Xabi Alonso has stepped down as Real Madrid manager after just eight months in charge, following Sunday’s El Clásico defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup.
The 44-year-old left the club by mutual consent, with former teammate and Real Madrid youth-team coach Álvaro Arbeloa appointed as his replacement. Madrid currently trail Barcelona by four points in the La Liga title race.
Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder who spent five years at the club as a player, arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu last summer after a remarkable spell with Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the German side to their historic Bundesliga title in 2024, ending Bayern Munich’s long dominance.
In a statement, Real Madrid praised Alonso’s contribution, describing him as a club legend who embodied the values of Los Blancos.
The club expressed gratitude to Alonso and his coaching staff for their dedication and wished them success in their future endeavors.
Arbeloa, who has been part of Real Madrid’s coaching structure since 2020, now steps up from the youth ranks to take charge of the senior team as the club looks to stabilize its season and close the gap on their rivals.
