Sabi Alonso Leaves Real Madrid, Arbeola Appointed As Head Coach.
Real Madrid announced on Monday that head coach Xabi Alonso has departed the club by mutual consent and will be succeeded by Alvaro Arbeloa.
This came just one day after the team's defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona. The club ended its partnership with the Basque tactician and promptly named former player Arbeloa—who had been leading the reserve team—as the new first-team boss.
"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," said the Los Blancos in a statement.
In another announcement, Madrid confirmed Arbeloa's promotion, without detailing the duration of the 42-year-old's 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," said Los Blancos.
Alonso took over in June as successor to long-time boss Carlo Ancelotti, but the side faced ongoing inconsistency issues under his leadership and currently sit second in La Liga, trailing Barcelona by four points.
Los Blancos were dominated in Sunday's 3-2 loss in Saudi Arabia to Hansi Flick's Barcelona, marking Alonso's final match in charge.
The Basque manager had narrowly avoided dismissal late in 2025, saved temporarily by a streak of five straight victories, before the Super Cup setback sealed his exit.
