Xabi Alonso Parts Ways with Real Madrid After Short Tenure

Real Madrid has announced that head coach Xabi Alonso has departed the club by mutual agreement. Alonso, who took over the managerial position last summer on a three-year contract to succeed Carlo Ancelotti, faced challenges during his tenure, including a recent loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, where Madrid fell 3-2. Currently, the team finds itself four points behind their rivals at the top of La Liga.

The club made the announcement through an official statement, expressing gratitude for Alonso’s contributions. “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. The club also emphasized Alonso’s status as a legend among fans, highlighting his representation of the club’s core values.

In a further development, former defender Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as Alonso’s successor. Arbeloa has been managing the youth team, Castilla, since June 2025, and has dedicated his coaching career to Real Madrid’s youth academy since 2020. His coaching credentials include a successful tenure with the Infantil A, Cadete A, and Juvenil A teams, where he achieved a treble in the 2022-2023 season, winning the league, Copa del Rey, and Champions Cup.

Álvaro Arbeloa played for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2016, making 238 official appearances. During his playing career, he garnered eight titles, including two UEFA Champions League trophies and a La Liga title. Additionally, he was part of the Spanish national team that won the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships in 2008 and 2012, earning 56 caps in total.

The transition comes as Real Madrid seeks to regain momentum in both domestic and international competitions. The club’s statement concluded with well wishes for Alonso and his technical team as they move forward in their careers. As Madrid looks ahead, the appointment of Arbeloa marks a new chapter for the club, aiming to reestablish its dominance in Spanish football.