Real Madrid announce shock departure of Xabi Alonso as replacement instantly named

Xabi Alonso has left Real Madrid with immediate effect, less than 24 hours after losing to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup.

The Spanish legend departs by mutual agreement just seven months after being appointed as manager.

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In a shock statement released on Monday evening, Real announced: “Real Madrid C. F. communicates that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as coach of the first team.

“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Real Madrid because he is a legend of Real Madrid and has always represented the values of our club.

“Real Madrid will always be his home.

“Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and all his technical team for their work and dedication throughout this time, and wishes them good luck in this new stage of their lives.

Instant replacement

Real Madrid have also confirmed that former defender Alvaro Arbeloa, who like Alonso also played for Liverpool, has taken over.

He has instantly been named as the new first team coach.

They wrote in a statement: “Álvaro Arbeloa has been the manager of Castilla since June 2025, and has spent his entire coaching career in Real Madrid’s youth academy since 2020.

“He managed the Infantil A team in the 2020-2021 season, winning the league title, the Cadete A team in 2021-2022, and the Juvenil A team from 2022 to 2025. As Juvenil A manager, he achieved the treble in 2022-2023 (League, Copa del Rey, and Champions Cup) and the League title in the 2024-2025 season.

“As a player, Álvaro Arbeloa was part of Real Madrid during one of the most successful periods in its history. He wore our shirt between 2009 and 2016, making 238 official appearances.

“During that 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.

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“With the Spanish national team, Álvaro Arbeloa was also part of a historic era, winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and two European Championships (2008 and 2012). He earned 56 caps for Spain.”

More to follow…