After only seven months of what was supposed to be a three-year deal, Xabi Alonso has been sacked (fired). This breaking news was announced by Real Madrid on January 12, less than 24 hours after the 3-2 loss in the Spanish Super Cup Final to FC Barcelona on January 11. This was the breaking point for Real Madrid, due to Xabi’s recent low manager performance. Since he took over in June 2025, he has won a total of 24 games in all competitions, with four draws and six losses. But where did it all start to go wrong?

Looking back at last July’s Club World Cup Semi-Final, Real Madrid lost to the current UEFA Champions League winners, Paris Saint-Germain, 4-0. This was the first appearance that Xabi’s tactics may not fit the players and the club. PSG dominated that match due to Real Madrid having too many gaps for PSG to get through, and not enough defense, causing the Spanish Giants to be knocked out of the Club World Cup.

The beginning 2025/2026 La Liga season for Real Madrid was good, with 14 wins before 2026 started, and only losing one game, with three ties. Mbappe has been the La Liga top scorer all season so far. On December 7, 2025, Real Madrid lost 2-0 against Celta Vigo, currently 7th in La Liga. This loss was very embarrassing for Real Madrid, and was because of the similar reasons Madrid lost in the Club World Cup Semi-Final.

Xabi Alonso was just not improving the team, and after the recent Super Cup loss, the club needed somebody else to manage the players. Alonso has also had bad relationships with the Madrid players, like Vini Jr. Vini has shown his disagreement with Alonso’s choices during games. Vini did not like being subbed off when Xabi told him to, and did not agree with certain plays and positions Xabi decided on.

After this shocking sacking news for fans and players of the club, some players posted on social media and gave their farewells to Xabi.

Arda Guler announced his, what seems to be very genuine, farewell to Xabi soon after his departure from the club on Instagram, January 12,” Mr. Xabi Alonso, thank you for believing and trusting in me from the first day. Every conversation, every detail, every demand helped shape my game and push me to a higher level. I’m truly grateful for everything you added to my journey. Your faith in me made me a better player. Wishing you and your staff nothing but success in what comes next. Your impact will always stay with me.”

More than 20 other Real Madrid players, including Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, have also announced their farewells on social media. Sadly, Vini Jr. has not announced his farewell to Xabi, and it seems he is choosing not to.

“The recent sacking of Xabi Alonso was disappointing, as many players reportedly enjoyed working with him and appreciated the opportunities he provided. However, it is also understandable that the club must make decisions based on what it believes is in the best overall interest of the team,” said ERHS Freshman Selah Barrett when asked about the recent sacking of Xabi Alonso.

Real Madrid has hired a new manager, Alvaro Arbeloa. Arbeloa has been working in Real Madrid’s youth system and has led the U-19 team to many trophies. He is also a Real Madrid legend, as he contributed to Real Madrid winning the 2008 and 2012 UEFA Champions League titles, also playing a key role in winning the 2014 Club World Cup for Real Madrid.

All we can do is hope Arbeloa can help Real Madrid win trophies this season, and push the team to do their best, as Real Madrid fans know they are capable of.