Real Madrid have officially ended the tenure of head coach Xabi Alonso following the club’s defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final, announcing that the former midfielder has left by mutual agreement.
In a statement released on Monday, the Spanish giants confirmed that both parties had agreed to terminate Alonso’s contract less than 24 hours after Los Blancos were beaten 3–2 by Barcelona in the final played in Saudi Arabia.
“Real Madrid announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his tenure as first-team coach to an end,” the club said.
Shortly after confirming Alonso’s exit, Madrid unveiled Alvaro Arbeloa as the new first-team coach. The former Madrid and Spain international steps up from the club’s reserve side, Castilla, although the club did not disclose the duration of his contract.
“Arbeloa has been the coach of Castilla since June 2025 and has developed his entire coaching career in Real Madrid’s academy since 2020,” the statement added.
Alonso, who took charge in June after replacing Carlo Ancelotti, endured a difficult spell at the Santiago Bernabeu, struggling to establish stability and consistent performances. Under his leadership, Madrid currently sit second in La Liga, trailing league leaders Barcelona by four points.
The Super Cup final defeat proved to be the final blow for the 44-year-old, who had come under intense pressure towards the end of 2025. A brief revival — marked by a run of five straight wins — had temporarily eased speculation about his future, but the loss to Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side reopened questions about his position.
Arbeloa, 42, now faces the immediate task of restoring confidence in the squad as Madrid continue their pursuit of domestic and European honours in the second half of the season.
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