Real Madrid Shocks Football World with Surprise Managerial Appointment Following Xabi Alonso's Abrupt Departure
Real Madrid have parted ways with head coach Xabi Alonso following less than eight months in charge at the world's most prestigious football club.
The decision was announced within 24 hours of Los Blancos' 3–2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The Spanish manager faced mounting pressure before the team's journey to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and failing to secure the trophy appears to have sealed his fate, despite multiple reports suggesting he would be given more time.
"Real Madrid C. F. announces that, through mutual consent between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to conclude his tenure as first team manager," the official statement declared.
"Xabi Alonso will forever hold the affection and respect of all Madridistas as he remains a Real Madrid legend who has embodied our club's principles throughout. Real Madrid will always be your home.
"The club expresses gratitude to Xabi Alonso and his entire coaching staff for their commitment and hard work during this period, and extends best wishes for their future endeavors."
Alonso returned to the Spanish capital for the 2025–26 campaign amid sky-high expectations. The ex-Bayer Leverkusen manager launched his tenure brilliantly following the Club World Cup, securing 13 victories in the first 14 fixtures of the season.
However, problems emerged in November. Los Blancos managed just two wins from six matches that month, continuing their struggles into December with consecutive losses to Celta Vigo and Manchester City.
Real Madrid recovered with five straight victories after that difficult spell, but the Clásico loss overshadowed recent improvements, prompting the club to make the significant choice to dismiss Alonso.
Real Madrid Appoint New Manager
Moments after announcing Alonso's unexpected exit, Real Madrid revealed that former player Álvaro Arbeloa would assume control with immediate effect. The Spaniard previously managed Real Madrid Castilla and now, similar to Zinedine Zidane's path, faces the challenge of guiding the senior squad through troubled times.
"Real Madrid C. F. announces that Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as the new first team coach," the club stated officially.
"As a player, Álvaro Arbeloa represented Real Madrid during one of the club's most triumphant periods. He wore our colors from 2009 to 2016, appearing in 238 official fixtures. Throughout this period he claimed eight trophies: two European Cups, one Club World Cup, one European Super Cup, one La Liga title, two Copas del Rey and one Spanish Super Cup.
"With Spain's national team, Álvaro Arbeloa was also instrumental during a golden generation, capturing the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and two European Championships (2008 and 2012). He earned 56 caps for his country."
Arbeloa's debut as manager takes place on Wednesday, facing second-division outfit Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16.