Real Madrid have officially appointed Xabi Alonso as their new head coach, the Spanish giants confirmed on Saturday. The 43-year-old will succeed Carlo Ancelotti on a three-year deal and is set to lead Los Blancos into the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, potentially securing his first trophy just weeks into his tenure.
Alonso’s first competitive game in charge will be against Saudi club Al-Hilal in Miami on June 18, marking the beginning of Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign. Should the Spanish giants go all the way, Alonso could clinch his first title as Real Madrid manager by July.
The former midfielder will be unveiled at a press conference on Sunday. He is expected to work with a star-studded squad that includes Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and summer arrival Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alonso returns to the Bernabeu having enjoyed a trophy-laden spell as a player between 2009 and 2014. During his time in Madrid, he made 236 appearances and won LaLiga, two Copas del Rey, and the historic La Décima—Real’s 10th UEFA Champions League title.
After retiring at Bayern Munich, Alonso began his coaching journey with Real Madrid’s Under-14 team in the 2018/19 season. He progressed to manage Real Sociedad B before taking the reins at Bayer Leverkusen, where he made headlines by leading the German club to their first-ever Bundesliga title in an unbeaten 2023/24 campaign. Leverkusen also secured the DFB Pokal under his guidance.
Despite finishing second to Bayern Munich this season, Alonso departs Leverkusen with his reputation at an all-time high. In a farewell statement, he expressed gratitude to the club and its supporters:
“This club, which has placed extraordinary trust in me, thoroughly deserved to win the Bundesliga for the first time… Leverkusen are ready for the future. This positive trajectory will continue, and I will follow it with interest.”
Alonso inherits a Real Madrid side coming off a disappointing season, having failed to win LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, or the Champions League. The pressure will be immense, but expectations are equally high as the club looks to return to winning ways.
Leverkusen are expected to name Erik ten Hag, former Manchester United boss, as Alonso’s successor in the coming days.
