Real Madrid CF announced on Monday that first-team coach Xabi Alonso has left the club by mutual agreement. Former player Alvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as his immediate successor.
The decision follows Real Madrid’s 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday. In an official statement, the club confirmed the end of Alonso’s tenure, which lasted less than eight months. “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,” the statement read.
Shortly after, the club announced that Alvaro Arbeloa, 42, will take charge of the first team. Arbeloa has been the coach of the reserve side, Real Madrid Castilla, since June 2025 and previously worked within the club’s youth academy. His first match as coach will be on Wednesday against Albacete in the Copa del Rey.
Alonso was appointed in June to replace Carlo Ancelotti. Under his management, the team struggled for consistency and currently sits second in La Liga, four points behind leaders Barcelona. Key losses during his time in charge included a 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals and a 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in a league match.
Despite a brief run of five consecutive wins at the end of 2025, the Super Cup defeat proved to be the final match of his tenure.
French forward Kylian Mbappe commented on the departure via Instagram, stating, “It’s been short but it was a pleasure to play for you and learn from you. I will remember you as a manager who had clear ideas, and knows many things about football. Best of luck for (your) next chapter.”
