Álvaro Arbeloa, who is set to leave his post as Real Madrid manager, took to social media to share a heartfelt tribute to the squad and its key figures. In his message he described Kylian Mbappé as an "extraordinary player" whose talent transcends ordinary performance, highlighting the French forward’s impact on the team’s recent successes.
Mbappé capped a turbulent season by securing the Pichichi Trophy, finishing as La Liga’s top scorer for the second year in a row. The award underscores his consistency at the highest level despite a campaign marked by both on‑field ups and downs and off‑field distractions, including an ill‑timed vacation that sparked criticism.
The relationship between Arbeloa and Mbappé has been anything but smooth. Earlier in the season the French star publicly questioned the manager’s tactical approach and leadership, creating a visible rift. Yet Arbeloa’s farewell post adopts a markedly respectful tone, focusing on Mbappé’s abilities rather than past disputes.
Arbeloa used the platform to confirm that his tenure at the helm will conclude at the end of the current campaign. He added that he remains open to the possibility of returning to the club in a different capacity, while simultaneously ruling out any collaboration with José Mourinho should the Portuguese coach take over the managerial role.
Beyond Mbappé, Arbeloa took the opportunity to acknowledge other pivotal contributors such as Antonio Rüdiger and Jude Bellingham, praising their professionalism and impact during his time at the club. The messages collectively paint a picture of a manager who, despite a challenging season, remains committed to the club’s long‑term vision.
The outgoing manager’s parting words reflect both gratitude for the players’ efforts and optimism for the future. By emphasizing Mbappé’s extraordinary talent and the club’s ongoing projects, Arbeloa leaves a narrative that intertwines personal respect with a forward‑looking outlook for Real Madrid.