Álvaro Arbeloa has been named Real Madrid’s new head coach, replacing Xabi Alonso, the club announced on Monday.
Real Madrid confirmed in a statement that Alonso’s departure was agreed by mutual consent, with Arbeloa promoted from his role as manager of the club’s B team. The length of the 42-year-old’s contract was not disclosed.
“Arbeloa has been in charge of Castilla since June 2025 and has spent his entire coaching career within Real Madrid’s academy since 2020,” the club said.
The decision follows Madrid’s 3–2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. Alonso’s exit brings an end to his eight-month spell in charge, as the club moved quickly to appoint former defender Arbeloa, who had been overseeing the reserve side.
“Real Madrid announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his tenure as first-team coach,” Los Blancos added.
Arbeloa will take charge of his first match on Wednesday when Madrid face second-tier Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16.
The former Spain international made 238 appearances for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2016, winning two UEFA Champions League titles and one La Liga crown, among other honours. He was also part of Spain’s golden generation, lifting the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012, playing alongside Alonso for both club and country.
Alonso arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu in June, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, but struggled to achieve consistency. Madrid currently sit second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona. His final match was Sunday’s Super Cup defeat to Hansi Flick’s side.
Although Alonso survived a difficult period late in 2025 thanks to a five-game winning run, the loss to Barcelona proved decisive. He had signed a three-year deal running until June 2028 after leaving Bayer Leverkusen.
His spell in charge was marked by mixed results, including a heavy 4–0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals in July and a prolonged injury crisis. Despite a Clasico victory in October, doubts reportedly remained within the club, culminating in the decision to part ways following the Super Cup final loss.
