Real Madrid have sensationally sacked head coach Xabi Alonso just hours after a bruising 3–2 defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in the King Super Cup final played in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday.
The Spanish giants confirmed the shock decision on Monday via a statement posted on their official X page, revealing that the separation was reached by mutual agreement.
“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.
“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.”
The dramatic exit comes barely a day after Alonso was unveiled as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor, with the club previously announcing that he would officially assume duties from June 1 and lead the team into the FIFA Club World Cup.
“Xabi Alonso will be the Real Madrid coach for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025, until June 30, 2028,” the club had earlier stated.
Alonso’s appointment followed Ancelotti’s departure to take charge of the Brazilian national team, ending months of speculation linking the former midfield maestro with a return to the Bernabéu.
The 43-year-old arrived from Bayer Leverkusen after a stunning spell in Germany, where he finished second in the Bundesliga and guided the club to a historic league and German Cup double in the 2023–2024 season, going unbeaten in the top flight.
“Alonso is one of the biggest legends at Real Madrid and in world football.
“He wore our shirt in 236 games between 2009 and 2014. During that time, he won six trophies,” the club recalled.
His exploits made him one of Europe’s most sought-after managers, with an understanding in place allowing him to leave Leverkusen if former clubs such as Madrid, Liverpool or Bayern Munich came calling.
Real Madrid endured a turbulent season, lifting the European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup but crashing out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage to Arsenal.
Barcelona rubbed salt into the wounds by defeating Madrid in both the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals before reclaiming the La Liga title, leaving Los Blancos without a major domestic crown.
Despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappe last summer and his 31 La Liga goals, enough to put him on course for the European Golden Shoe, Madrid struggled for balance, with defensive instability overshadowing their attacking firepower.
Alonso was expected to restore solidity without dulling Madrid’s attacking edge, but his reign has ended almost before it began, plunging the club into fresh uncertainty and sparking another round of questions at the Bernabéu.
