Real Madrid announced on Monday, January 12, 2026, that Alvaro Arbeloa replaces Xabi Alonso as head coach of the first team. The change came one day after a 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia. Alonso left by mutual agreement after just over seven months in the role. Arbeloa, who coached the reserve team Castilla, takes over immediately. This marks a quick shift for the Spanish giants as they sit second in LaLiga, four points behind leaders Barcelona.
The decision followed a string of disappointing results. Alonso joined from Bayer Leverkusen in June 2025 with high expectations. He won 22 games, drew four, and lost five in all competitions. The Super Cup defeat proved the breaking point.
Madrid trailed 3-0 at half-time before a late comeback fell short. Club president Florentino Perez moved fast to make the change. Arbeloa steps up from the youth setup where he has worked since 2020.
Arbeloa and Alonso know each other well. They played together at Liverpool from 2009 to 2012 and at Real Madrid from 2012 to 2014. Both won major trophies, including the Champions League.
Arbeloa, 42, made 238 appearances for Madrid as a right-back. He retired in 2017 and started coaching in the academy. His first senior game comes against Albacete in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
Alonso’s tenure had bright spots. He kept Madrid competitive in the league. Wins against top sides showed promise. But cup exits and the Super Cup loss exposed defensive issues. The team conceded too many goals. Fans hoped for more attacking flair from the former player known for his midfield vision.
The club released two statements. The first said Alonso left by mutual consent. The second named Arbeloa as replacement. “Real Madrid C.F. announces that Alvaro Arbeloa is the new head coach of the first team,” it read. Arbeloa has coached Castilla since June 2025. He developed his career in Madrid’s youth system.
Reactions came fast from fans and pundits. Many expressed surprise at the speed of the change. Social media posts called it a “shock” or “bold move”. Some praised Arbeloa’s club loyalty.
Others worried about his lack of senior experience. Alonso had managed Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title before Madrid. Arbeloa starts from scratch at the top level.
Madrid faces a busy period. LaLiga games continue. The Copa del Rey round of 16 awaits. Champions League knockout stages loom in February. Arbeloa must hit the ground running. The squad includes stars like Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe. Keeping them motivated matters.
The change fits Madrid’s history of quick managerial shifts. Carlo Ancelotti left in 2025 after a trophyless season. Alonso came as a fresh face. Now Arbeloa gets his chance. Club legend Raul Gonzalez coaches Castilla now, but Arbeloa got the nod.
In Kenya, where football passion runs high, Madrid fans followed the news closely. Many support the club through local fan groups. The Super Cup loss aired live on TV. Discussions in Nairobi cafes and online groups turned to the coaching drama.
Alonso leaves with respect from the club. Madrid wished him well in their statement. He might return to management soon. Arbeloa faces pressure to deliver results fast. Madrid demands trophies every year.
The season continues. Madrid’s next league game is against Atletico Madrid. Arbeloa’s debut sets the tone. Fans hope for a bounce-back effect. This coaching change adds another twist to Madrid’s 2025-26 campaign. Time will show if Arbeloa can steady the ship.
