Real Madrid appoint club legend Xabi Alonso as Head Coach

Real Madrid have officially announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new head coach, with the Spanish tactician signing a three-year contract that runs until June 30, 2028.

Alonso will formally take charge on June 1, 2025, and will lead the team into the upcoming Club World Cup.

The appointment marks a homecoming for Alonso, a celebrated former midfielder who played 236 matches for Los Blancos between 2009 and 2014, winning six major trophies, including La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League.

“Xabi Alonso will be the Real Madrid coach for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025, until June 30, 2028,” the club said in an official statement.

“Alonso is one of the biggest legends at Real Madrid and in world football.”

The 43-year-old replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who departs to manage the Brazilian national team after a successful tenure that yielded 15 trophies over two spells, including three Champions League titles.

Notably, Alonso was part of Ancelotti’s squad that won La Décima in 2014, though he missed the final due to suspension.

Alonso’s arrival comes after a remarkable run with Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the German side to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and a German Cup victory in the 2023–2024 season.

His tactical brilliance and ability to organise and stabilise teams have earned him praise across Europe, drawing interest from former clubs like Liverpool and Bayern Munich. However, Madrid acted swiftly to secure his services.

A former world-class midfielder, Alonso boasts a glittering playing career, having won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and two UEFA European Championships with Spain.

He has worked under top managers such as Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho, and Vicente del Bosque, which has influenced his own coaching style.

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Following his retirement in 2017, Alonso began his managerial career with youth teams at Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, before stepping into the spotlight with Leverkusen in 2022.

He will be officially unveiled at the Santiago Bernabéu on Monday at 10:30 GMT, just weeks before his managerial debut at the Club World Cup in Miami.

Madrid are set to face Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal on June 18, giving fans a first glimpse of Alonso’s tactical vision on the global stage.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have begun strengthening their squad ahead of the new season. Dean Huijsen has joined from Bournemouth, and Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to follow, with his contract at Liverpool set to expire.

The club aims to finalize his signing before the Club World Cup.

Alonso’s return signals a new era at Real Madrid — one rooted in legacy, tactical ingenuity, and a deep understanding of the club’s culture.