Xabi Alonso has left his role as head coach of Real Madrid with immediate effect after just seven months in charge, the club has confirmed.
The Spanish giants announced Alonso’s departure on Monday, after their defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia. Real Madrid said the decision was reached by mutual agreement.
Alvaro Arbeloa, who has been in charge of Real Madrid’s B team since June 2025 and has spent the last six years working within the academy, has been appointed as Alonso’s replacement.
Alonso exits with Real Madrid second in the LaLiga table, four points behind leaders Barcelona at the midway stage of the season. The club are also seventh in the Champions League table, having won 4 of their 6 matches so far, losing the other 2.
Despite the short spell, Alonso recorded the best win percentage of any Real Madrid head coach in the past decade, winning 71 per cent of his matches during the 2025 to 26 season. That return places him ahead of recent managerial spells under Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane.
In a statement, Real Madrid said the club had parted ways with Alonso, who also enjoyed a distinguished playing career at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The statement 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 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.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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