Real Madrid have announced that head coach Xabi Alonso has mutually agreed to leave the club after just 232 days in charge.
Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder, was appointed head coach on May 25, 2025 following an impressive stint with Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. However, the 44-year-old was unable to deliver the impact expected at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Los Blancos currently sitting four points behind La Liga leaders and fierce rivals Barcelona after 19 league matches this season.
The decision to part ways comes less than 24 hours after Real Madrid suffered a 3–2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final in Saudi Arabia, a loss that intensified pressure on the former Spain international.
Confirming the development in an official statement on Monday, January 12, the club said the separation was reached by mutual consent.
“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,” 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 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.”
Real Madrid also confirmed the appointment of Álvaro Arbeloa as the new first-team head coach. Arbeloa, who also enjoyed a successful playing career with the club, has been in charge of Real Madrid’s reserve team since June 2025 and previously spent around five years coaching within the club’s youth academy.
The former Spain international full-back made 238 appearances for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2016, winning two UEFA Champions League titles, one Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, one La Liga title, two Copa del Rey trophies and one Spanish Super Cup.
On the international stage, Arbeloa was part of Spain’s golden generation, winning the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
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