Real Madrid have announced the departure of Xabi Alonso as the manager of the club following the loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final on Sunday. 

“Real Madrid C. F. announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his tenure as head coach of the first team to an end,” the club said in a statement on Monday. 

The statement added, “Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has consistently embodied the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.”

The former Real Madrid player returned to the club as head coach in May 2025. However, a series of disappointing results that have left the club four points behind Barcelona on the league table and coupled with the 3-2 loss to their arch-rivals on Sunday have ended his tenure at the Bernabéu in less than a year. 

“Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire coaching staff for their work and dedication throughout this period and wishes them the very best of luck in this new chapter of their lives,” the statement added. 

Meanwhile, former Real Madrid player Álvaro Arbeloa has been named as Alonso’ replacement and will take over the affairs of the team immediately. He was the manager of Real Madrid B team before his appointment.