Real Madrid launched an official statement on their website saying Alvaro Arbeloa will become the new manager of ‘Los Blancos’ effective immediately. Arbeloa was a long-tenured player on the club and was managing Real Madrid Castilla, the academy team.

Arbeloa has had plenty of success at Madrid as manager of their different academy sides. He won the LaLiga for the Infantil A side in 2020-2021. He was then promoted to Cadete A and subsequently, to Juvenil A. At Juvenil A, he won the treble in 2022-2023 (LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Champions Cup) and also LaLiga in 2024-2025.

It’s hard to believe Arbeloa is the long-term solution

While Madrid’s statement doesn’t label Arbeloa as a caretaker manager, it’s hard to believe the team is not looking for a more proven, elite manager. After all, Arbeloa has only coached in the minor leagues. On the other hand, if Arbeloa manages to right the ship, his stock goes to an all-time high.

Still, the fact that Xabi Alonso got fired half a season into his tenure means Real Madrid are desperate. Hence, blindly trusting Arbeloa doesn’t seem too good of a plan. Also, the market of first-tier managers is not precisely great right now, so Madrid might take the time to really focus on making a good decision, even if that contradicts the firing of Xabi Alonso.

Which names could be linked to Madrid?

After firing Alonso due to losing the Spanish Cup to Barcelona, the message sent was loud and clear: winning is what matters. Hence, winning coaches are required right now.

Carlo Ancelotti is one of them, but he is on the verge of coaching Brazil in his first World Cup. Zinedine Zidane also comes to mind, but he is rumored to take the French side after the World Cup due to Didier Deschamps’ imminent departure.

Jurgen Klopp’s name pops up heavily, but he is retired and bringing him out of retirement might be tricky. Then, one name is left: Jose Mourinho. The former Madrid coach, however, hasn’t been successful in quite a while. His time might have passed. But, the fact is given how numbered the options are, he might be the one Madrid can land sooner.

The news was confirmed by Real Madrid’s official accounts, which officially announced the club’s decision to immediately relieve Xabi Alonso of his duties. Often, matches like these leave lasting effects, some of them quite significant.

From now on, the question is who will be his replacement as coach. Confirmation on the matter quickly came from the club’s top leadership, who named another iconic figure from the club’s recent era: Alvaro Arbeloa.

Official statement from Real Madrid

Officially, Real Madrid published a statement through their official Instagram account, announcing the decision to part ways with Xabi Alonso. The statement also expressed gratitude for the coach’s contributions and affirmed that Madrid will always be his home.

“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. Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans, as he is a Real Madrid legend who has consistently embodied the values of our club.

“Real Madrid will always be his home. Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire coaching staff for their work and dedication during this time, and we wish them the best of luck in this new chapter of their lives.”

Alonso’s numbers as Real Madrid coach

After being appointed on June 1, 2025, Xabi Alonso’s managerial tenure at Real Madrid came to an abrupt end in early 2026 despite a statistically strong run. Over the course of 34 matches, Alonso led the team to 24 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses, maintaining a high win percentage that mirrored some of the club’s most successful historical starts.

However, following a recent string of tactical inconsistencies and a disappointing result in the Super Cup, the board made the difficult decision to part ways with the Spanish coach.

Just days before the match, which will take place in the mythical Santiago Bernabeu, the Madrid boss was asked during his press conference as to whether the Barcelona star’s comments seemed disrespectful or offensive. Alonso’s response made his position on the situation perfectly clear.

“No, I’m not going to get into that. There are many statements coming from people at Barcelona, and I cannot start evaluating all of them. The important thing is what happens on the pitch, where we come from, what we have ahead of us tomorrow in the match, and how we want to play it. That is what concerns me most and what we have been working on,” the Spanish coach explained.

Alonso decisively chose to bypass the controversy, opting to let the action on the field do the talking. Amid the already elevated tension before the match, Barcelona will be missing coach Hansi Flick from the sidelines, as the manager was ejected during the previous LaLiga match against Girona.

Carvajal plans to speak with Yamal after El Clasico

According to reports from prominent Spanish outlets such as Marca and Mundo Deportivo, Lamine Yamal’s recent comments were not well-received within the Real Madrid locker room. As a result, Madrid’s captain, Dani Carvajal, will reportedly speak with the Barcelona forward after the match in an attempt to ease the tension.

Carvajal’s action to address the issue with Yamal is reportedly aimed at maintaining harmony within the Spanish National Team’s locker room ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as key players from both rival clubs are part of the national squad.

