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Real Madrid CF v Getafe CF - LaLiga EA Sports

Real Madrid legend slams Arbeloa appointment after Alonso sacking

Real Madrid’s decision to make a managerial change has come under heavy fire from club legend Ivan Helguera, who has publicly questioned the hierarchy's wisdom in dismissing Xabi Alonso. Speaking on the Bajo Palos podcast alongside Iker Casillas, the former Los Blancos midfielder suggested that the club moved far too quickly to terminate a promising project whilst gambling on Alvaro Arbeloa.

Xabi Alonso

Alonso backed to make Real Madrid return by ex-team-mate

Xabi Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid may have ended prematurely this year, but former team-mate Sami Khedira is adamant that the Spaniard’s story at the Santiago Bernabeu is far from over. The Basque tactician, who achieved legendary status after leading Bayer Leverkusen to a historic domestic double in 2024, was forced to pack his bags in the Spanish capital after just half a season in charge. However, the legacy he left behind in Germany and his tactical acumen continue to fuel talk of an eventual blockbuster return to the dugout of the 15-time European champions.

Xabi Alonso Real Madrid 2026

Alonso turns down big approach as he holds out for Liverpool job

Xabi Alonso has reportedly turned down an approach to become Marseille's new head coach, citing the "chaotic" nature of the Ligue 1 giants as his reason for dismissing the prospect. The former Real Madrid boss is seeking a more stable project after his short-lived stint at the Bernabeu, with a potential vacancy at his former club Liverpool appearing on the horizon as pressure builds on Arne Slot.

Pep Guardiola Xabi Alonso

Man City add Alonso to three-man shortlist to replace Pep

Manchester City have added former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso to a three-man shortlist to potentially replace Pep Guardiola as manager, if the Spaniard leaves the club at the end of the season. There is a growing belief that the former Barcelona boss will depart once the campaign is over, and City are already putting together a succession plan.

Real Madrid C.F. v AS Monaco - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7

Revealed: Perez's attitude warning to Bellingham & four other Madrid stars

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez reportedly held crunch personal talks with Jude Bellingham and four other stars to demand an immediate change in attitude following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. The intervention from the Bernabeu chief is credited with sparking the club's recent revival under Alvaro Arbeloa, with key figures now accepting roles they previously complained about to save their season.

Arne Slot Xabi Alonso

Watch out, Slot! Liverpool make 'first call' to Alonso

Xabi Alonso has reportedly received a “first call” from Liverpool, with his interest in a future managerial role on Merseyside being sounded out. The World Cup winner is available at present after seeing a testing spell in charge of Real Madrid cut short after seven months. Arne Slot continues to oversee events at Anfield for now, but questions are being asked of his future.

GFX Alvaro Arbeloa Xabi Alonso

'Direct & approachable' - Differences between Arbeloa & Alonso revealed

Alvaro Arbeloa has navigated a turbulent start to life in the Real Madrid dugout, with details emerging of a significant tactical and cultural shift from the Xabi Alonso era. Reports from the Spanish capital reveal that the dressing room has responded positively to Arbeloa’s "direct" methods, while a hostile reception from the Bernabeu has had the unexpected consequence of uniting a fractured squad following their Copa del Rey humiliation.

Fulham v Liverpool - Premier League

Van Dijk slams 'disrespectful' question over Slot's future

Virgil van Dijk says it was “disrespectful” for Arne Slot to be asked about speculation linking Xabi Alonso with his job as Liverpool manager. The Reds boss laughed off what he described as “one of the weirdest questions” in the build up to his side’s Champions League victory over Marseille on Wednesday - but his compatriot has now criticised the journalist who asked it.

GFX Gareth Bale Xabi Alonso

Bale explains why 'incredible' Alonso failed at Real Madrid

Gareth Bale has pinpointed exactly why Xabi Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid ended in failure, claiming the Spaniard fell short in one crucial area despite his tactical brilliance. The five-time Champions League winner believes the unique pressure of the Santiago Bernabeu requires a "manager" capable of handling fragile egos rather than a tactical "coach", a nuance he suggests proved fatal for his former colleague.

Arne Slot Xabi Alonso Liverpool 2026

Slot makes bizarre joke about Alonso replacing him 'in six months'

Arne Slot joked he would be losing his job at Liverpool to Xabi Alonso during a bizarre moment in a pre-match press conference ahead of his side's clash with Marseille in the Champions League. The Dutchman led the Reds to the Premier League title in his debut campaign at Anfield but things have been tougher in his second season. Alonso, meanwhile, recently left Real Madrid after struggling to implement his tactical ideology on the star-studded squad at the Bernabeu.

Xabi Alonso Real Madrid 2025-26

Revealed: When Alonso will decide his future after Real sacking

It has been revealed when Xabi Alonso will look to get back into management following his shock sacking by Real Madrid. The 44-year-old lasted just seven months, taking in 34 games, at the Bernabeu before being relieved of his duties. He is already being linked with other clubs, including a few in the Premier League, but will not be rushing into another role.

Arne Slot Xabi Alonso

'No clue' - Liverpool boss Slot addresses Alonso sacking

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has addressed Xabi Alonso’s shock sacking by Real Madrid, which may yet impact his own future at Anfield, with the Dutchman claiming to have “no clue” if a modern penchant for sporting directors is to blame for big clubs being so quick to part with head coaches when times get tough. Real, Manchester United and Chelsea have all made changes in their respective dugouts early in 2026.

Presentation Of Jürgen Klopp As Head Of Global Soccer Red Bull

VIDEO: Klopp gives hilarious reaction to Real Madrid links

Jurgen Klopp gave a hilarious reaction to an interviewer’s cheeky remark about Real Madrid as the German continues to be linked with the Bernabeu hotseat. The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager has seen his name crop up among the list of reported candidates to succeed Xabi Alonso, who was sacked after less than eight months in charge of the Spanish giants.

Xabi Alonso Vinicius Junior Real Madrid 2025-26

No Alonso, no problem! Real to restart Vini Jr contract talks

Real Madrid are reportedly ready to restart contract talks with Vinicius Junior following the departure of Xabi Alonso. Los Blancos have made another change in their dugout after generating plenty of unfortunate headlines across the 2025-26 campaign. Many of those have focused on Brazilian superstar Vini, with the South American shelving discussions regarding an extended stay at the Bernabeu.

Frequently asked questions

Almost nearing the age of 40, Cristiano Ronaldo is not quite the same dribbler that he was during his 20s, but he continues to find the back of the net at a consistently alarming rate by playing as an out and out striker.

Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Funchal on the island of Madeira in Portugal.

When you mention the No. 7 in football, it's impossible not to think of Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Sporting CP boy wonder continues to sport the No. 7 jersey even after making the switch to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo stands at 1.87m (6ft 2in). During his prime, his height wouldn't prove to be a hindrance as he was easily among the fastest players in the world.

The all-time top scorer in football history currently weighs 83kg (183 lbs).

Between 1992 and 1995, Cristiano Ronaldo played for Andorinha, where his father was a kit man. Then, he switched to Nacional and continued his development for two more years, before finally being signed by Sporting CP.

Cristiano Ronaldo is a father to five children: Cristiano Jr, Mateo, Eva, Alana Martina, and Bella. The latter two were given by birth by his current partner Georgina Rodriguez.

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently in a relationship with Argentine-born Spanish model and influencer Georgina Rodriguez and they have been together since 2016. While they haven't publicly declared that they are married to each other, Ronaldo certainly sparked rumours regarding their status by referring to Georgina as "his wife" in an Instagram collaboration with sports brand Whoop in August 2024.