Xabi Alonso sacked by Real Madrid after Spanish Super Cup defeat
Shortly after announcing Alonso’s departure, Real Madrid confirmed that Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as the new first team coach
Real Madrid have announced that Xabi Alonso's tenure as first team coach has come to an end, following a mutual agreement between the club and the Spanish manager.
In an official statement today (12 January), the club said Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of Madridistas, describing him as a Real Madrid legend who has consistently represented the club's values.
The decision came into effect immediately after Real Madrid's 3-2 defeat to FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah on Saturday (11 January).
Shortly after announcing Alonso's departure, Real Madrid confirmed that Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as the new first team coach. Arbeloa had been in charge of Castilla (Real Madrid's reserve team) since June 2025 and has spent his entire coaching career within Real Madrid's youth academy since 2020.
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Alonso was appointed Real Madrid manager on a three-year deal running until 30 June 2028 after announcing earlier this month that he would leave his role as Bayer Leverkusen boss. He succeeded Carlo Ancelotti as head coach.
Alonso made 236 appearances for Real Madrid as a player and won the UEFA Champions League with Los Blancos in 2014. He previously led Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title without losing a game, along with the German Cup, during the 2023-24 season, his first full campaign as a senior club manager.
