Real Madrid have announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso as their new head coach, with the Spanish tactician set to begin his tenure on June 1, 2025.
The former midfielder replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who departs to manage the Brazilian national team.
“Xabi Alonso will be the Real Madrid coach for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025 until June 30, 2028,” the club confirmed in a statement on Sunday.
Alonso, 43, leaves Bayer Leverkusen at the conclusion of the Bundesliga season, having guided the German side to a historic double—winning both the league and German Cup while going unbeaten in the league.
His success made him one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe, with Madrid acting swiftly to secure their former player.
A legendary figure at the Santiago Bernabéu, Alonso played 236 games for Los Blancos between 2009 and 2014, winning six trophies, including the iconic La Decima Champions League title in 2014, though he was suspended for the final.
Real Madrid will officially present Alonso on Monday at 10:30 GMT.
Known for his tactical intelligence and ability to organize teams, Alonso will face the immediate task of restoring balance to a squad that struggled for consistency. Despite the high-profile signing of Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid endured a difficult campaign under Ancelotti, finishing without a major domestic or European title.
They were eliminated by Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals, and Barcelona defeated them in both the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals before reclaiming the La Liga title.
Alonso’s appointment signals a fresh chapter for the club. He has previously coached at Real Madrid and Real Sociedad’s youth levels before his successful two-year stint at Bayer Leverkusen, which included a clause allowing him to leave if approached by former clubs such as Madrid, Liverpool, or Bayern Munich.
Ancelotti departs having won 15 trophies across two spells with Madrid, including three Champions League titles.
Looking ahead, Alonso will make his debut at the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, with Madrid set to face Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in Miami on June 18. The tournament offers the new coach an early chance to claim silverware.
Real Madrid have already bolstered their squad with the signing of defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth and are reportedly close to securing Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer.
What you should know
Real Madrid have appointed Xabi Alonso as head coach on a three-year deal starting June 1, 2025. The ex-midfielder replaces Carlo Ancelotti and will lead the team at the Club World Cup.
Alonso joins after an unbeaten league campaign with Bayer Leverkusen and brings a strong tactical pedigree to a Madrid side aiming to reclaim domestic and European dominance.
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