Real Madrid has decided to move on from Xabi Alonso after just seven months, despite the head coach signing a three-year deal in the summer, after a humiliating loss to Barcelona
17:23, 12 Jan 2026Updated 17:47, 12 Jan 2026
Xabi Alonso has left Real Madrid with immediate effect
Xabi Alonso has left Real Madrid with immediate effect(Image: AFP or licensors)
Xabi Alonso has left Real Madrid with immediate effect after the club lost 3-2 to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Supercopa de España on Sunday night.
Alonso's role has been under pressure for several months, despite only joining Madrid on a three-year contract this summer. Alonso had the chance to silence his critics against Barcelona on Sunday, but Madrid missed out on the first piece of silverware this season, managing just 29 percent possession throughout the game.
Madrid star Vinicius Junior increased speculation surrounding Alonso's future with a cryptic Instagram post, and the head coach also made risky comments after the defeat. Alonso played down the significance of the Spanish Super Cup, something that the Madrid board and Club President Florentino Perez strongly opposed.
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After announcing the decision on Monday, Madrid released a statement to confirm that Alonso's role with the Spanish giants had come to an end. "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.
"Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented 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 during this time, and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives."
Alonso signed a three-year deal with Madrid in the summer but lasted seven months
Alonso signed a three-year deal with Madrid in the summer but lasted seven months(Image: (Carl Recine/Getty Images))
Alonso has impressed since becoming a head coach and led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic season in Germany during the 2023-24 campaign. Alonso's success led to him being heavily linked with the Bayern Munich job, and he was also in the running to replace Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.
The Spanish soccer legend opted to stay with Leverkusen for one more season, while Liverpool hired Arne Slot, and Bayern continued with Vincent Kompany. Alonso then agreed to join Madrid last summer, but the venture lasted seven months.
Alonso, a former player for Madrid, understands the pressure to succeed at the club, but he began to lose the board's faith. After losing an initial lead to Barcelona in La Liga and suffering defeat in two of Madrid's six Champions League games, doubts began to creep in.
Alonso questioned the importance of the Spanish Super Cup
Alonso questioned the importance of the Spanish Super Cup(Image: Getty Images)
While Madrid is still enjoying a positive season by the standards of most clubs, the lack of dominance was a concern among the hierarchy. Despite a close 3-2 scoreline against Barcelona in the Super Cup final on Sunday, Madrid's arch-rivals controlled the game held in Saudi Arabia.
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Alonso's fate may have already been sealed, but after the game, he suggested that it was the "least important" competition Madrid was competing in. Considering the Spanish Football Federation has a deal with Saudi Arabia until 2029, even if Alonso was being honest, it wasn't an ideal admission.
"We faced two great rivals within just a few days, right in the middle of the season," Alonso said. "We're focusing on the positives and preparing for our upcoming challenges.
"We have to move on quickly. It's just one match, one competition, and out of all the ones we have to play, it's the least important." Alonso will likely attract many suitors with several teams in need of a head coach, and while Liverpool is backing Slot, their former midfielder is available unexpectedly.