By Victor Kanayo
Real Madrid have now confirmed that Xabi Alonso is the club’s new manager.
He is succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, who will take charge of the Brazil men’s national team as the first non-indigenous coach.
Alonso, former Spanish international and Real Madrid midfielder, returns to the Santiago Bernabéu, this time as head coach on a three-year deal that runs from 1 June 2025 to 30 June 2028.
Alonso will take charge immediately and is set to lead Los Blancos in the upcoming Club World Cup, which begins on 14 June in the United States.
At 43, Alonso makes his managerial return to Madrid after an exceptional stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the club to an unbeaten domestic double in the 2023/24 season — winning both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal.
His return comes in the wake of a trophyless campaign under Ancelotti.
Real Madrid’s disappointing season saw them finish behind rivals Barcelona in La Liga and crash out of both domestic cup competitions and the UEFA Champions League.
Playing Career for Madrid, Spain
He made 236 appearances for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014, winning six major titles during that time: the historic tenth European Cup in Lisbon, one UEFA Super Cup, one La Liga title, two Copas del Rey, and one Spanish Super Cup.
Alonso also holds legendary status with the Spanish national team, having won a World Cup (2010) and two European Championships (2008 and 2012) across 113 international caps.
Early Coaching Journey
His coaching career began in Real Madrid’s academy, where he managed the Under-12 team during the 2018–2019 season, winning both the league and the Torneo de Campeones.
On Monday, 26 May 2025, Alonso will be officially unveiled as the new Real Madrid head coach at an event held at Real Madrid City.
