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Football Insider

Real Madrid Players Criticized as 'Spoiled Brats' by MMA Icon Khabib Nurmagomedov After Xabi Alonso Dismissal

Former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has strongly condemned Real Madrid's players following the surprising sacking of top coach Xabi Alonso. Nurmagomedov, known for his discipline and loyalty, expressed outrage at the club's decision and blamed the squad's attitude for Alonso's departure.

Real Madrid Players Criticized as 'Spoiled Brats' by MMA Icon Khabib Nurmagomedov After Xabi Alonso Dismissal

UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov has unleashed a furious tirade against Real Madrid's stars following the shock dismissal of Xabi Alonso. The undefeated fighter did not hold back in his assessment of the situation at the Bernabeu, branding the squad "spoiled brats" and insisting that the club should have cleared out the dressing room rather than sacking one of the world's best tactical minds.The footballing world is still reeling from the sudden exit of Alonso. The 44-year-old saw his dream job cut short following a disappointing defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona, a result that prompted club president Florentino Perez to pull the trigger halfway through the season. While pundits and fans debate the fairness of the decision, one of the most dominant athletes in combat sports history has firmly nailed his colours to the mast.Khabib, the former UFC lightweight champion and a well-documented Real Madrid supporter, took to Instagram to vent his frustration at the news. Known for his discipline, respect, and loyalty in the octagon, the Russian fighter was incensed by what he perceives as a betrayal of a top-class coach by a group of underperforming players. In a series of stories posted to his millions of followers, 'The Eagle' launched a scathing attack on the culture within the Madrid dressing room, suggesting that player power has spiralled out of control at the expense of managerial stability.Nurmagomedov’s primary grievance lies with the attitude of the Real Madrid players, whom he explicitly blamed for Alonso's failure to succeed. The fighter, who retired with a perfect 29-0 record, knows a thing or two about the dedication required to stay at the top, and he clearly feels that the current crop of Galacticos lacks the humility to follow instructions."Whether in the gym or on the pitch, it doesn't matter if it's boxers or footballers, you are responsible as a coach," Khabib wrote. "But if your team gives off such an aura that some players don't respond to your demands, then you are clearly on the wrong path."I think Alonso is one of the top three coaches right now. If this team isn’t working well with him, you need to change the players, not the coach. I’m simply certain that no coach can manage a squad like Real Madrid’s. You have to get rid of the unpredictable players. There’s nothing like loyalty."Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Despite the difficult spell in Madrid, Khabib remains convinced of Alonso’s pedigree. The manager arrived in the Spanish capital with a reputation as the brightest young mind in football a year on from his miraculous unbeaten Bundesliga title run with Bayer Leverkusen. For Khabib, that quality does not disappear overnight, and he argued that Alonso remains in the elite bracket of global coaches, turning the blame entirely on the players.Another Instagram Story post read: "A year ago, they were begging him. Now they’ve fired him. Because of these spoiled brats. Xabi, you’re the best."His fury at the Madrid stars comes amid a wave of criticism aimed at the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior following Alonso's exit. Tensions between the coach and the Brazilian winger had been building all season, with Alonso dropping Vinicius to the bench on occasion. Furthermore, Mbappe's decision to discourage his team-mates from giving Barca a guard of honour despite Alonso's instructions after the Super Cup were seen as the final straw for the manager.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingThe emotional core of Khabib’s message focused on the fickle nature of the sport. He highlighted the stark contrast between the desperate courtship of Alonso a year ago and the ruthless manner in which he was discarded this week. The Russian icon, who places a high value on loyalty within his own team, expressed disgust at how quickly the narrative shifted.Alonso was once the most coveted manager in world football following his exploits in Germany. Real Madrid won the race to land him, viewing him as the chosen one to define an era. To abandon that project after a single Super Cup defeat speaks to the unique, pressure-cooker environment at the Bernabeu, where patience is non-existent and memory is short.

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Khabib's Condemnation of Real Madrid Players

UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov didn't mince words when expressing his disappointment with the Real Madrid players after the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. He labeled them 'spoiled brats' and accused them of undermining the coach's authority.

2

Alonso's Abrupt Exit

Xabi Alonso, a highly regarded coach, saw his tenure at Real Madrid cut short following a loss in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona. The decision sparked widespread debate among pundits and fans, with many questioning the club's handling of the situation.

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Nurmagomedov's Allegations

In a series of Instagram posts, Khabib criticized the player power dynamics at Real Madrid, suggesting that the team's lack of respect for Alonso contributed to his downfall. He argued that the coach's instructions were not being followed due to the players' attitudes.

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Support for Alonso's Coaching Prowess

Despite the challenging circumstances, Khabib maintained his belief in Xabi Alonso's coaching abilities. He acknowledged Alonso as one of the top coaches globally and pointed the finger at the players for their lack of commitment and loyalty.

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Blame on Key Players

Khabib specifically called out players like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior for their roles in the deteriorating relationship with Alonso. Their actions, including insubordination and lack of respect for the coach's decisions, were cited as contributing factors to Alonso's departure.

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Reflection on Loyalty and Integrity

Nurmagomedov highlighted the swift change in Real Madrid's perception of Alonso, from sought-after manager to discarded figurehead, as a testament to the sport's fickle nature. He emphasized the importance of loyalty and stability within a team environment.

Published on Jan 13, 2026