In a recent press conference, Alonso shared his thoughts on the comment, making it clear that it did not affect the club or his perspective on the young signing. “I can see why it makes sense that his favorite player is Messi, being Argentine and left-footed. It’s no surprise to me,” said the Real Madrid coach. Far from criticizing Mastantuono’s remark, Alonso embraced the choice, recognizing the impact of the Argentina national team captain.

Despite everything Messi has achieved over 15 years at the top level, it is Cristiano Ronaldo who has long thrilled the fans in the Real Madrid squads. That is why many Merengue supporters still favor the Portuguese star in the endless GOAT debates. Mastantuono, however, offered a fresh perspective, boldly sharing it during his official presentation.

It’s not uncommon for a young Argentine player to idolize Messi. For someone like Mastantuono, Messi is the ultimate reference, the benchmark for success both at club and national team level. His career is just taking off, and fans eagerly await the next chapters.

What did Mastantuono say about Messi?

During his Real Madrid unveiling, a moment marked by both praise and criticism depending on his expected performance, Mastantuono made his admiration for Messi clear. “For me, Messi is the best in the world,” declared the former River Plate midfielder to the Madrid press, instantly sparking conversation.

Mastantuono’s playing time

At the same press conference, Alonso indicated that Mastantuono could see playing time very soon. “He could have minutes tomorrow. He will bring quality, energy, and commitment defensively. In a short time, I’ve seen that Argentine warrior spirit. He has quality and is combative,” the coach said before sending Mastantuono to the field against Osasuna on Tuesday. That saw Mastantuono make his Real Madrid debut at 17, drawing comparisons with Messi’s first Barcelona game.

Alonso did not stop at that praise. “He has an incredible left foot, both for the final pass and his finishing, which is excellent. He’s a young player we need to support, but he is already performing at a very high level,” Alonso added.

After a stellar stint with Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso is back at Real Madrid—this time not as a player, but as head coach. The return of the Basque tactician marks a new chapter for the Spanish giants, filled with high expectations.

His tactical brilliance has already turned heads across Europe, and with his arrival in Madrid, questions about his contract details and salary package have naturally followed. After all, Real doesn’t bring back legends lightly—nor cheaply.

While Real Madrid rarely discloses the fine print of its managerial deals, industry insiders and Spanish outlets have begun to piece together what the club is likely investing in its new leader. The numbers, as expected, are commanding.

How long will Xabi Alonso be at Real Madrid?

Real Madrid confirmed on May 25, that Xabi Alonso has signed a three‑year deal, officially running from June 1 2025 until June 30, 2028. The move not only marks a homecoming for the former midfield maestro but also signals a medium‑term project rooted in continuity.

This contract timeframe reflects both the club’s confidence in his vision and its willingness to let strategy take shape before passing judgment. His exit from Bayer Leverkusen—where he still had time left on a 2026 deal—came via an estimated release agreement worth between €5 million and €10 million.

His start date was also timed to perfection: he officially takes reins on June 1, just ahead of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup in mid‑June. From day one, he’ll be tasked not just with winning, but setting a fresh tone in the squad’s identity and long‑term direction.

What is Xabi Alonso’s salary at Real Madrid?

While Madrid rarely reveals coaching salaries in full detail, multiple outlets have pieced together a likely range. Sources like Grada3 and AS indicate Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid salary falls between €7 million and €9 million per season.

On a three‑year deal, that would place his total guaranteed earnings between €21 million and €27 million—excluding potential bonuses from titles or contract clauses. This investment shows they’re rolling out a red carpet.

In sum, his deal offers a balance: high enough to reflect his pedigree and ambition, but still modest enough to maintain Madrid’s wage structure—while setting a foundation for what they hope will be a generational leadership era.

In a recent interview with DAZN, Xabi Alonso spoke about his first few weeks at Real Madrid. “We’re starting a new chapter, but the project doesn’t change. It’s still a winning project, the same as always at Real Madrid. Some things may change—faces, small details—but the spirit of the project stays the same,” he said.

“From the beginning, the feeling has been good, the connection with the players is good,” the coach added. “I like being close, I like to talk, give instructions, and make sure players train with quality, not just play with quality,” he explained regarding his approach to working with the squad.

Expanding on the topic, Xabi Alonso explained how his experience playing alongside stars like Ronaldo and Benzema has equipped him to relate to the current group of elite players at Real Madrid, including Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe.

“As a player, I had the experience of being with Cristiano and Karim. They’re very ambitious players—you need to know how to strike the right chords to keep that ambition alive,” the 43-year-old coach explained. “They’re very professional, they always want the best, and my role is to support and guide them so we maintain that level.”

How did Xabi Alonso perform alongside Ronaldo?

Xabi Alonso began his professional career in the 1999–2000 season with Real Sociedad, where he stayed until 2004, including a brief loan spell at Eibar. His breakthrough at the highest level came with a move to Liverpool, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 2005.

