Real Madrid Announces Departure of Xabi Alonso, Appoints Álvaro Arbeloa as New Manager
In a surprising turn of events, Real Madrid has announced the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso by mutual agreement. The announcement came shortly after Real Madrid's 3-2 defeat against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The club simultaneously revealed that Álvaro Arbeloa, former Real Madrid player and coach of Real Madrid's B team, Castilla, will take over as the new first-team coach.
Xabi Alonso's tenure as head coach lasted just over seven months, having officially started on June 1, 2025. The former midfielder had a promising start, winning 13 of his first 14 games. However, a loss to Liverpool in November initiated a less successful run, leading to increased speculation about his position. Despite a subsequent improvement, the club's hierarchy was not sufficiently convinced of his long-term suitability. Real Madrid acknowledged Alonso's legendary status and expressed gratitude for his dedication during his time at the club.
Álvaro Arbeloa's appointment marks a new chapter for the club. Arbeloa has been coaching Real Madrid's youth academy since 2020 and has been the coach of Castilla since June 2025. His accomplishments within the academy include leading the Under-14s A to a league title in 2020-2021, the Under-16s in 2021-2022, and the Under-19s from 2022 to 2025. He also secured a treble with the Under-19s in the 2022-2023 season, winning the League, Copa del Rey, and Champions Cup, and another League title in the 2024-2025 season.
As a player, Arbeloa represented Real Madrid from 2009 to 2016, participating in 238 official matches. During this period, he won eight trophies, including two Champions League titles, one Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, one La Liga title, two Copa del Rey trophies, and one Spanish Super Cup. Arbeloa was also a key member of the Spanish national team during its historic era, winning the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.
The decision to appoint Arbeloa suggests a focus on promoting from within and entrusting the team to someone deeply familiar with the club's values and culture. It remains to be seen how Arbeloa will fare in his new role, but his previous success within the academy and his history with the club position him as a promising candidate. Real Madrid is currently second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona.
