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Real Madrid confirmed the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso after just seven months in charge, with the club appointing Alvaro Arbeloa as his replacement. The decision comes one day after Real’s defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia, with the club currently second in LaLiga and seventh in the Champions League table.
Real Madrid Part Company With Xabi Alonso After Seven Months as Arbeloa Takes Charge
Alonso leaves Real Madrid by mutual agreement following Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona in Saudi Arabia. The former midfielder, who joined the club last summer as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement, departs with Real sitting second in LaLiga, four points behind leaders Barcelona at the midway stage of the campaign. The Spanish giants have also struggled in the Champions League, winning four of their six group stage matches while losing two to sit seventh in the table.
Arbeloa has been promoted from his role as head coach of Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s B team, where he has served since June 2025. The 42-year-old previously spent six years working within Real’s academy system, enjoying particular success with the Juvenil A Under-19 squad. During the 2022-23 season, Arbeloa guided the youth team to a treble, winning their league, Copa del Rey tournament and Champions Cup title, before securing another league title last season.
Real Madrid’s official statement confirmed the club had parted ways with Alonso via mutual agreement, describing him as “a Real Madrid legend” who “has always represented the values of our club.” The statement continued that “Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans” and that “Real Madrid will always be his home.” The club thanked Alonso and his technical team for their work and dedication during their time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Alonso arrived at Real Madrid in summer 2024 after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to the German league and cup double. The former Spain international had previously been linked with the Liverpool job when Jurgen Klopp announced his departure from Anfield, but opted to remain at Leverkusen for another season before accepting the Madrid position. His departure marks the end of a brief but high-profile tenure at one of European football’s most demanding clubs.
Arbeloa brings extensive knowledge of Real Madrid’s culture and playing philosophy, having represented the club as a player alongside serving as Alonso’s former teammate at both Real Madrid and Liverpool, as well as with the Spain national team. His promotion from within the club’s academy structure reflects Real’s commitment to maintaining continuity and their established footballing identity during this transitional period.