His strong performances in England opened the door to Real Madrid, which he joined in 2009—the same year Cristiano Ronaldo arrived from Manchester United. They spent five seasons together, winning six titles, including the 2011–12 La Liga championship and the 2013–14 Champions League. Their time as teammates came to an end in 2014 when Alonso transferred to Bayern Munich, where he played until retiring in 2017.

Real Madrid ready for Club World Cup debut

This Wednesday afternoon, Real Madrid will make their first appearance in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. They’ll face Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia in the opening match of Group H, taking place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The group’s other match, between Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg, will also be played Wednesday at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.

Messi and Ronaldo have dominated an era of soccer and are widely regarded as two of the greatest players of all time. For Alonso, however, the answer is clear. He has consistently chosen Ronaldo as the best, saying in a 2014 interview with the Daily Mail, “Cristiano is the best footballer I have ever played with”.

That year, Ronaldo captured the Ballon d’Or, and Alonso, who was then playing for Bayern Munich, called the award “deserved,” even as Germany celebrated its World Cup win. “If Neuer or another German player had won the Ballon d’Or, it would have been fair—they won the World Cup. But I also say that if Cristiano Ronaldo takes it, it’s fair too. He had an incredible season and won the Champions League”.

Alonso doubled down on his opinion after his retirement in 2017. Speaking to Bodegas Beronia, he reaffirmed, “The best of all time? The usual suspects: Cristiano or Messi. But because he was my teammate, [I pick] Cristiano”.

Champions League glory with Ronaldo

Alonso and Ronaldo were two marquee signings by Real Madrid ahead of the 2009 season. The club’s goal was to finally secure the elusive 10th Champions League trophy.

The dream became reality in the 2013-14 season, with both Alonso and Cristiano Ronaldo playing pivotal roles in the triumph. Together, they also won two Copa del Rey titles, one La Liga championship, and a Spanish Super Cup. Alonso left Madrid after that season to join Bayern Munich, where he eventually retired in 2017 to begin his coaching career.

Alonso’s Messi comparison for Florian Wirtz

Currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso has been guiding several rising stars, including German prodigy Florian Wirtz. In an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, Alonso drew parallels between Wirtz and Messi, praising Wirtz’s understanding of the game.

“Messi is so good because he knows how and when to make the right passes,” Alonso explained. “It’s not about making the most spectacular move but the smartest and most effective one. Florian can do that too. That’s why he’s so good”.

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has made a revealing statement that could pave the way for Former Champions League winner with Real Madrid Xabi Alonso’s return to the team. “We have a gentlemen’s agreement with Xabi Alonso for his exit…If a team in which Xabi Alonso has played comes, we would sit down to talk and we would NOT prevent him.”

Adding to the speculation, Spanish journalist Rodra from Relevo reported that Ancelotti could be dismissed immediately if Real Madrid loses the Copa del Rey final. In that scenario, club legends Raul Gonzalez or Santiago Solari may serve as interim managers until the FIFA Club World Cup concludes, with Alonso potentially taking over in July.

Carlo Ancelotti just finished a very successful season with Real Madrid. He won La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the Intercontinental Cup. As a result, FIFA named him the best coach in the world. However, things at Real Madrid change quickly. Poor results this season, combined with little improvement in the team’s playing style, have raised doubts on his long-term impact with the squad.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has said it many times: the team does not believe in transition seasons. This year, they could end the campaign without a single title. That would be unacceptable for a club that spent millions and built one of the best squads in the world. As a result, the possibility of Xabi Alonso taking over has continued to gain traction.

Could Xabi Alonso be the solution to Real Madrid’s growing concerns?

Xabi Alonso has not a wide experience as a coach. Still, he already ranks among the top managers in world soccer. He has managed just 46 games at the elite level. Yet, he has led Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga. He took over in 2022. Since then, he has won three trophies with the club. These include the Bundesliga title, the German Cup, and the German Supercup. That run marks a historic moment for the team since they had gone 31 years without winning a single title.

Real Madrid needs a fresh perspective. A coach with bold ideas, like Xabi Alonso, could be the ideal choice. He understands the club’s culture and style, which makes him a strong candidate for its future. Moreover, Alonso brings a modern tactical approach that aligns with Real Madrid’s ambitions.

This would not be his first experience on the bench at the club. He began his coaching career with the club’s youth team. That early connection mixed with his experience as a player built a strong foundation and helped him understand the internal dynamics. Because of that, many see him as the natural successor. Also, he was one of the key midfield players in the iconic ‘La Decima’ squad.

