Real Madrid have pulled the trigger.

Xabi Alonso has been fired with immediate effect, bringing a sudden end to his short spell as first-team coach at the Santiago Bernabéu.

In an official statement released on Monday, the Spanish giants confirmed that the decision was reached by mutual agreement, but the timing tells a deeper story, coming less than 24 hours after a painful 3–2 Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona in Jeddah.

“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 said.

Despite the abrupt exit, Madrid were quick to strike a respectful tone, adding:

“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.”

Results Didn’t Match the Squad

While Real Madrid sit second in LaLiga, just four points behind leaders Barcelona, sources around the club indicate that results and performances fell short of expectations, especially given the sheer quality available.

This is a squad stacked with elite names: Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Antonio Rüdiger, players many believe should be dominating LaLiga, the Super Cup, the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup.

Instead, the Super Cup loss to Barcelona proved the final straw. At Real Madrid, being competitive is never enough. Winning is mandatory.

Arbeloa Appointed Almost Instantly

True to their reputation for decisiveness, Real Madrid wasted no time naming a successor. Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed new first-team head coach with immediate effect.

Arbeloa is no stranger to Valdebebas. He has coached within Madrid’s academy since 2020 and was promoted to Castilla head coach in June 2025.

His youth coaching record speaks loudly:

• Under-14s league title (2020–21)
• Under-19s treble in 2022–23 (League, Copa del Rey, Champions Cup)
• Under-19s league title in 2024–25

As a player, Arbeloa was part of one of Madrid’s golden eras, making 238 appearances between 2009 and 2016 and winning eight major trophies, including two Champions League titles. He also enjoyed a glittering international career, winning the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2008 and 2012 with Spain.

Pressure Starts Now

Arbeloa steps into the dugout with immediate pressure. This is not a rebuilding job, it’s a win-now mandate. With Real Madrid still alive in LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League, the message from the board is unmistakable: anything less than trophies will not be tolerated. At the Bernabéu, reputation buys respect, but results buy time.