Real Madrid Fire Alonso, Arbeloa Appointed as Replacement
Xabi Alonso has left his job as Real Madrid manager by mutual consent on Monday, January 12, 2026, local time.
This news comes a day after Real Madrid was defeated 2-3 by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup (Supercopa de Espana) final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Alonso was replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa, who had previously been coach of Real Madrid's reserve team, Castilla.
Alonso was under pressure before Christmas after a run of poor results, winning just two of eight games, including defeats to Liverpool, Celta Vigo and Manchester City.
However, the team's form has improved since then, with five wins before the defeat in El Clasico on Sunday, January 11, 2026, local time.
"Real Madrid announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to terminate his contract as coach of the first team."
"Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Real Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and always represents the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home."
"Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and all his coaching staff for their hard work and dedication so far, and wishes them the best of luck in their new phase of life," the club said in a statement.
Alonso took over from his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti, last summer after an impressive spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the team to their first Bundesliga title in history in 2024.
Mbappe was the first player to say goodbye to Alonso. The French player praised and thanked Alonso in an Instagram Story post accompanied by a photo of him and the coach greeting each other.
"It was a short time, but it was an honor to play for you and learn from you. Thank you for giving me confidence from day one."
"I will remember you as a manager who has a clear vision, has ideas, and knows a lot about football. Good luck for the next round," Mbappe wrote on Instagram.
Alonso played for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014, winning one Champions League trophy, one LaLiga title, and two Copa del Rey.
He began his tenure as Real Madrid coach by reaching the 2025 Club World Cup semi-final last summer, where they were beaten 0-4 by Paris Saint-Germain.
In the 2025/2026 season, the team started the season with 13 wins in 14 matches in all competitions - including beating Barcelona 2-1 in the first El Clasico of the season - before a series of bad results in November 2025.
Meanwhile, Arbeloa, 42, started his career as a player at Real Madrid before playing at Liverpool, where he played with Alonso.
The defender returned to Real Madrid in 2009 and spent seven seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu before coaching the academy in 2020.
Arbeloa also helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 World Cup and Euro 2012.