Real Madrid say head coach Xabi Alonso has left the club by mutual consent; a day after the side lost the Spanish Super Cup final to rivals Barcelona.
In a statement on Monday, the club confirmed that Alonso’s spell as first-team coach had come to an end following discussions with the board.
Alonso departs with Real Madrid second in LaLiga, four points behind Barcelona, and seventh in the Champions League standings.
He joined Real last summer after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to a league and cup double in Germany.
Meanwhile, former defender, Alvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as his replacement. The 42-year-old has been in charge of Real Madrid Castilla since June 2025 and previously coached within the club’s academy.
The club praised Alonso, describing him as a Real Madrid legend who “will always have the affection and admiration” of supporters.
