In a stunning development on January 12, 2026, Real Madrid have announced the end of Xabi Alonso’s tenure as first-team head coach, just seven months after his appointment in the summer of 2025.
The club described the departure as being “by mutual agreement” between both parties, following Sunday’s painful 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — a result that proved to be the final straw for the 44-year-old Basque manager.
Alonso, a legendary former player for Los Blancos where he won multiple titles including La Liga and the Champions League, returned to the Bernabéu with huge expectations after his historic unbeaten domestic double with Bayer Leverkusen. He took over from Carlo Ancelotti on a three-year deal, but the reality proved far more challenging.
Despite a bright start — including a strong run of results that saw Madrid win 22 of their 31 matches under him (with 4 draws and 5 defeats) and briefly top La Liga — the team struggled for consistency, suffering heavy losses to rivals like Atlético Madrid, and failing to impose a clear identity amid reported dressing-room tensions and difficulties integrating key talents.
The Super Cup final loss to Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, where Madrid fought back to 2-2 before conceding a late winner, exposed ongoing issues with defensive fragility, lack of high pressing, and strained relationships with some stars. Reports suggest significant player power at the club played a role, with the squad learning of the decision through the official statement rather than directly from the coach.
Real Madrid’s official communiqué was brief and respectful: “Real Madrid C.F. announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first-team coach. 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.”
The club wasted no time in naming a replacement, promoting Álvaro Arbeloa — another club legend and former teammate of Alonso at Madrid and Liverpool — from his role as Castilla (B-team) coach. Arbeloa, who has spent his entire coaching career in the Madrid academy since 2020 and won youth titles including a treble in 2022-23, steps up immediately.
Alonso departs without any major silverware from his brief spell, though he leaves with the goodwill of the club and fans for his playing legacy. The move underscores Real Madrid’s relentless demand for immediate success, even for one of their own, as they trail Barcelona by four points in La Liga and look to salvage the season under new leadership.
Training resumes under Arbeloa as the club navigates yet another unexpected managerial chapter in the post-Ancelotti era.