Xabi Alonso has departed his role as Real Madrid manager after just eight months in charge, with the club confirming the decision was made by mutual consent. Shortly after announcing his exit, Real Madrid named former defender Álvaro Arbeloa as his replacement.
Alonso, 44, returned to the Bernabéu last summer after a hugely successful spell with Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga in 2024. However, his time as Real Madrid boss proved short-lived despite a respectable record of 24 wins from 34 matches.
Recent performances increased pressure on the former midfielder. Real were beaten by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday and currently trail their rivals by four points in La Liga. Heavy defeats to Atlético Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City, along with a shock loss to Celta Vigo last month that saw fans boo the team, intensified scrutiny and led to urgent discussions within the club’s hierarchy.
In a statement, Real Madrid praised Alonso’s contribution, saying he would “always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans” and describing him as a club legend who embodies its values.
BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balagué suggested Alonso’s downfall stemmed from a disconnect between his structured coaching philosophy and players who preferred to rely more on instinct.
Arbeloa, a former Spain and Real Madrid full-back, steps up from coaching the club’s B team. While he has been part of Real’s youth setup since 2020, this marks his first appointment as a senior manager, as the club once again turns to a familiar face in search of stability.
