Real Madrid have parted ways with head coach Xabi Alonso by mutual consent following the club’s 3 to 2 defeat to rivals FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final played on Sunday night in Saudi Arabia.
The decision was announced on Monday, bringing an end to Alonso’s short stint at the Spanish giants just seven months after his appointment in June 2025. He had replaced Carlo Ancelotti, who left the club to take up the Brazil national team job.
The 44 year old former midfielder joined Real Madrid from German side Bayer Leverkusen on a three year deal, riding on the back of an impressive spell in the Bundesliga. He initially showed promise, including winning the LaLiga Manager of the Month award in August, but his time in charge became increasingly difficult as the season progressed.
A series of injuries, inconsistent league results and reported unrest in the dressing room placed Alonso under pressure. Tensions were said to have surfaced between the coach and some senior players, including Vinicius Junior, with disagreements over playing time drawing attention both inside and outside the club.
Real Madrid’s recent Super Cup semifinal victory over Atletico Madrid had offered brief relief and suggested that Alonso might be given more time to steady the team. However, the narrow loss to Barcelona in the final proved decisive.
In a statement, the club said the decision was reached by agreement between both parties, adding that Alonso would always be regarded as a Real Madrid legend and welcomed back as part of the club’s family in the future. The club also thanked him and his technical team for their service and commitment.
Alonso leaves Real Madrid with the team trailing Barcelona in the LaLiga title race and facing questions about squad harmony and consistency. His departure comes at a time when European football continues to be closely followed in Eswatini, where Real Madrid enjoy strong support among local fans and football academies often study the club’s tactical approaches.
Former Real Madrid and Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as Alonso’s replacement with immediate effect. Arbeloa steps up from his role as head coach of Real Madrid’s B team, a position he has held since May last year after working his way through the club’s youth structures.
Since taking charge of the B team, Arbeloa has overseen 10 wins, one draw and eight defeats in 19 matches, while also collecting league titles and cups during his time with the under 14 and under 19 sides. He returned to the club as a coach in 2020 and is well regarded for his understanding of Real Madrid’s culture.
Alonso’s tenure included a difficult Club World Cup campaign, where Real Madrid were beaten 4 nil by Paris Saint Germain in the semifinals, with early signs of dissatisfaction already emerging during that tournament. His more demanding coaching style, compared to Ancelotti’s calmer approach, was reported to have divided opinion within the squad.
Although results improved briefly during the festive period, defeats to Atletico Madrid and draws against teams such as Girona and Elche earlier in the season had already sparked speculation about his future.
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