Xabi Alonso
Spanish giants Real Madrid have parted ways with manager Xabi Alonso, just hours after their dramatic 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final played in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The club confirmed the decision on Monday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating that the separation was reached by mutual agreement.
“Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first-team coach,” the statement read.
The club praised the former midfielder, describing him as a legend who embodies the values of Los Blancos, and wished him success in the next phase of his career.
The decision comes amid confusion surrounding Alonso’s tenure. Only on Sunday, Real Madrid had announced the appointment of the 43-year-old Spaniard as successor to Carlo Ancelotti, with a contract reportedly set to run from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, including leadership at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
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Alonso was expected to arrive from Bayer Leverkusen, where he enjoyed immense success, guiding the German side to a historic Bundesliga and German Cup double in the 2023/2024 season, finishing unbeaten in the league. He leaves Leverkusen after ending the current campaign as runners-up.
A former Real Madrid midfielder, Alonso made 236 appearances between 2009 and 2014, winning six major trophies. His reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches made him a top target for elite clubs including Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid, with Leverkusen having an agreement allowing him to leave for former clubs.
The managerial shake-up follows a turbulent season for Madrid. Despite winning the European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup, Ancelotti’s side endured painful defeats, including Champions League quarter-final elimination by Arsenal, and losses to Barcelona in both the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals. Barcelona also reclaimed the La Liga title, leaving Madrid without a major domestic or European trophy.
The summer arrival of Kylian Mbappe added firepower, with the French star scoring 31 La Liga goals, potentially earning the European Golden Shoe. However, balancing Mbappe alongside Vinicius Junior proved tactically challenging, affecting the team’s defensive stability.
With Ancelotti set to take charge of the Brazil national team, Real Madrid now face renewed uncertainty on the managerial front as they look to rebuild and restore dominance both in Spain and Europe.
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