In a surprising turn of events, Xabi Alonso has departed from his role as the head coach of Real Madrid, just seven months after taking the reins. The announcement, made on Monday, January 12, 2026, follows aSuper Cup defeat to Barcelona. Former Real Madrid player Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as his replacement.

Alonso, a former midfield star for Real Madrid, addressed his departure in a statement released on social media. Expressing gratitude and acknowledging the high standards of the club, Alonso stated, "This professional stage concludes, and it has not turned out as we would have liked". He added, "Coaching Real Madrid has been an honour and a responsibility". He thanked the club, players, fans, and the Madridista community for their trust and support, concluding, "I leave with respect, gratitude, and pride that I did my best".

Real Madrid's official statement conveyed respect for Alonso, recognizing him as a club legend who embodies their values. The club thanked Alonso and his staff for their dedication and wished them well in the future.

While the club described the separation as a "mutual agreement," some reports suggest Alonso was dismissed against his will. According to these sources, Alonso only learned of the decision shortly before the announcement, despite earlier discussions with club officials. Issues such as transfer strategy, injuries, and strained relationships with key players reportedly contributed to the decision.

Specifically, Alonso reportedly criticized Real Madrid's internal management and the excessive power given to players, feeling unsupported in his role. Despite these challenges, Alonso believed the team showed promise and was optimistic about improvement.

Alonso's brief tenure at Real Madrid began in May 2025, replacing Carlo Ancelotti. Before joining Real Madrid, Alonso had a successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal in 2024.

The early speculation has already begun regarding Alonso's next managerial role, with several Premier League clubs mentioned as potential destinations. Liverpool and Manchester United are among the clubs linked to Alonso. Alonso previously expressed a strong bond with English clubs, particularly Liverpool, though he affirmed his commitment to Real Madrid at the time. Other potential destinations mentioned include Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and Manchester City.