Official: Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid

Tom Weber

• 12 Jan 2026 11:36 CST
• 4 min read

News

Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso have parted ways by mutual consent.

The head coach has left his role at the helm of Los Blancos following a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the final of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. Alonso had been under intense pressure for several weeks due to disappointing performances and a falling out with sections of the dressing room.

His tense relationship with superstar winger Vinicius Jr made his job eminently more difficult. Although there were recent signs that the two had cleared up their differences, there was still unease about the coach's connection with some of his players.

Despite being a club legend, Alonso struggled to convince the squad of his methods and to get his message across, resulting in numerous underwhelming performances and poor results.

Real Madrid surrendered their position at the summit of LaLiga towards the end of 2025 and have been unable to regain top spot since. They are currently four points behind their arch-rivals Barcelona.

Real Madrid announce Alonso exit

"Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first team coach," an official statement from the club read.

"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. Real Madrid will always be his home.

"Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication during this time, and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives."

Alonso leaves the club after less than a year in charge, having initially joined from Bayer Leverkusen ahead of the Club World Cup in the summer. He won 24 of his 34 games in charge, drawing four and losing six.

Arbeloa named first team coach

Castilla boss Alvaro Arbeloa has replaced Alonso. "Real Madrid CF announces that Alvaro Arbeloa is the new first team coach," a second statement read.

"Alvaro Arbeloa has been the manager of Castilla since June 2025, and has spent his entire coaching career in Real Madrid's youth academy since 2020.

"He managed the Infantil A team in the 2020-2021 season, winning the league title, the Cadete A team in 2021-2022, and the Juvenil A team from 2022 to 2025.

"As Juvenil A manager, he achieved the treble in 2022-2023 (League, Copa del Rey, and Champions Cup) and the League title in the 2024-2025 season.

"As a player, Alvaro Arbeloa was part of Real Madrid during one of the most successful periods in its history. He wore our shirt between 2009 and 2016, making 238 official appearances.

"During that time, he won eight titles: two Champions Leagues, one Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, one La Liga title, two Copa del Rey trophies, and one Spanish Super Cup.

"With the Spanish national team, Álvaro Arbeloa was also part of a historic era, winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and two European Championships (2008 and 2012). He earned 56 caps for Spain."

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