In a significant managerial shakeup, Real Madrid FC announced on Monday the immediate departure of head coach Xabi Alonso through mutual agreement. The decision comes precisely 24 hours after the club’s disappointing 3-2 defeat against arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final held in Saudi Arabia.
The Basque coach, who succeeded veteran Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti in June 2025, has been replaced by former Madrid defender Álvaro Arbeloa. The 42-year-old Castilla reserve team manager has been promoted to first-team coaching duties, though the duration of his contract remains unspecified according to the club’s official statements.
Club officials emphasized that Alonso’s exit was reached through mutual consent, stating: ‘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.’
Alonso’s brief reign at the Santiago Bernabéu has been characterized by inconsistent performances despite a late-year resurgence. The team currently occupies second position in La Liga, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points. His position had previously been under serious threat toward the conclusion of 2025, before a five-match winning streak temporarily secured his continuation.
Arbeloa brings considerable institutional knowledge to the role, having developed his coaching career entirely within Real Madrid’s academy system since 2020. His promotion represents the club’s preference for internal solutions during transitional periods. The managerial change occurs at a critical juncture in Madrid’s season, with important domestic and European commitments approaching.