Moroccan Coach Walid Regragui Emerges as Real Madrid Candidate

Spain — Ekhbary News Agency

Real Madrid is intensifying its search for a new head coach to lead the team, expected to replace current manager Álvaro Arbeloa. This move reflects the management's desire for a fresh technical direction after a short, unsuccessful period, particularly following the painful exit from the Champions League against Bayern Munich. Arbeloa, who took over just six months ago from Xabi Alonso, has reportedly failed to secure any titles with the Royal club, prompting the administration to seek a replacement capable of restoring the club's prestige in domestic and continental competitions.

Prominent Candidates and a Surprising Name

According to Spanish media reports, German coach Jürgen Klopp and veteran Portuguese manager José Mourinho are among the leading candidates for the Real Madrid coaching position. However, in a notable development, Spanish journalist Joaquín Maroto reported that Real Madrid's management holds significant admiration for Moroccan coach Walid Regragui, the former head coach of the "Atlas Lions." Maroto affirmed that Real Madrid values Regragui not only for his sporting achievements but also for his leadership qualities and management style, adding that Regragui's name is reportedly discussed more than Mourinho's in internal club deliberations.

Regragui's Coaching Journey

Walid Regragui, 50, has been unemployed since March 2026, when he resigned from coaching the Moroccan national team. Regragui departed from the Moroccan national team after a remarkable tenure that included winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, a historic achievement for Arab and African football. Prior to that, Regragui spent one season with Wydad Casablanca, then moved to Al-Duhail in Qatar after six years with Fath Union Sport, showcasing his extensive coaching experience at both local and continental levels.