BREAKING: Xabi Alonso LEAVES Real Madrid; Bernabeu legend set to take over

Last Updated on 12 January 2026

Real Madrid’s defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup has proven to be the final nail in Xabi Alonso’s managerial career at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Things never quite settled for Alonso since his switch from Bayer Leverkusen to Real Madrid. There were reports of dressing room chaos and tantrums thrown.

All that has come to a head as Xabi has departed from his role as manager.

Xabi Alonso HIMSELF made the decision to quit Real Madrid

An El Clasico defeat is always difficult to recover from but given the turmoil at the Bernabeu, Alonso’s exit is not a shock.

In fact, as per Spanish publication, AS, Xabi made the decision to quit from the role of manager himself. Contrary to some reports, he was not sacked, he made the call with Real Madrid having to act fast in light of this latest development.

Meanwhile, the official statement from Real Madrid states that it was a mutual decision. That seems to reflect the situation well given how poor results have been under Alonso’s reign at the Bernabeu.

A majority of online Los Blancos fans wanted the former Madrid legend to leave. Many believed that the role was too big for a manager of Xabi Alonso’s stature, who has a relatively short managerial career.

Alvaro Arbeloa named as the new manager

Real Madrid announced immediately that Alvaro Arbeloa will replace Xabi Alonso, at least in the short-term. The 42-year-old has been managing the youth set-up at Real Madrid B and will be in charge for Real Madrid’s next game against Albacete.

While there is no official update on whether Arbeloa is the caretaker or the permanent manager, it’s unlikely that Real Madrid make that decision in haste.

For now, Arbeloa’s focus will only be on getting Los Blancos back to winning ways.