Xabi Alonso Releases Official Statement After Real Madrid Dismissal

By Liam McPherson | Published January 13, 2026

Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool midfielder and Real Madrid legend, has issued a composed official statement following his dismissal from the Spanish giants. The 44-year-old Basque coach was let go less than 24 hours after Real Madrid's heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This marked Los Blancos' second straight loss in the competition to Barca, who claimed a record 16th title.[3][1][4]

Real Madrid announced the split as "by mutual agreement," but Spanish media widely reported it as a sacking amid turbulent circumstances during Alonso's brief eight-month tenure, which lasted 321 days and 34 matches. He recorded an impressive 24 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses overall, with a 71% win rate. In La Liga, Alonso secured 14 victories from 19 games, earning 45 of 57 points. However, defeats to elite foes like Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid (including a 5-2 derby thrashing), and issues like Vinícius Júnior's visible frustration after substitutions proved fatal at a club demanding perfection.[3][5][4][6]

Posting on Instagram alongside a sidelines photo, Alonso refrained from blame or bitterness, emphasizing pride and gratitude. "This professional chapter ends, and it hasn’t unfolded as we had hoped," he wrote. "Coaching Real Madrid has been a privilege, an honor, and a significant responsibility. I extend my gratitude to the club, the players, and especially the fans for their trust and support. I depart with respect, gratitude, and pride in knowing that I gave my all. I did my best."[1][3][4][5][7]

Alonso's former Liverpool teammate Álvaro Arbeloa has been promoted from Real Madrid Castilla to succeed him. Players like Kylian Mbappé paid tribute, praising Alonso's clear ideas and confidence-building, though Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham have not yet commented publicly. Despite the exit, Alonso's success at Bayer Leverkusen ensures suitors await, though Spanish rules bar him from another La Liga job this season.[6][3][4]

Real Madrid sit second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona, and are on track for Champions League last-16 qualification. The club hailed Alonso as a "legend" embodying its values.[5][7]