The decision by the white club was made public through an official statement, thanking the Basque coach for his work and highlighting his status as a club “legend.” Xabi Alonso's departure follows the loss in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona.
“"Real Madrid C. F. communicates that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his tenure as first-team coach. Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a legend of Real Madrid and has represented the values of our club at all times. Real Madrid will always be his home."
The chosen substitute is Álvaro Arbeloa, who previously managed Castilla. Arbeloa has developed his entire coaching career in the Real Madrid academy since 2020, coaching Infantil A, Cadete A, and Juvenil A teams.
As coach of the Juvenil A team, Arbeloa achieved the treble (League, Copa del Rey, and Champions Cup) in the 2022-2023 season and the League in 2024-2025. As a player, he defended the white jersey between 2009 and 2016, winning 8 titles, including 2 European Cups. He was also a champion of the 2010 World Cup and two Eurocups with the Spanish national team.
