Spanish side Real Madrid have announced that the club has parted ways with head coach Xabi Alonso with the Spanish coach’s time at the club coming to an end after his appointment in the 2025 offseason.
Alonso’s exit comes to an end after Real Madrid’s 3-2 loss to arch rivals FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup that was played in Saudi Arabia. Alvaro Arbeloa has been named as his replacement.
“Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home” a section of Real Madrid’s statement read.
Despite boasting the best defensive record in the Spanish La Liga, Real Madrid trail Barcelona by four points after picking up 14 wins, three draws and two losses.
Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the 2025-2026 season after excelling with Bayer Leverkusen where he guided the German club to win the German Cup and their first ever Bundesliga title without losing a game.
As a player, Alonso won the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid. Former teammate, Alvaro Arberloa has been named as the replacement having coached Real Madrid’s youth teams since 2020.
With Real Madrid’s Under 19 side, Arbeloa won the league twice, Spanish Cup and Champions Cup.
