Real Madrid has announced the immediate departure of manager Xabi Alonso, just days after a damaging defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona.
The club confirmed in a statement on Monday that Alonso’s tenure was ended “by mutual agreement,” bringing his seven-month reign to a close.
“Real Madrid C.F. announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his tenure as first-team coach,” the statement read. It added that Alonso, a club legend, “will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans” and that “Real Madrid will always be his home.”
The sudden exit follows a turbulent period marked by reported clashes with key players including Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Endrick. The final straw appears to have been a humiliating incident involving star forward Kylian Mbappe after the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday.
Following the 3-2 loss to Barcelona, Alonso seemed to want his players to form a guard of honour for the winners. However, no Madrid players joined him, and TV footage showed Mbappe appearing to wave the manager away from the group. Reports indicate Alonso was “very unhappy” with the act, viewing it as a direct challenge to his authority.
Alonso’s final match leaves Real Madrid four points behind Barcelona in La Liga. The club thanked him and his staff for their “work and dedication” and wished them luck in the future.
