Xabi Alonso becoming Real Madrid’s new head coach was widely expected—it was only a matter of time before the official announcement. On Sunday, that announcement finally came. The Spanish La Liga giants have appointed Alonso on a three-year contract.
Alonso replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who left the club following a disappointing season. Under pressure after a run of poor performances, Ancelotti stepped down and took over the Brazil national team.
In an official statement, Real Madrid said:
“Xabi Alonso will be the head coach of Real Madrid for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. Xabi Alonso is a legend of Real Madrid and world football.”
As a player, Alonso represented Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014, and now, 11 years later, he returns to the club—this time in a very different role. Rather than commanding the midfield, he’ll now take charge from the dugout of Europe’s most decorated club.
During his time as a Real Madrid player, Alonso made 236 appearances, winning:
1 UEFA Champions League
1 La Liga title
2 Copa del Rey titles
1 UEFA Super Cup
1 Spanish Super Cup
Most recently, Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga title in the 2023–24 season—the club’s first-ever German league championship. While he didn’t manage to win a second consecutive title in 2024–25, he left Leverkusen in second place, having firmly cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s top young managers.
UA / TDS
