Real Madrid have parted ways with head coach Xabi Alonso by mutual agreement

Real Madrid have parted ways with head coach Xabi Alonso by mutual agreement, the club announced on January 12, 2026. The decision comes just one day after a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final held in Saudi Arabia on January 11.

Alonso, a former Real Madrid player and club legend, took charge in June 2025 following a successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the team to an unbeaten Bundesliga title. He signed a three-year contract but leaves after only seven months and approximately 28 matches in charge, recording around 22 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses across all competitions.

The club’s official statement read: “Real Madrid C.F. announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his tenure 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 embodied the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.”

The club thanked Alonso and his coaching staff for their dedication and wished them success in future endeavors.Real Madrid, currently second in La Liga—four points behind leaders Barcelona—have appointed Álvaro Arbeloa, the former defender and recent reserve team coach, as interim head coach. Arbeloa, who played alongside Alonso at Madrid, Liverpool, and for Spain, steps up from managing Castilla.The change marks another swift managerial shift at the Bernabéu, following Alonso’s arrival to replace Carlo Ancelotti.