Spanish giants Real Madrid have parted ways with head coach Xabi Alonso after just eight months in charge of the club.

The La Liga champions announced on Monday that Alonso, 44, left the club by “mutual consent,” following a string of disappointing results. Moments later, the club confirmed the appointment of former defender Álvaro Arbeloa as his replacement.

Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder and club legend, took over at the Santiago Bernabéu last summer after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga title in 2024, replacing veteran coach Carlo Ancelotti.

His exit comes a day after Real Madrid suffered defeat to fierce rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup. Los Blancos are also four points behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race.

Despite winning 24 of his 34 matches in charge, Alonso’s tenure was marked by inconsistent performances. The team endured heavy defeats, including a 5–2 loss to Atlético Madrid in September, and Champions League defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City.

Last month, Real Madrid supporters booed the team off the pitch following a home defeat to Celta Vigo, a result that reportedly triggered an emergency meeting among the club’s hierarchy over Alonso’s future.

In a statement, the club said:

“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans. He is a Real Madrid legend who has always embodied the values of this club. Real Madrid will always be his home.”

The club also thanked Alonso and his coaching staff for their service and wished them success in their future endeavours.

Arbeloa, 42, who has been coaching Real Madrid’s youth teams since 2020, will take charge immediately. The former Spain international has no prior senior managerial experience.

During his playing career, Arbeloa won two UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, the FIFA World Cup with Spain in 2010, and two European Championship titles.

He is expected to make his debut on the touchline on Wednesday when Real Madrid face second-division side Albacete in the Copa del Rey Round of 16.