Real Madrid sack Xabi Alonso, appoint Álvaro Arbeloa as new coach

Real Madrid have officially announced the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso, bringing an end to his tenure at the club just hours after their dramatic 3–2 loss to arch-rivals Barcelona in the final of the Spanish Super Cup.

The highly anticipated clash, which took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, saw Madrid fall narrowly to their bitter rivals in an intense El Clásico showdown. While the defeat proved painful for the Spanish giants, the club moved swiftly afterward to confirm a major change on the managerial front.

In a statement released on Monday via Real Madrid’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the club disclosed that the decision to part ways with Alonso was reached by mutual agreement.

“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 paid tribute to the former midfielder, describing him as a legend who embodied the values of Real Madrid throughout his playing and coaching career.

“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of Madridistas. Real Madrid will always be his home,” the club added, while wishing him success in his future endeavours.

Alonso’s exit comes amid a period of transition at the club following the departure of veteran coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has taken charge of the Brazilian national team. Real Madrid had earlier announced that Alonso would assume the role of head coach from June 1, 2025, on a three-year deal that would see him lead the team until 2028.

The 43-year-old joined Madrid after an impressive spell with German side Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the club to a historic Bundesliga and German Cup double in the 2023/2024 season, finishing the league campaign unbeaten.

Despite individual brilliance from Kylian Mbappé, who scored 31 league goals last season, Real Madrid endured a disappointing campaign, losing key domestic titles to Barcelona and exiting the UEFA Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

In a swift response to the latest setback, the club announced the appointment of former defender Álvaro Arbeloa as head coach with immediate effect, tasking him with stabilising the team and restoring its competitive edge.

Real Madrid are expected to confirm further details of the new technical direction in the coming days as preparations continue for the upcoming season and the FIFA Club World Cup.