Mbappe Sends a Heartfelt Note as Alonso Bids Madrid Goodbye
12 January 2026
Alonso Leaves Real Madrid after Super Cup defeat
French superstar Kylian Mbappe sent a heartfelt message to his former coach, Xabi Alonso, after the club confirmed his departure.
Real Madrid announced that, following their loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, Alonso would exit his role as first-team manager by mutual consent.
Mbappe posted on Instagram, sharing a photo with Alonso and writing: "It was a short spell, but a real pleasure to play under your leadership and learn from you." He added thanks for the trust from day one and said he would remember him as a coach with a clear vision and deep knowledge of football, wishing him every success in the next chapter.
Madrid's official statement thanked Alonso and his staff for their work and stressed that the club's door will always remain open to him. Real Madrid said he will always be remembered as a club legend and that Real Madrid will always be his home.
By mutual agreement, Alonso's tenure as first-team coach has ended. The club then appointed Alvaro Arbeloa, the youth-team coach, as the new first-team manager, replacing Alonso.
In terms of results, Alonso led Real Madrid in 34 matches across all competitions, registering 24 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses.
End of the era aside, Madrid reinforced its leadership structure with Arbeloa taking charge of the first team.
Punchline 1: Real Madrid changes coaches faster than you change your Wi‑Fi password.
Punchline 2: Alonso leaves, Arbeloa arrives—the club’s drama department remains undefeated.