In a stunning return to the Santiago Bernabéu, Xabi Alonso has been confirmed as the new manager of Real Madrid, signing a three-year contract running until June 30, 2028.
The club officially unveiled the former midfielder’s appointment on Saturday, just a week after Carlo Ancelotti led his final match for the Spanish giants.
Alonso, 43, takes over from Ancelotti, who now moves on to manage the Brazilian national team.
“This is a proud and emotional day,” said Alonso in a brief statement. “Real Madrid is my home, and I’m ready to lead this incredible club into the next chapter.”
From Midfield Maestro to Managerial Star
Alonso made 236 appearances for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League in 2014.
Now, the World Cup and two-time Euro winner returns to Madrid not just as a legend—but as a proven tactical mind.
His managerial rise has been meteoric. After coaching Real Madrid’s U14 team in 2018 and then Real Sociedad’s B side, Alonso took charge of Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022.
He transformed the struggling Bundesliga side into title winners, securing:
- 2023–24 Bundesliga title (unbeaten season)
- 2024 German Cup
- A record-breaking 52-game unbeaten run, only halted in the Europa League final by Atalanta.
Though Leverkusen finished second to Bayern Munich this season, Alonso’s tactical maturity and ability to develop talent attracted suitors including Liverpool, Bayern, and of course, Real Madrid.
Alonso’s first match in charge will be on June 18 at the Club World Cup against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal. He’ll begin work immediately at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground on Monday.
What’s Next for Leverkusen?
Leverkusen are expected to name Erik ten Hag, the under-pressure Manchester United manager, as Alonso’s replacement in the coming days, as talks reach an advanced stage.
Real Madrid fans will be eager to see how Alonso’s cerebral, possession-driven football philosophy adapts to a star-studded squad aiming for both domestic dominance and Champions League glory.
Ancelotti, who won two Champions League titles over two spells with Real, offered high praise for his successor earlier this month, calling him:
“One of the best in the world.”
