Real Madrid sack Xabi Alonso after brief, turbulent coaching spell
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Madrid paid tribute to Alonso’s commitment and leadership, stating: “We would like to thank Xabi Alonso and all his coaching staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this time, and wish them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Real Madrid C.F. have confirmed the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso by mutual agreement, bringing to an end his brief but high-profile reign at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The announcement follows the club’s 3–2 defeat to FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final and comes just over seven months after Alonso’s appointment.
In an official statement released on Monday, January 12, 2026, Madrid said: “Real Madrid C. F. wishes to announce that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his time as first team coach to an end.”
The club added: “Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.”
Madrid paid tribute to Alonso’s commitment and leadership, stating: “We would like to thank Xabi Alonso and all his coaching staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this time, and wish them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”
Alonso’s return to Real Madrid as head coach was one of the defining moves ahead of the 2025–26 season, after an impressive managerial spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the German club to a Bundesliga title and historic unbeaten runs before joining Real in June 2025.
The Spaniard, a club legend from his playing days, having won multiple trophies including the UEFA Champions League and La Liga with Real Madrid, took over from Carlo Ancelotti with a three-year deal that was intended to build a new era at the Bernabéu.
Alonso’s tenure began strongly, with early La Liga victories and even a Manager of the Month award. However, inconsistent results and heightened scrutiny, typical of Real’s intense football environment, eventually culminated in his departure.
Real Madrid have not yet confirmed his successor, leaving supporters and pundits to speculate on the next chapter for one of the world’s most storied football clubs.
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