In a surprising move, Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso have mutually agreed to end the coach’s tenure at the club, the Spanish giants announced on Monday. Alonso’s departure comes just a day after Madrid fell 3-2 to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Álvaro Arbeloa, former Madrid defender and coach of the reserve team Castilla, has been appointed as Alonso’s successor.
Alonso, who took over the first team this past June after a highly successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the club to its first-ever Bundesliga title in 2024, faced mounting pressure following a challenging run before Christmas. Madrid had secured just two wins in eight matches, including defeats to Liverpool, Celta Vigo, and Manchester City.
The team had regained form with five wins leading up to the Clásico loss on Sunday.
In a brief statement, Real Madrid said:
“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans, because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. We thank him and his coaching staff for their dedication and wish them the best in their next chapter.”
Several players paid tribute to Alonso, with Kylian Mbappé among the first to express his gratitude. In an Instagram story, the France forward wrote:
“It’s been short, but a pleasure to play for you and learn from you. Thank you for giving me confidence from Day 1. I will remember you as a manager with clear ideas and deep knowledge of football. Best of luck for your next chapter.”
Alonso’s own playing career at Madrid (2009–2014) was decorated with one Champions League title, one LaLiga crown, and two Copas del Rey. As a coach, he led Madrid to the Club World Cup semifinals last summer, where they lost 4-0 to Paris Saint-Germain, and began the 2025–26 season with 13 wins in 14 matches across all competitions, including a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the season’s first Clásico.
Arbeloa, 42, began his playing career at Madrid before a spell at Liverpool, where he teamed up with Alonso. He returned to Madrid in 2009, spent seven seasons as a player, and joined the academy coaching staff in 2020. The former defender also boasts an impressive international record, having helped Spain lift the 2010 World Cup and 2008 and 2012 European Championships.
With the season at a critical juncture, Real Madrid will be hoping Arbeloa can steady the ship and guide the club back to its winning ways.
Alonso’s Exit in a Wider European Context
Alonso’s departure is far from an isolated incident. January 2026 has already proven a brutal month for European management, with a string of high-profile sackings highlighting the thin patience of modern football owners:
Manchester United: Rúben Amorim was dismissed after 14 months following a fiery post-match press conference where he openly criticized the club hierarchy.
Chelsea: Enzo Maresca parted ways after a breakdown in relations with the medical staff and a poor Premier League run.
Bayer Leverkusen: Alonso’s former club replaced Erik ten Hag earlier in the season after a disappointing start to their title defense.
Juventus: Serie A’s Igor Tudor was let go by Juventus.
Source: Real Madrid CF, ESPN
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