Official: Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid, Álvaro Arbeloa takes over

In partnership with

Foot Africa

·12 January 2026

Official: Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid, Álvaro Arbeloa takes over

Xabi Alonso / @x.com/TouchlineX

Real Madrid officially announced on Monday the end of its collaboration with head coach Xabi Alonso, bringing his tenure at the helm of the Madrid first team to a close.

OneFootball Videos

In a statement published on its official website, the Merengue club confirmed that it had reached a mutual agreement with the former Spanish international to terminate his position as head coach.

Real Madrid extended its gratitude to Xabi Alonso and his entire coaching staff for their efforts during this period, wishing them every success in their future professional endeavors.

https://twitter.com/realmadrid/status/2010763454571847767?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

The official statement from Real Madrid

The Spanish club specified in its statement:

Real Madrid C. F. announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to terminate his contract as head coach of the first team.Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madridistas, as he is a Real Madrid legend and has always embodied the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication throughout this period, and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.

https://twitter.com/MadridXtra/status/2010764042466701722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Álvaro Arbeloa appointed as new head coach

Following the announcement, Real Madrid officially named Álvaro Arbeloa as the new head coach of the first team.

A former standout for the club, Arbeloa had been in charge of Real Madrid Castilla since June 2025. He has spent his entire coaching career within Real Madrid's academy, which he joined in 2020.

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2010764141166739545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw