Khabib Nurmagomedov Labels Real Madrid Players as ‘Spoiled Kids’ Over Manager Getting Sacked
Khabib Nurmagomedov talks about the controversial departure of Spanish coach Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid.
Khabib Nurmagomedov backs Xabi Alonso (via X)
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Last weekend, Real Madrid lost against FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia. After the defeat, manager Xabi Alonso quit his post, leaving fans shocked and confused about the club’s direction afterwards. Unexpectedly, former UFC champion and hardcore Madrid fan, Khabib Nurmagomedov, shared his thoughts on the entire debacle.
Barcelona defeated Madrid 3-2, taking revenge for the previous El Clásico loss in an intense final. During the awards presentation, Madrid players refused to give Barcelona a guard of honor despite Xabi Alonso’s request.
The moment was captured on camera, quickly going viral across social media, sparking criticism and widespread debates. Afterwards, Alonso announced his departure, while Khabib Nurmagomedov expressed disappointment with Madrid’s management and immature young players publicly.
There is nothing like loyalty. 1 year ago they begged him. Now they fired him. because of spoiled kids. Xabi you are the best
Khabib Nurmagomedov via Instagram
Khabib Nurmagomedov said Alonso remains among today’s top 3 coaches, insisting Madrid players must change according to the coach. After all, it was just two seasons ago when the Spaniard coached Bayer Leverkusen to an ‘Invincible Season’ in Bundesliga to topple German giants Bayern Munich for the title.
The UFC legend argued no coach could manage Madrid’s current lineup, demanding the club remove capricious players harming collective discipline. He concluded Alonso deserved backing, while management should enforce accountability instead of sacrificing authority for convenience.
🚨⚽️ Khabib just BLASTED the Real Madrid squad on Instagram after the departure of their manager, Xabi Alonso:
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) January 13, 2026
“There is nothing like loyalty.
1 year ago they begged him.
Now they fired him.
because of spoiled kids.
Xabi you are the best”
via khabib_nurmagomedov pic.twitter.com/Hjo7bv2z5e
Nurmagomedov stressed leadership means ruling a gym or a field alike, regardless of fighters or footballers, under strict professional standards. Khabib Nurmagomedov is the clear leader of his team and is deeply respected by every fighter training under him.
According to ‘The Eagle’, coaching allows no freedom of speech because discipline and order must always come before personal opinions. He believes strict authority helps fighters stay focused, follow instructions, and avoid mistakes during professional training camps.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is a huge football fan who has followed Real Madrid passionately since childhood. He is an enormous admirer of Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo, and has met him several times publicly. Their most recent meeting happened at the Globe Soccer Awards ceremony, where both shared respectful moments.
In 2025, Nurmagomedov also attended the last Champions League final, watching PSG defeat Inter Milan. However, given the situation in Madrid, it seems like Nurmagomedov is concerned about its potential performance in the UCL.
Khabib Nurmagomedov points out the difference between soccer and MMA Fighting
Khabib Nurmagomedov shifted to coaching after retirement, helping many fighters achieve success through discipline and consistent guidance. Team Khabib is now one of the most successful MMA teams, with champions in both UFC and PFL. Soccer remains an important training activity for Team Khabib to improve teamwork and a competitive mindset outside fighting sessions.

Khabib Nurmagomedov is often seen playing soccer between practices, using the game to relax fighters and strengthen team bonding naturally. The Eagle said he might have chosen professional soccer if he had not dedicated his life to mixed martial arts. In a recent interview, the former UFC champion talked about the difference between MMA and soccer on the highest competitive level.
Most of the football players, tonight they play and the next day they post a selfie, they’re happy. But in our game, when somebody smashes you, you’re never going to do this
Khabib Nurmagomedov via WSS
Khabib admits he cannot stay emotionally normal when he's coaching 😅
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 30, 2025
"I like more to be a fighter than to be a coach because to become normal in life I need at least one week, because coaching squeezes me. There is no energy, it’s very hard for me because I can’t take it easy.… pic.twitter.com/28ehjsdL2D
Veterans like Georges St Pierre say athletes can play many sports, but fighting demands absolute commitment without substitution. Fighters often face broken bones, torn ligaments, concussions, and career-changing injuries inside the Octagon.
Repeated head trauma increases CTE risk, and fighters like Tony Ferguson are often accused of it. Meanwhile, soccer comes with less life-threatening injuries, but only people with a high skill-level can succeed.
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