Kylian Mbappe Breaks Silence On Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid Exit With Emotional Tribute

Mbappe Speaks After Alonso’s Sudden Departure

Kylian Mbappe has become the first major Real Madrid star to publicly address Xabi Alonso’s shock exit from the Santiago Bernabeu, breaking his silence less than 24 hours after the club confirmed the change in the dugout.

Alonso’s departure was announced on January 12, coming swiftly after Real Madrid’s painful 3-2 Supercopa de España defeat to Barcelona, a result that ultimately ended the former midfielder’s short reign as head coach.

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Why Real Madrid Pulled The Plug

Despite early reports suggesting patience from the Real Madrid hierarchy, Alonso’s tenure lasted just eight months. The club had initially hoped the former Bayer Leverkusen boss would steady the ship after replacing Carlo Ancelotti in the summer of 2025.

However, inconsistent results across LaLiga and the Champions League, combined with mounting internal tension, proved costly. The Supercopa loss to Barcelona in Saudi Arabia was the breaking point, with major silverware already slipping out of reach.

Real Madrid described the separation as a “mutual agreement”, though reports in Spain suggest Alonso was effectively pushed out. Former defender Álvaro Arbeloa has since been appointed as caretaker manager while the club searches for a permanent successor.

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What Mbappe Said

Despite reported friction between player and coach, Mbappe struck a respectful and reflective tone in his farewell message to Alonso on social media.

“It’s been short but it was a pleasure to play for you and learn from you.
Thank you for giving me the confidence since Day 1.
I will remember you as a manager who had clear ideas and knows many things about football.
Best of luck for your next chapter.”

The French forward enjoyed an impressive individual campaign under Alonso, scoring 29 goals and providing five assists in 25 appearances, even as the team struggled for consistency.

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Behind-The-Scenes Tension

While Mbappe’s message was diplomatic, reports indicate that all was not smooth behind closed doors. According to BBC Sport sources, Alonso and Mbappe clashed over tactical approaches, with further disagreements involving club president Florentino Pérez emerging shortly before the coach’s dismissal.

Mbappe was also at the centre of controversy following the Supercopa final, where he appeared to urge teammates off the pitch instead of forming a guard of honour for Barcelona—an act widely seen as undermining Alonso’s authority.

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Division Inside The Dressing Room

Alonso’s challenges extended beyond Mbappe. Reports claim senior figures including Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr expressed concerns about his tactical insistence on playing out from the back.

Vinicius’ visible frustration after being substituted in a Clasico earlier in the season added to the perception of unrest, despite the Brazilian later apologising publicly.

Although Real Madrid enjoyed a brief resurgence with five consecutive wins during the festive period, another high-profile defeat to Barcelona ultimately sealed Alonso’s fate.

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What’s Next For Madrid And Mbappe

With Alonso gone, Real Madrid now face a crucial decision as they look to stabilise their season and restore authority in the dressing room. For Mbappe, the focus remains on delivering goals and leadership amid another period of transition at the Bernabeu.

One thing is clear: Alonso’s exit may have been short-lived, but its ripple effects will shape Real Madrid’s season—and legacy—far beyond January.

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