Real Madrid replaces Xabi Alonso with B team manager Alvaro Arbeloa as head coach

Alonso played for Madrid between 2009 and 2014.

Real Madrid officially confirmed the departure of coach Xabi Alonso by mutual consent on Monday. The Spanish club announced the news in an official statement, a day after the team lost the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona. Following Alonso’s departure, former Madrid player Alvaro Arbeloa was appointed as coach. In the statement made by Real Madrid, “Real Madrid announced that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it was decided to terminate Alonso’s duty as the first team coach.” The statement was included.

Real Madrid also thanked Alonso and wrote: “Our club would like to thank Xabi Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication during this period and wish them success in this new phase of their lives.”

In another statement, Madrid announced Arbeloa as the new coach and wrote: “Arbeloa has been the coach of Castilla since June 2025 and has developed his entire coaching career in the Real Madrid academy since 2020. Álvaro Arbeloa was part of Real Madrid during one of the most successful periods in its history as a player. He wore our jersey between 2009 and 2016 and played 238 official matches. During this time he won eight titles: two Champions Leagues, one Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, one La Liga title, two Copa del Rey trophies and one Spanish Super Cup.”

For the uninitiated, Alonso is said to be under huge pressure and is close to being sacked towards the final quarter of 2025. However, five consecutive wins during this period kept him in his post.