Xabi Alonso’s time as Real Madrid head coach has come to an abrupt end, sparking waves of reaction across the football world. The legendary Spanish midfielder, who was appointed manager of Real Madrid in May 2025, has officially left the club by mutual consent after just over seven months in charge.
Why Did Real Madrid Let Xabi Alonso Go?
Despite the optimism surrounding his appointment, Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso agreed to part ways on 12 January 2026. The decision was announced less than a day after a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Real Madrid’s official statement described the departure as a mutual agreement, emphasizing respect for Alonso’s legacy as a club legend. The statement reaffirmed that Alonso “will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans.”
Performance and Results
Alonso’s tenure began with promise, but the team struggled for consistency across competitions:
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Real Madrid slipped from La Liga leaders to second place behind Barcelona.
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The team suffered key losses in the Champions League and domestic matches.
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There were reported tensions within the squad, with speculation about disagreements between the coach and some senior players.
Despite achieving one of the highest win percentages among recent Madrid coaches, the club’s leadership evidently decided a change was necessary to preserve their title ambitions.
Was Xabi Alonso Sacked?
The wording from Real Madrid emphasizes “mutual consent” rather than a traditional sack. While some fans and media outlets might interpret this as a sacking, the official narrative frames the departure as an agreed decision between both parties.
This distinction matters in SEO terms, as searches like “Xabi Alonso sacked” or “Xabi Alonso left Real Madrid” are both valid but reflect slightly different tones. In this case, the club insists it was mutual.
Who Is Replacing Xabi Alonso?
Real Madrid moved quickly by appointing Álvaro Arbeloa as the new first-team coach. Arbeloa, a former team captain and long-time member of the club’s academy coaching ranks, takes over immediately.
Arbeloa previously coached Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s B team, and has garnered praise for his work across youth levels.
Xabi Alonso’s Legacy with Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso is one of Real Madrid’s most iconic players, having spent six successful seasons at the club during his playing career. He won multiple trophies, including the UEFA Champions League and La Liga.
As a coach, his appointment was seen as a major step for both him and the club, especially following his impressive achievements with Bayer Leverkusen — where he led the team to an historic Bundesliga title.
Although his coaching stint at Real Madrid ended earlier than many expected, Alonso’s legacy as a player and his rising reputation as a manager remain intact.
What’s Next for Xabi Alonso?
With Alonso now free from his Real Madrid contract, speculation has already begun about his next steps. His tactical acumen and leadership make him a potential candidate for other top teams, and clubs like Liverpool — where he also had a stellar playing career — could show interest.
Whether he returns to management sooner rather than later, Alonso’s next move will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
Conclusion
Xabi Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid was not a typical firing but a mutual parting of ways, influenced by inconsistent results and pressure at one of football’s biggest clubs. Though short-lived, his tenure was filled with high expectations and learning curves — and it sets the stage for what could be a compelling next chapter in his managerial career.
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