Xabi Alonso has left his role as Real Madrid following the 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah on Sunday, Afrosport reports.
The Spaniard joined Los Blancos from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, replacing Carlos Ancelotti, and had a great start leading them to the semi-finals of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
Madrid also started the ongoing season well, winning 13 their opening 14 competitive games and led the La Liga table. Things however began to unravel at the Santiago Bernabeu as results were not consistent, with Alonso reportedly struggling to get the support of the dressing room to adapt to his coaching methods.
There was also a problem with Vinicius Jnr. who seemed unfavoured by Alonso and the Brazilian superstar’s future became a hot topic. All these left Madrid trailing behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race and put Alonso under immense pressure.
Despite an improved run of form before the Super Cup final defeat, that game proved to be Alonso’s last after just seven months in charge.
The club in a statement said:”Real Madridwishes to announce that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his time as first team coach to an end.
“Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.
“We would like to thank Xabi Alonso and all his coaching staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this time, and wish them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”
Official Announcement: Xabi Alonso.
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 12, 2026
Alonso has been replaced by former Liverpool and Madrid teammate Alvaro Arbeloa, who is in charge of the reserve team. He has been a youth coach at different levels in Madrid since 2020, winning multiple league and cup titles.
