Spanish football legend Xabi Alonso has been officially appointed as the new head coach of Real Madrid, with the former midfielder set to take over from Carlo Ancelotti on June 1, 2025. The appointment, which runs until June 30, 2028, marks a significant return to the club where Alonso enjoyed a trophy-laden playing career.
The announcement was made by Real Madrid on Sunday, confirming months of speculation linking the 43-year-old to the role. Alonso will begin his managerial duties with Los Blancos at the FIFA Club World Cup in June, where the team will face Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in their opening match on June 18 in Miami.
Alonso departs German side Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the current Bundesliga season, after a remarkable campaign in which he guided the club to a domestic league and cup double, finishing the league season unbeaten. His achievements made him one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe, with Real Madrid moving swiftly to secure his services following Ancelotti’s decision to take charge of the Brazilian national team.
A revered figure at the Santiago Bernabéu, Alonso made 236 appearances for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014, winning six major trophies, including the historic La Decima, Madrid’s 10th UEFA Champions League title, under Ancelotti’s leadership, though Alonso was suspended for the final.
Known for his tactical intelligence and calm leadership, Alonso has been widely praised for his managerial style, influenced by his time under top coaches such as Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, and Vicente del Bosque. He also enjoyed an illustrious international career, winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and back-to-back UEFA European Championships in 2008 and 2012 with Spain.
Ancelotti, 65, exits the club as one of its most decorated managers, having led Madrid to 15 titles across two spells. However, the recently concluded season was marked by disappointment, as the club failed to win a major trophy. Despite winning the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup, Madrid were eliminated from the Champions League by Arsenal, lost to Barcelona in both the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals, and were dethroned in La Liga.
The club’s marquee signing, French superstar Kylian Mbappe, who netted 31 La Liga goals, struggled to find chemistry with Vinicius Junior in Ancelotti’s system. Alonso will be tasked with restoring balance to the squad and maximizing the team’s attacking potential while solidifying its defensive structure.
Real Madrid have already begun strengthening the squad ahead of Alonso’s arrival. Defender Dean Huijsen has joined from Bournemouth, and Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to follow once his contract expires at Anfield. Alonso’s first test will come at the Club World Cup, offering him an early opportunity to begin his tenure with silverware.
