Real Madrid have confirmed the departure of Xabi Alonso as first-team head coach, bringing an end to his short and challenging reign at the Santiago Bernabéu after just 232 days in charge.
The decision, which was reached by mutual agreement, comes at a delicate moment for the Spanish giants. Alonso’s exit follows closely on the heels of Madrid’s painful 3–2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final in Saudi Arabia, a result that further intensified pressure on the former midfielder.
Alonso, a revered figure at the club from his playing days, returned to Madrid on May 25, 2025, riding high after an impressive managerial spell with Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. Expectations were sky-high, but results failed to match the optimism.
After 19 La Liga games, Los Blancos are currently four points behind leaders and archrivals Barcelona, a gap the hierarchy seemingly felt was unacceptable.
On Monday, January 12, Real Madrid made the announcement official in a club statement.
“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.
Despite the disappointing spell, the club was keen to underline Alonso’s legendary status and enduring connection with Madrid.
“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.”
In the same announcement, Real Madrid confirmed that Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as the new head coach of the first team. Like Alonso, Arbeloa is a former Madrid player and understands the club’s culture deeply.
The former Spain international has been in charge of Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve side, since June 2025, having previously spent around five years coaching within the youth academy.
Arbeloa now steps into one of football’s most demanding jobs, tasked with steadying the ship and reigniting Madrid’s title charge as the season enters a critical phase. For Alonso, meanwhile, the chapter closes quickly in the dugout but his bond with the club, as Madrid made clear, remains unbroken.