Sofia Quijada
Xabi Alonso has officially been named the new head coach of Real Madrid, replacing Carlo Ancelotti after a historic season at Bayer Leverkusen. The Spanish tactician has signed a contract that ties him to the club until June 2028.
Real Madrid announced the appointment on Sunday, confirming that Alonso will take charge from June 1, 2025, just ahead of the Club World Cup.
From Bundesliga Glory to the Bernabéu
Alonso arrives at Madrid after leading Bayer Leverkusen to a treble, winning the Bundesliga, the German Super Cup, and the German Cup in a breakout campaign that drew interest from top European sides.
Both Liverpool and Bayern Munich courted Alonso last summer, but the 42-year-old opted to remain in Germany for another season — a decision that paid off handsomely before returning to his spiritual footballing home.
Real Madrid’s Official Announcement
In a club statement, Madrid said:
“Real Madrid C.F. announces that Xabi Alonso will be the coach of Real Madrid for the next three seasons, from June 1st, 2025 to June 30th, 2028.”
The club added that Alonso will be formally presented tomorrow at 12:30 CET at Ciudad Real Madrid. Prior to the presentation, he will sign his contract in a formal ceremony alongside club president Florentino Pérez.
Following the presentation, Alonso will speak to the media for the first time as Madrid boss.
Back to Where It All Began
A former Real Madrid midfielder and Champions League winner with the club, Alonso returns with a clear mission: lead a generational squad into a new era of success, beginning with the Club World Cup this summer.
2025United States
Chelsea
Paris Saint GermainKnown for his tactical maturity and composure on the touchline, Alonso now faces the challenge of translating his Leverkusen success onto one of the most pressurized stages in world football.
Final Word:
Real Madrid have placed their future in the hands of a familiar face. With trophies already in his locker and the backing of the Bernabéu faithful, Xabi Alonso’s managerial era begins — and expectations have never been higher.