Real Madrid have officially announced Xabi Alonso as their new head coach. The former midfielder has signed a three-year deal and will take charge of the team from 1 June 2025. He replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who has left the club to become the new manager of the Brazilian national team.
Alonso, who recently stepped down as manager of Bayer Leverkusen, returns to a club where he enjoyed major success as a player. During his time at Madrid, he made 236 appearances and won several major trophies, including the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, two Copa del Rey titles, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Spanish Super Cup.
In a statement, Real Madrid described Alonso as “one of the greatest legends of Real Madrid and world football” and called him “one of the best coaches in the world”.
Strong Track Record at Leverkusen
Alonso arrives at the Bernabéu after an impressive spell in Germany. He led Bayer Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga title in the 2023-24 season, going the entire league campaign unbeaten. The club also won the German Cup that season, securing a domestic double.
This season, Leverkusen finished second in the Bundesliga, 13 points behind Bayern Munich. His final match in charge ended in a 2-2 draw against Mainz. In total, his side recorded 12 draws across 34 league games.
Earlier this month, Alonso confirmed he would be leaving the club at the end of the season. Speaking to the media, he said, “We have agreed that these two games are going to be my last two as Bayer Leverkusen coach. Now is the right moment to announce it.”
A New Era for Real Madrid
Alonso will officially be introduced as Real Madrid’s manager on Monday. His first assignment will be leading the team in the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins in June.
He takes over from Carlo Ancelotti, who closed out his second spell at the club with a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad. Ancelotti’s time at Madrid was filled with success, and he now begins a new journey as Brazil’s head coach.
Real Madrid now look to the future under Alonso’s leadership. The 43-year-old is widely respected for his tactical knowledge and calm approach, and many in the football world view him as one of the most promising young managers in the game.
Alonso’s return to Madrid marks the beginning of a new chapter. With his experience as a player and his recent coaching success in Germany, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he shapes the team in the seasons ahead.
