Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso have parted ways by mutual agreement following the club's 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on January 11, 2026.
The match in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia saw Barcelona claim their 16th Supercopa de España title with goals from Raphinha (2), Robert Lewandowski, while Real Madrid's goals came from Vinícius Júnior and Gonzalo García. The loss marked the end of Alonso's first season as Real Madrid manager.
In a statement, Real Madrid said: "Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home."
The club has appointed Álvaro Arbeloa as the new first team coach. Arbeloa has been coaching within Real Madrid's academy system since 2020, most recently leading Castilla since June 2025. As coach of the Under-19s, he won the treble in the 2022-2023 season (League, Copa del Rey and Champions Cup) and the League in the 2024-2025 season.
As a player, Arbeloa represented Real Madrid from 2009 to 2016, making 238 official appearances and winning 8 trophies including 2 European Cups. With Spain, he won the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships (2008 and 2012).
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