Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid with immediate effect

BREAKING

The news comes just hours after his side's disappointing defeat at the hands of Barcelona in the Spanish supercup, a 3-2 loss.

Alonso arrived at the Bernabeu in summer 2025 with expectations high.

The Spanish coach had previously become the first manager in a decade to beat Bayern Munich to a Bundesliga title, and is known for coaching teams to play attractive attacking football.

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His time with Real Madrid has been marred by regular reports of behind-the-scenes disputes with players. Most notably with Brazil winger Vini Jr, who reportedly told the club he would not sign a new contract while his relationship with Alonso was strained.

Alonso leaves Los Blancos with his side second in La Liga, four points off leaders Barcelona.

Former player immediately announced as new Real Madrid manager

Alvaro Arbeloa has been chosen by the club to take over in an interim role as manager.

The 42-year-old represented the Real Madrid first-team for seven years, between 2009 and 2016, and was a graduate from the club's academy.

This has been confirmed in an official statement from the club.

It reads: "Real Madrid CF announces that Álvaro Arbeloa is the new first team coach. 

"Álvaro Arbeloa has been the manager of Castilla since June 2025, and has spent his entire coaching career in Real Madrid's youth academy since 2020.

[...]

"With the Spanish national team, Álvaro Arbeloa was also part of a historic era, winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and two European Championships (2008 and 2012). He earned 56 caps for Spain." [Translated from Spanish]

It remains to be seen how long Arbeloa is expected to stay in the role, and whether Los Blancos plan on making a permanent appointment before the end of the season.