´It was a pleasure to learn from you´ – Mbappe thanks Alonso after Real Madrid exit

Kylian Mbappe said it has been a “pleasure to play for and learn from” Xabi Alonso after the latter was sacked by Real Madrid.

Alonso’s seven-month tenure as Madrid boss came to an end on Monday.

It followed on from a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona, who lead the way in LaLiga by four points, in the Supercopa de Espana.

Alonso was highly touted as Madrid’s next long-term boss when he replaced Carlo Ancelotti last year, but the former midfielder has now been replaced by his ex club-mate Alvaro Arbeloa.

“It’s been short, but it was a pleasure to play for you and learn from you,” Mbappe posted on Instagram, alongside a photo of himself and Alonso.

“Thank you for giving me the confidence since Day one.

“I will remember you as a manager who had clear ideas and knows many things about football. Best of luck for your next chapter.”

Official Announcement: Xabi Alonso.

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) January 12, 2026

While several players were reportedly disgruntled with Alonso’s methods, Mbappe has been in stellar form this season.

Not counting the Club World Cup, Mbappe has plundered 29 goals in 25 games across all competitions this term, a tally bettered only by Harry Kane (31) among players who feature for clubs in Europe’s top five leagues.

Alonso oversaw 34 games for Madrid, winning 24 of those matches (D4 L6), and boasting a 70.6% win rate.

Overall, of the permanent coaches to take charge of Madrid, Alonso has the fifth-best win rate, after Manuel Pellegrini (75%), Ancelotti (74.8%), Radomir Antic (72.2%) and Jose Mourinho (71.9%)