Xabi Alonso Returns as Real Madrid Head New Coach
Xabi Alonso has been confirmed as Real Madrid’s new head coach, taking over from Carlo Ancelotti, with his tenure beginning on June 1, 2025, ahead of the Club World Cup.
“Xabi Alonso will be the Real Madrid coach for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025, until June 30, 2028,” said Real Madrid in a statement.
The Spanish tactician’s appointment comes as Ancelotti departs to manage Brazil’s national team, ending months of speculation linking the former midfielder with a return to the Santiago Bernabéu.
The 43-year-old will conclude his successful stint with Bayer Leverkusen following the conclusion of the Bundesliga campaign, in which his side secured second place this season.
“Alonso is one of the biggest legends at Real Madrid and in world football,” continued Los Blancos’ statement.
“He wore our shirt in 236 games between 2009 and 2014. During that time, he won six trophies.”
Madrid will formally unveil Alonso during a presentation ceremony scheduled for Monday at 10:30 GMT.
During his time in Germany, the Basque manager guided Leverkusen to an unprecedented domestic double in 2023–2024, remaining undefeated throughout their league campaign and establishing himself as one of Europe’s most sought-after coaches.
A pre-existing clause in Alonso’s Leverkusen contract permitted his departure should any of his former clubs—Madrid, Liverpool, or Bayern Munich—approach him with an offer.
This season proved challenging for Ancelotti’s Madrid, who captured only the European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup, while exiting the Champions League at the quarter-final stage against Arsenal.
Their city rivals, Barcelona, dominated Spanish football, defeating Madrid in both the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals before reclaiming the La Liga title, leaving the capital club without a major domestic or European trophy.
Despite acquiring French sensation Kylian Mbappé during the summer transfer window, Ancelotti struggled to effectively integrate him alongside Vinícius Júnior while maintaining tactical balance.
While Mbappé’s 31 La Liga goals position him for the European Golden Shoe award, Alonso’s primary challenge will involve restoring defensive stability while preserving the team’s attacking prowess.
Following a previous campaign with just two losses, Madrid endured a dramatic decline this term, suffering 14 defeats across all competitions.
Alonso inherits the role from one of Madrid’s most decorated managers, despite recent setbacks.
The 65-year-old Ancelotti delivered 15 trophies across two separate tenures, totalling six years at the club.
During his Madrid career, the Italian secured three Champions League titles, notably La Décima in 2014—the club’s historic tenth European Cup—with Alonso featuring in his squad, though the midfielder missed the final through suspension.
Having worked under tactical masters including Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho, and Vicente del Bosque, Alonso brings a reputation as a strategic thinker and organisational expert—qualities that could address Madrid’s recent balance issues.
His playing career included two European Championship victories and Spain’s 2010 World Cup triumph during La Roja’s golden era of international dominance.
Following his 2017 retirement, Alonso developed his coaching credentials through youth roles at Real Madrid and Real Sociedad before Bayer Leverkusen appointed him in 2022.
Madrid has already secured Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen this summer, with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold widely expected to follow as his Anfield contract nears expiration.
The club hopes to complete Alexander-Arnold’s signing before the Club World Cup, providing Alonso with his first opportunity to claim silverware in his new role.
Madrid begin their FIFA Club World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in Miami on June 18, marking the inaugural glimpse of Alonso’s tactical approach with his new team.
