Real Madrid have confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new coach on Sunday ahead of the 2025-26 season.
The Spanish club made the announcement on their website on Sunday that Alonso will succeed Ancelotti after the Italian coach left the club on Saturday.
The statement read: “Xabi Alonso is one of the greatest legends of Real Madrid and world football. He wore our shirt in 236 official matches between 2009 and 2014.
“During that time he won six titles: the 10th European Cup in Lisbon, one European Super Cup, one LaLiga title, two Copa del Rey titles and one Spanish Super Cup.
“Xabi Alonso is also a legend of the Spanish national team, with which he won one World Cup (2010) and two European Championships (2008 and 2012) in 113 international matches.
“Xabi Alonso began his coaching career at Real Madrid’s youth academy, managing the U14 A team during the 2018-2019 season, where he won the league and the champions tournament.
“Now he returns to Real Madrid as one of the best coaches in the world, after making history at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the league, cup and German Super Cup in three seasons.”
Alonso signed a three-year deal to begin his adventure at Real Madrid.
He will be unveiled as manager in Madrid on Monday before taking charge on June 1, ahead of the Club World Cup in June.
Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen to a domestic double last season including an unbeaten feat to win the Bundesliga title.
He will be hoping to hit the ground running at the Santiago Bernabeu after the club ended the 2024-25 season trophyless.
He will take charge of his first match against Al Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup on June 18.
