Xabi Alonso’s tenure as Real Madrid head coach has come to an end following the club’s defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The decision was confirmed by the club in an official statement, announcing that both parties had agreed to part ways just one day after the Clásico loss in Saudi Arabia.
Despite signs of improvement in recent weeks, Real Madrid’s board opted for a managerial change after an inconsistent first half of the 2025–26 season. Alonso leaves after overseeing 34 matches across all competitions, recording 24 wins, four draws and six defeats, without securing any silverware. Key setbacks included the Super Cup final loss to Barcelona, a heavy league defeat to Atlético Madrid and Champions League losses to Liverpool and Manchester City.
Alonso’s reign began at the Club World Cup, where Real Madrid suffered a heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, a result that sparked early doubts about his project. Nonetheless, the club paid tribute to Alonso’s legacy, highlighting his status as a former player and club icon, and reaffirmed that Real Madrid “will always be his home.”
Following Alonso’s departure, Real Madrid appointed Álvaro Arbeloa as the new first-team head coach. The former defender steps up from Castilla, whom he had managed since June 2025 and guided to a strong position in Group 1 of the Primera RFEF. Arbeloa’s entire coaching career has been developed within the club’s youth system.
The club did not disclose the length of Arbeloa’s contract. His first test in charge will come on Wednesday, when Real Madrid travel to face Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16.
