Real Madrid has officially confirmed the appointment of club legend Xabi Alonso as the new head coach, set to take charge from June 1, 2025.
The Spaniard, who enjoyed a celebrated playing career with Los Blancos, will sign a three-year deal running until June 30, 2028. His first challenge will be leading Madrid into the FIFA Club World Cup.
The managerial change comes as veteran Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti prepares to step down to take over as head coach of the Brazil national team. After months of speculation linking Alonso with the Madrid job, the club has now secured their man.
Real Madrid, in a statement, referred to Alonso as “one of the biggest legends at Real Madrid and in world football,” citing his 236 appearances and six trophies during his time at the club from 2009 to 2014.
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Alonso, 43, will leave German side Bayer Leverkusen after an outstanding season, guiding the club to a historic league and cup double in the 2023–2024 campaign. His team went unbeaten in the Bundesliga, a feat that drew attention from elite clubs across Europe.
With a pre-existing clause allowing him to leave if approached by one of his former clubs — Real Madrid, Liverpool, or Bayern Munich — Alonso was always a top candidate to succeed Ancelotti.
Real Madrid plans to unveil Alonso officially in a press conference scheduled for Monday at 10:30 GMT. The managerial transition follows a lackluster season for Madrid under Ancelotti.
Despite clinching the European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup, Los Blancos were eliminated in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals by Arsenal. Barcelona outclassed Madrid in both the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals, and also reclaimed the La Liga title, leaving Real without a major trophy.
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