For the past two seasons, Real Madrid’s leadership has viewed Alonso as the top choice. He knows this. That is why he included a verbal-agreement in his contract renewal with Bayer Leverkusen. It would allow him to leave for Madrid. Fernando Carro, Leverkusen’s CEO, confirmed this arrangement.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Alonso addressed the rumors during a recent press conference: “Real Madrid links? I see them, but I’m calm and focused. It’s not on my mind right now. Time goes by, but the affection for Real Madrid stays. Our bond is very strong—that’s clear. But my total focus is on Bayer Leverkusen right now.”

Alonso has emerged as the ideal candidate for the Madrid bench. Beyond understanding the soccer DNA of the Spanish giants, the 42-year-old manager has established himself as one of Europe’s brightest coaching talents. During the 2023-2024 season, Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title, snapping Bayern Munich’s 11-year reign as champions. Under his guidance, Leverkusen completed an unbeaten league campaign, ending the club’s reputation as “Vicekusen.”

Although his side fell 3-0 to Atalanta in the Europa League final, Alonso’s achievements have solidified his reputation. Leverkusen also clinched the DFB-Pokal, defeating Kaiserslautern 1-0 despite playing with 10 men for more than half the match, thanks to a decisive goal from Granit Xhaka.

Ancelotti’s legacy at Real Madrid

According to Onda Cero, Ancelotti is expected to step down at the end of the season, regardless of whether Real Madrid adds more trophies to their cabinet. He leaves as the club’s most decorated manager, boasting two La Liga titles, two Champions League crowns, one Copa del Rey, and several Super Cups and Club World Cups.

Challenges ahead for Xabi Alonso

If Alonso takes over, he will face the daunting task of managing Real Madrid’s galaxy of stars, including Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr. Balancing egos, optimizing a star-studded lineup, and maintaining tactical cohesion will require deft management. Yet, Alonso’s ability to bring out the best in his players has been a hallmark of his career, making him a strong contender to lead Los Blancos into a new era.

The numbers of Bayer Leverkusen are impressive with 28 victories and only six draws to end the reign of Bayern Munich in Germany that lasted more than a decade.

Leverkusen finished their campaign with a remarkable 17-point lead over second place Stuttgart and still have a chance to win two other tournaments: the Europa League and the DFB Pokal.

This is the first championship in history for a club founded in 1904. Therefore, the celebrations at BayArena were spectacular.

How many games have Bayer Leverkusen been undefeated?

After their victory against Augsburg, Bayer Leverkusen are now unbeaten in 51 matches across all competitions, setting a record for any club in the top five leagues in Europe (Germany, England, Italy, France, and Spain).

During the 2023-2024 season, Bayer Leverkusen only has two more matches on their schedule: the Europa League final on May 22 against Atalanta and the DFB Pokal final against Kaiserslautern on May 25.

Has any European football team gone undefeated?

In England, Preston North End (1888-1889) finished undefeated, although that season they only had 22 matches on the schedule. Arsenal achieved the feat in the 2003-2004 season with 26 wins and 12 draws.

In Spain, Athletic Club (1929-1930) did it in a season which only had 18 games. Same case for Real Madrid during the 1931-1932 season. In France, no team has ever achieved the feat.

Meanwhile in Italy, three teams have done it. Perugia (1978-1979 season), AC Milan (1991-1992 season) and Juventus (2011-2012 season).

When everything seemed to be lost, Robert Andrich scored in the 96th minute to put the final 2-2 draw. As a consequence, Leverkusen can still post the first immaculate season in Bundesliga’s history.

Now, Bayer Leverkusen have a 46-game unbeaten streak considering all competitions. They’ve already won the German league and might hoist two more trophies: DFB Pokal and Europa League.

The previous unbeaten record in the five major European leagues belonged to Juventus with Antonio Conte as coach: 43 matches undefeated in the 2011-2012 season.

Are Bayer Leverkusen still undefeated?

Yes. Bayer Leverkusen are in the middle of one of the greatest runs in soccer history. In the Bundesliga, they have three remaining matches: Eintracht Frankfurt, Bochum and Augsburg.

They will also play the DFB Pokal final against FC Kaiserslautern and AS Roma are their rivals in the semifinals of the Europa League. Of course, we’ll have to add another game if they reach that tournament’s final.

How many teams have won their leagues undefeated?

In the United Kingdom, Preston North End (1888-1889) did it in a 22-game season. Then, Arsenal conquered the legendary 2003-2004 Premier League title.

In Italy, two teams achieved it: AC Milan (1991-1992) and Juventus FC (2011-2012). In Spain, Athletic Club (1929-1930) during an 18-game season and Real Madrid (1931-1932) also in an 18-game campaign. No teams have done it in Germany or France.