Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso Part Ways in Surprise Announcement

Kenya, January 12 2026 - Real Madrid have confirmed that head coach Xabi Alonso has left the club by mutual consent, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure at one of world football’s most prestigious institutions. The announcement, made official by the club on Tuesday evening, has sent shockwaves through the football world and sparked widespread reaction from fans, pundits, and former players alike.

Alonso, a club legend from his playing days, took over the managerial reins with high expectations after an impressive rise through European coaching ranks. His time at the Santiago Bernabéu saw moments of promise, tactical innovation, and strong performances, but ultimately fell short of delivering major silverware in a period where Real Madrid’s ambitions remain sky-high.

In an official statement, Real Madrid described the decision as “mutual and respectful,” thanking Alonso for his dedication, leadership, and the professionalism he brought to the role. The club emphasized that “both parties agreed it was in the best interests of the team to seek a new direction” ahead of the crucial second half of the season.

Alonso’s departure comes at a pivotal moment, with Real Madrid contending on multiple fronts domestically and in European competition. Despite flashes of brilliance, inconsistency in key matches, and a run of results that failed to match the club’s lofty standards, these reportedly contributed to discussions between the coach and the board. In particular, a series of narrow defeats in high-stakes fixtures, including the recent loss to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, were believed to be catalysts for re-evaluating the partnership.

In a message to supporters, Alonso expressed gratitude for the opportunity to manage Real Madrid, calling it “an honour and a privilege.” He added, “I will always be proud of my time here and grateful for the dedication of the players, staff, and fans. The club deserves success at every level, and I wish my former teammates nothing but the best moving forward.”

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez echoed those sentiments, praising Alonso’s integrity and professionalism while hinting that the club is already evaluating candidates to take over the first-team role. Pérez said, “Xabi will always be part of Real Madrid’s history. We respect his decision and appreciate all he has done for this club. We remain fully committed to our goals this season.”