Real Madrid announced on Monday that head coach Xabi Alonso has left the club by mutual consent and will be replaced by former defender Álvaro Arbeloa.
The decision comes a day after Madrid lost the Spanish Super Cup final 3–2 to Barcelona in Saudi Arabia. The defeat proved decisive for Alonso, with the club moving swiftly to appoint Arbeloa, who had been in charge of the reserve side, Castilla.
“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 club said in a statement.
In a separate announcement, Madrid confirmed Arbeloa’s appointment but did not disclose the length of the 42-year-old’s contract.
“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 said.
Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti in June, struggled to deliver consistent results during his brief spell in charge. Madrid currently sit second in La Liga, four points behind leaders Barcelona.
The loss to Hansi Flick’s side in Jeddah marked the 44-year-old’s final match at the helm. Although Alonso had come under intense pressure late in 2025, a run of five consecutive victories temporarily eased concerns before the Super Cup defeat sealed his fate.
AFP
