1. Zinedine Zidane (Unattached)
Why he's #1: The two-time Real Madrid coach and three-time Champions League winner is the closest thing the club has to a "silver bullet." Zidane has a winning relationship with the core veterans (though most have moved on), commands instant respect from global stars like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, and understands the unique pressures of the club.
The Catch: It is widely believed Zidane is waiting for the France national team job after the 2026 World Cup. His return would likely only be a "firefighter" stopgap until the summer, ensuring the club wins silverware before a long-term appointment is made.
2. Álvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid Castilla)
Why he's #2: Arbeloa is the in-house candidate that Florentino Pérez has been grooming for years.
He took over from Raúl as the manager of Real Madrid Castilla and is seen as the next club legend ready to step up, following the precedent set by Zidane and Vicente del Bosque. If Zidane is unavailable for the short term, Arbeloa is the easiest and most logical immediate internal promotion, regardless of the relative lack of senior managerial experience.
The Catch: Promoting a youth team coach during a crisis is a gamble. Players may struggle to respect a manager with little top-level experience, a perceived issue that Alonso is currently facing.
3. Andoni Iraola (AFC Bournemouth)
Why he's #3: Iraola has enhanced his reputation dramatically since joining Bournemouth.
The Spanish manager plays an aggressive, pressing brand of football, and his tactical ingenuity has
impressed the hierarchy at the Bernabéu. He represents the kind of forward-thinking, high-octane football that Madrid fans often demand. He was reportedly a strong candidate before Alonso was appointed.
The Catch: He is currently employed and excelling at Bournemouth, making a mid-season move difficult. He would be a more realistic target for the summer.
4. Jürgen Klopp (Red Bull Head of Global Soccer)
Why he's #4: Klopp is the proven winner who has conquered the Premier League and Champions League.
His profile is perfect for Real Madrid—a passionate, world-class manager who could take the team to the next level. His status as a free agent (currently serving in an executive role at Red Bull) makes him an easy theoretical call.The Catch: Klopp has publicly stated his satisfaction with his executive role and his lack of desire to return to the immense pressure of club management so quickly after leaving Liverpool. While Real Madrid's pull is unique, securing his signature is highly improbable at this stage.
5. Raúl (Unattached)
Why he's #5: A club legend and former Castilla manager, Raúl was once the heir apparent.
He has the institutional knowledge and the connection to the club's values. If the situation becomes desperate and other top targets are unreachable, he could be called upon to steady the ship.
The Catch: He left the club after being passed over for the senior role multiple times,
suggesting the leadership may not view him as ready or suitable for the biggest job in world football.
Do you think Florentino Pérez will turn to a club legend like Zidane or risk promoting a coach like Arbeloa to fix the current crisis?