Real Madrid have officially confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new head coach, marking a high-profile return to the Bernabeu for one of their former midfield icons.
The 42-year-old replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who exits after a trophyless campaign to assume his new role as Brazil national team manager.
Alonso arrives from Bayer Leverkusen after a stellar tenure that saw him dethrone Bayern Munich to win the Bundesliga, alongside a domestic cup and German Super Cup, securing legendary status in his first full managerial stint.
In a statement, Real Madrid declared:
“Xabi Alonso will be Real Madrid’s manager for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028… He returns as one of the best coaches in the world, after making history at Bayer Leverkusen.”
Alonso’s official unveiling is scheduled for Monday, May 26, in Madrid, where he will also hold his first press conference.
He takes over a star-studded squad featuring Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr., with reports suggesting Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold could be his first signing.
The Spaniard will have a brief window to instill his tactical philosophy, with Real Madrid kicking off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign against Al-Hilal on June 18.
