Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid after less than eight months in charge

By Mark Walker, Press Association

Xabi Alonso has departed Real Madrid by mutual consent less than eight months after replacing Carlo Ancelotti as head coach.

Alonso had come under increasing pressure towards the end of last year and the Spanish giants announced their decision following Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in Saudi Arabia.

A club statement read: “Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as coach of the first team.

Official Announcement: Xabi Alonso.

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 12, 2026

“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all madridismo 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 throughout this time, and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”

Real, who finished runners-up in LaLiga last season, trail defending champions Barcelona by four points and lost to Hansi Flick’s side in the Spanish Super Cup for the second year running on Sunday.

Alonso’s side have also lost to both Liverpool and Manchester City in the Champions League this season, as well as Atletico Madrid and Celta Vigo in LaLiga.