In a significant managerial shakeup, Real Madrid CF has announced the immediate departure of head coach Xabi Alonso following a disappointing tenure. The decision, reached by mutual consent, comes just one day after the team’s 3-2 defeat against arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final held in Saudi Arabia.
The club confirmed in an official statement that Alonso’s successor will be former Madrid defender and current reserve team coach Alvaro Arbeloa. The 42-year-old, who has been developing his coaching career within Real Madrid’s academy system since 2020, takes charge of the first team with immediate effect. The length of Arbeloa’s contract was not specified in the announcement.
Alonso’s appointment in June 2025, following the departure of veteran manager Carlo Ancelotti, was initially met with optimism. However, the Basque coach struggled to establish consistency throughout his brief reign. Despite a recent rally of five consecutive victories that temporarily secured his position toward the end of 2025, the Super Cup defeat proved to be the final catalyst for change.
The team currently sits second in La Liga, four points behind leaders Barcelona, having failed to demonstrate the dominant form expected of the Spanish giants. Sunday’s performance against Barcelona, which saw Madrid outplayed by Hansi Flick’s side, marked Alonso’s final match at the helm of the prestigious club.