Alonso left his role by mutual consent less than eight months into a three-year deal, with Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona in Saudi Arabia proving the decisive moment. The loss meant Real had been beaten by their fiercest rivals in the competition for the second year running, adding to pressure that had been building for weeks.

In a statement, the club said:

"Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as coach of the first team. Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all madridismo because he is a Real Madrid legend."

Former defender Alvaro Arbeloa has been promoted from Castilla to take charge of the first team, starting with Wednesday's Copa del Rey tie away to Albacete. However, sources close to the club have stressed that Arbeloa's role is viewed as a stabilising measure while the board assesses long-term options.

Attention has already turned to several high-profile names.

Zinedine Zidane remains a familiar and popular figure in Madrid. He previously returned in 2019 to steady the club and went on to win La Liga in 2020, adding to his remarkable record of three consecutive Champions League titles as head coach. Zidane has not coached since leaving Real in 2021, but his deep connection to the club continues to fuel speculation.

Jurgen Klopp is another admired figure. Real president Florentino Perez has long respected the German's work at Liverpool, where he rebuilt the club into Premier League and Champions League winners. Klopp, however, is currently working as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer. Red Bull executive Oliver Mintzlaff recently said: "Jurgen has made it clear that he doesn't want to be a coach at the moment."

Enzo Maresca has also emerged as a candidate. The Italian left Chelsea earlier this month after eighteen months in charge, during which he won the Fifa Club World Cup and the Europa Conference League. Maresca, aged 45, is highly regarded for his tactical ideas and has previously been linked with top jobs across Europe.

Another name being discussed is Andoni Iraola. The Bournemouth head coach has earned praise for his work in the Premier League, guiding the club to solid mid-table finishes despite regularly losing key players. His ability to maximise limited resources has caught the attention of elite clubs.

For now, Arbeloa provides continuity, but Real Madrid's next appointment will shape the club's direction. With Barcelona leading La Liga and major trophies at stake, the decision may define the next era at the Bernabeu.

Nedbank Cup Preview: Orlando Pirates ready to lock horns with Sekhukhune United