Real Madrid have officially parted ways with head coach Xabi Alonso, just one day after their dramatic 3–2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The club confirmed that Alonso’s departure was agreed by mutual consent, bringing an abrupt end to his short and turbulent spell at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Former Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa has been promoted from his role as Castilla coach and will take charge of the first team with immediate effect.
Real Madrid End Xabi Alonso Era After Less Than a Year
Xabi Alonso, 44, leaves Real Madrid less than a year into the three-year contract he signed last summer, replacing Carlo Ancelotti. Despite an impressive start to the La Liga season, internal issues and inconsistent results ultimately led to his exit.
In an official statement, the club said:
“By mutual agreement between Real Madrid CF and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first team coach. Xabi Alonso will always have the admiration of Madridistas, as he represents the values and history of this club.”
Real Madrid also thanked Alonso and his coaching staff for their dedication, wishing them success in the next chapter of their careers.
Super Cup Defeat to Barcelona Proves Decisive
Alonso’s final match in charge came on January 11, 2026, when Real Madrid suffered a heartbreaking 3–2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The defeat intensified pressure on the former midfielder, as speculation around his future had already been growing in recent weeks.
Dressing Room Tensions and Mixed Results
Although Real Madrid won 10 of their first 11 La Liga matches under Alonso, the team struggled toward the end of 2025. High-profile defeats to Liverpool, Manchester City, and Celta Vigo raised concerns about consistency and squad harmony.
Reports suggested growing friction between Alonso and several players. Star winger Vinícius Júnior publicly expressed frustration after being substituted, while other squad members were reportedly unhappy with Alonso’s tactical approach and management style.
As a result, Real Madrid slipped to second place in La Liga, despite maintaining a strong position in the UEFA Champions League, where they recorded four wins from six matches.
Alonso’s Legacy at Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso returned to Madrid in 2025 after a highly successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the club to its first-ever Bundesliga title in 2024. As a player, Alonso represented Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014, winning major trophies and earning legendary status among fans.
While his managerial tenure did not meet expectations, the club emphasized that Real Madrid will always be his home.
Alvaro Arbeloa Takes Over as Head Coach
Replacing Alonso is Alvaro Arbeloa, 42, another former Real Madrid player who spent seven seasons at the club and made 238 appearances as a right-back.
Arbeloa has been praised for his work with Real Madrid Castilla and is seen as someone who understands the club’s culture and demands. He will make his managerial debut with the first team in a Copa del Rey last-16 match against Albacete later this week.
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
With Arbeloa now in charge, Real Madrid will be hoping for stability as they continue their pursuit of La Liga and Champions League success. The decision marks yet another chapter in a season filled with pressure, expectations, and high-profile changes at one of football’s biggest clubs.
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