Real Madrid sacks coach Xabi Alonso

January 13, 2026 / 12:16 AM

Sharjah 24 – AFP: Real Madrid announced the dismissal of Xabi Alonso as head coach after just eight months in charge and named Álvaro Arbeloa as his successor.

Departure follows Super Cup defeat

The decision came one day after Real Madrid’s 2-3 loss to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah. The club stated that Alonso’s departure was by mutual agreement.

Álvaro Arbeloa appointed as replacement

Former Spanish defender Álvaro Arbeloa, 42, a 2010 World Cup winner alongside Alonso, will take over as first-team coach. Arbeloa had recently been coaching Real Madrid’s reserve team, Castilla, since June 2025. The duration of his contract has not been disclosed.

Alonso’s brief tenure

Alonso joined Real Madrid last June, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, but the team struggled for consistency under his leadership. Real Madrid currently sits second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona.

Final match and legacy

The Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona marked Alonso’s last match in charge at 44 years old, closing a short but closely watched tenure at the club.