Real Madrid have officially announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso as their new head coach. The 43-year-old Spaniard will take charge starting June 1, 2025, replacing Carlo Ancelotti, who has stepped down to lead the Brazil national team.
Alonso has signed a three-year deal with Los Blancos, keeping him at the club until June 30, 2028.
A Madrid Legend Comes Home
“Xabi Alonso is one of the biggest legends at Real Madrid and in world football,” read the club’s statement. Alonso played 236 matches for Madrid between 2009 and 2014, winning six trophies, including the historic La Decima Champions League title, though he missed the final due to suspension.
Successful Run in Germany
Alonso leaves Bayer Leverkusen after a stellar spell, guiding them to a Bundesliga and German Cup double in the 2023–24 season. His team went unbeaten in the Bundesliga, grabbing global attention and making him a top target for Europe’s elite clubs.
Thanks to a clause in his contract, Alonso was free to leave Leverkusen if approached by a former club — Madrid, Liverpool, or Bayern Munich.
Tough Season for Ancelotti’s Madrid
While Ancelotti remains one of Real Madrid’s most decorated managers, the 2024–25 season was underwhelming. Madrid won the European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup, but crashed out of the Champions League quarter-finals to Arsenal. Domestically, they lost both the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals to Barcelona, who also took the La Liga title.
Ancelotti finishes his time at the club with 15 trophies across two spells, including three Champions League titles.
Alonso’s Coaching Journey
After retiring in 2017, Alonso coached at the Real Madrid and Real Sociedad youth setups before taking over at Bayer Leverkusen in 2022. Influenced by tactical minds like Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, and Vicente del Bosque, Alonso has built a reputation as a smart, organised, and balanced coach.
As a player, he won two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup with Spain, contributing to the golden era of La Roja.
Club World Cup First Test
Alonso’s debut as head coach will come at the Club World Cup this summer. Madrid face Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in Miami on June 18, where Alonso will aim to lift his first trophy as a manager.
Summer Transfers Already Underway
Madrid have already signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, and Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to join from Liverpool once his contract expires. The club hopes to complete the deal before the Club World Cup.
