain's back-to-back international triumphs in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 UEFA European Championship. **Which clubs did Álvaro Arbeloa play for during his career?** Arbeloa played for several clubs, including Deportivo La Coruña, Liverpool (on loan), West Ham United (on loan), Real Madrid, and the Spanish national team, where he was a regular fixture in major international competitions. **When did Álvaro Arbeloa retire from professional football?** He retired from professional football in 2017, after a successful career that included multiple international titles and club achievements. **What position did Álvaro Arbeloa play?** Álvaro Arbeloa played as a defender, often in right-back or left-back positions, known for his tactical discipline and versatility. **Did Álvaro Arbeloa become a coach after retiring?** Yes, after retiring as a player, Arbeloa transitioned into coaching, continuing his involvement in football. ## Why They Matter Álvaro Arbeloa's contributions to football, particularly with the Spanish national team and Real Madrid, were instrumental in Spain's rise to global prominence in the early 2010s. His defensive acumen and leadership helped secure victories in the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship, cementing his role in one of the most successful generations of Spanish football. His career also reflects the evolution of Spanish football's tactical and technical excellence during a transformative era. ## Notable For - Winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup with Spain - UEFA European Championship victory in 2012 - Multiple appearances in La Liga with Real Madrid - Playing a key role in Real Madrid's 2011–12 and 2013–14 Champions League campaigns - Representing Spain in international competitions, including the 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euros - Being part of the "Galácticos" era at Real Madrid - Transitioning from player to coach post-retirement ## Body ### Early Life and Career Álvaro Arbeloa Coca, born on January 17, 1983, in Spain, began his professional football career at Deportivo La Coruña. As a full-back, Arbeloa was known for his defensive reliability and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. His early career included loan spells at Liverpool and West Ham United, where he gained valuable experience before establishing himself at Real Madrid. ### Club Career Arbeloa's club career is defined by his time at Real Madrid, where he became a key figure in the team's defensive setup. He joined Real Madrid permanently in 2009 after successful loan spells at Liverpool (2007) and West Ham United (2006). With Real Madrid, he won two La Liga titles (2011–12, 2016–17) and two Copa del Rey titles (2010–11, 2013–14). He also played a crucial role in Real Madrid's Champions League victories in 2011–12 and 2013–14, securing the club's dominance in European football. ### International Career Arbeloa was a mainstay in the Spanish national team during its golden era. He was part of the squad that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 UEFA European Championship. His contributions were pivotal in maintaining Spain's status as a global footballing power. He earned over 50 caps for Spain and was known for his consistency and leadership in defense. ### Transition to Coaching After retiring from professional play in 2017, Arbeloa transitioned into coaching, continuing his involvement in football. His experience and tactical knowledge positioned him as a valuable asset in youth development and coaching roles, where he has been able to pass on his expertise to the next generation of players. ### Legacy and Influence Álvaro Arbeloa's legacy in football is marked by his role in one of Spain's most successful periods, both at the club and international level. His influence extends beyond his playing days, with his transition into coaching signaling a continued commitment to the sport. As a coach, he has been involved in youth development, shaping future talent with the same discipline and tactical awareness that defined his playing career. ### Personal Information - Full Name: Álvaro Arbeloa Coca - Date of Birth: January 17, 1983 - Place of Birth: Spain - Nationality: Spanish - Occupation: Former footballer, current coach - Career Span: 2004–2017 (as player), ongoing (as coach) - Notable Teams: Real Madrid, Deportivo La Coruña, Liverpool (loan), West Ham United (loan), Spain national team - Position: Defender (Right-back, Left-back) - Achievements: 2010 FIFA World Cup winner, 2012 European Championship winner, multiple Champions League titles ### Recognition and Awards Arbeloa was recognized for his contributions to football through various honors: - 2010 FIFA World Cup winner - 2012 UEFA European Championship winner - Two-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid (2011–12, 2013–14) - Multiple La Liga titles - Key figure in Spain's "tiki-taka" era, contributing to a generation of technically superior football. Álvaro Arbeloa remains a respected name in Spanish football, known for his professionalism, tactical intelligence, and leadership, both as a player and now as a coach. ## References 1. [Source](http://www.realmadrid.com/en/football/squad/alvaro-arbeloa-coca) 2. FBref 3. Argentine Soccer Database 4. As 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 6. FIFA.com