Real Madrid legend Luis Figo has questioned the club’s decision to part ways with Xabi Alonso, insisting the Spaniard was not given enough time to make his mark before being shown the door.
The 2025/2026 season has been a nightmare for Los Blancos. No trophy. No silverware. Nothing to show for a campaign that promised so much.
Alvaro Arbeloa’s side have fallen short in the Champions League, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. They are nine points behind Barcelona in La Liga with the finish line in sight.
It is a mess. And Figo believes the rot started with Alonso’s departure.
‘We didn’t even have time to analyse’
Alonso left by mutual agreement after losing the Super Cup final to Barcelona. His record was decent. But he struggled to convince the dressing room. His methods did not land. The decision was made.
Figo, however, sees it differently.
“The reality is that it is a bad season,” the Portuguese icon told Marca. “For Real Madrid, if you don’t win, it’s always a negative season. When the titles are missing, it’s because things didn’t work.
“I don’t think he [Alonso] was given enough time. We did not even have time to make an analysis of the months he has been there. It’s very complicated.”
That is a damning assessment of Madrid’s trigger happy approach. Alonso was appointed with a long term vision. He was sacked before that vision could take shape.
‘My favourites are PSG and Bayern’
Figo was also asked about the Champions League. Atletico Madrid are Spain’s only remaining representatives. The Portuguese does not fancy them.
“From what they have shown, my favourites are PSG and Bayern,” he said. “They are two very strong teams. I like the way they play football, but anything can happen.
“We’re in the best moment of the Champions League and the teams that are there have deserved it.”
No mention of Atletico. Not even a courtesy nod.
Yamal praise
Figo did, however, find time to wax lyrical about Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona teenager continues to grow from strength to strength.
“He is incredible,” Figo said. “He is an incredible talent. I hope he continues to grow as a player and that he has an incredible career.”
That is the kind of talent Madrid wish they had. Instead, they are left wondering what might have been under Alonso.
The bottom line
Real Madrid’s season is over. No trophies. No redemption. Just questions.
Figo has added another one to the pile: should they have given Alonso more time?
The answer will never be known. But the Portuguese icon has made his position clear. Madrid were too quick to pull the trigger. And now they are paying the price.
