By SUNTV Global Channel | January 12, 2026
Real Madrid have officially parted ways with head coach Xabi Alonso following a disappointing run of results, with the club confirming that the decision was reached by mutual consent. Former Madrid defender Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as his replacement.
The announcement came just one day after Los Blancos lost the Spanish Super Cup final 3–2 to Barcelona in Saudi Arabia, a defeat that proved to be Alonso’s final match in charge.
In a statement released on Monday, the club said:
“Real Madrid announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his tenure as first-team coach to an end.”
Shortly after, the club confirmed Arbeloa’s appointment, although details of the 42-year-old’s contract duration were not disclosed.
“Álvaro Arbeloa has been the coach of Castilla since June 2025 and has developed his entire coaching career within Real Madrid’s academy since 2020,” the club added.
Alonso, who took charge in June 2025, replaced veteran manager Carlo Ancelotti but struggled to bring stability and consistency to the squad. Under his leadership, Madrid currently sit second in La Liga, four points behind rivals Barcelona.
Despite surviving intense pressure late in 2025—thanks to a brief resurgence that saw the team record five consecutive wins—the Super Cup loss to Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side reignited doubts over Alonso’s future.
The defeat capped a turbulent spell for the Basque coach, who exits the Santiago Bernabéu less than a year after taking the job.
Arbeloa now steps in at a crucial moment as Real Madrid look to regroup, close the gap in La Liga, and salvage their season.
— SUNTV Global Channel
