Real Madrid sack Xabi Alonso, with Álvaro Arbeloa named replacement

Real Madrid have dismissed Xabi Alonso as the head coach of the club after eight months in charge.

Madrid said in a statement that Alonso left by mutual agreement.

“Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first-team coach.

“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.

“Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication during this time and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”

The announcement came a day after Los Blancos lost to rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.

The former Bayer Leverkusen coach has endured a difficult start to life in the Spanish capital after he replaced club legend Carlo Ancelotti, who signed for the Brazilian national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Alonso was close to the sack towards the end of 2025, but a run of five consecutive wins kept him in his position until the Super Cup defeat.

Madrid currently sit second in the La Liga standings, four points behind Barcelona, and seventh in the Champions League table with four wins and two defeats in six matches.

In a separate statement, Los Blancos announced Álvaro Arbeloa would replace Alonso as their new head coach.

“Arbeloa has been the coach of Castilla since June 2025 and has developed his entire coaching career in Real Madrid’s academy since 2020,” said the Spanish giants.

The Spaniard played 238 times for Madrid between 2009 and 2016, winning two Champions League titles and La Liga once, among other silverware.

He also lifted the World Cup with Spain in 2010, as well as the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, playing alongside Alonso for club and country.

Arbeloa’s first game in charge will be a trip to second-tier Albacete for the Copa del Rey last-16 clash on Wednesday.