The event is Completed: Real Madrid confirmed on Monday that Xabi Alonso has left his role as head coach and Álvaro Arbeloa has taken over as the club’s new manager. This decision followed the club’s statement announcing Alonso’s departure by mutual agreement after a tenure lasting less than eight months.

Real Madrid’s official announcement came a day after the team’s 3–2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on January 11, 2026. The club cited the need for change following a series of results that failed to meet internal expectations.

Alonso, who had been appointed in May 2025 to succeed Carlo Ancelotti, concluded his tenure with the club by mutual consent, Real Madrid stated in its release. The club expressed gratitude for his work and confirmed that Alonso will always be regarded fondly by supporters.

Immediately after Alonso’s exit was confirmed, Real Madrid elevated Álvaro Arbeloa from his position as manager of the club’s reserve side to first-team head coach. Arbeloa’s appointment is effective immediately, and he assumes responsibility for upcoming fixtures across domestic and European competitions.

The managerial change was processed formally at the club’s training facilities in Madrid, where Arbeloa signed his contract and was presented to the squad. Real Madrid’s leadership emphasized a smooth transition as the team prepares for its next scheduled Copa del Rey match.

Real Madrid’s decision marks one of the earliest coaching changes in the current season among Europe’s top football clubs, concluding this phase of leadership restructuring at the Bernabéu.

Sources
Real Madrid Official Announcement: Álvaro Arbeloa Named Head Coach
Real Madrid Parts Ways with Xabi Alonso
2026 Supercopa de España Final Details