Real Madrid C.F. announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to put an end to his tenure as First Team Head Coach.
🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝐗𝐀𝐁𝐈 𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐎 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐃 🤯
By mutual agreement, Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso have decided to part ways, one day after the Spanish Super Cup final 😮 pic.twitter.com/wZ36bThJ92
— 433 (@433) January 12, 2026
This decision follows the conclusion of the Supercopa de España in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where the team finished as runners-up following a 3-2 defeat against FC Barcelona. The club recognizes that this transition is necessary to ensure the team achieves its sporting objectives for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Real Madrid fans. As a club legend, he has always represented the values of our institution with integrity. Real Madrid will always be his home. We thank Xabi and his entire coaching staff for their professionalism and dedication during their time at the helm, and we wish them the very best of luck in the next stage of their careers.
Real Madrid C.F. is also pleased to announce that Álvaro Arbeloa has been promoted to the role of First Team Head Coach. Arbeloa, who has served the club with distinction as a player and most recently as the coach of Real Madrid Castilla, will take charge of the first team effective immediately.
The club has full confidence in Arbeloa’s leadership and his deep understanding of the Real Madrid philosophy to lead the squad through the upcoming domestic and UEFA Champions League challenges.
