Real Madrid have officially announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso as their new manager. The Spanish tactician has signed a three-year contract that runs until June 2028. This marks a highly anticipated return to the Santiago Bernabeu for Alonso, who previously played for the club from 2009 to 2015.
Alonso replaces veteran manager Carlo Ancelotti, who oversaw his final game in charge on Saturday. With Ancelotti set to coach the Brazil national team, Real Madrid acted swiftly to secure Alonso as their new leader.
Xabi Alonso’s Rise from Leverkusen to the Bernabeu
The appointment of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid manager follows a spectacular season with Bayer Leverkusen. Alonso led the German side to their first-ever Bundesliga title without losing a single match. In addition to the league, Leverkusen also won the German Cup and reached the final of the UEFA Europa League.
Alonso had a contract with Leverkusen until 2026, but the club granted his wish to leave at the end of the 2024–25 season. His tactical brilliance and ability to get the best out of young players attracted attention from Europe’s top clubs, but Real Madrid ultimately secured his services.
A Legendary Playing Career at Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso’s appointment is not just a coaching move—it’s a homecoming. During his six-year playing stint at Real Madrid, Alonso made 236 appearances and won multiple trophies. His honours with the club include a LaLiga title, two Copa del Rey wins, and the iconic “La Decima”—Real Madrid’s long-awaited 10th UEFA Champions League title in 2014.
Alonso’s deep understanding of Real Madrid’s culture and expectations gives him a unique edge as he steps into this prestigious role.
Here are the achievements of Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid as a player (2009–2015)
- UEFA Champions League Winner (2013–14)
- LaLiga Champion (2011–12)
- Copa del Rey Winner (2010–11, 2013–14)
- Supercopa de España Winner (2012)
- 236 appearances across all competitions
- Key midfield anchor
- 6 seasons at the club (2009–2015)
Coaching Journey: From Madrid’s Youth Ranks to European Success
Alonso’s managerial path began at Real Madrid’s youth academy, where he coached the Under-14 team during the 2018–19 season. He then moved on to Real Sociedad B, developing young talent and establishing a reputation for tactical discipline.
In October 2022, Alonso made his senior management debut with Bayer Leverkusen. Under his leadership, the club achieved an unbeaten league campaign and gained respect across Europe. His rapid rise now sees him return to the Spanish capital as Real Madrid manager.
First Test: Club World Cup 2025 in the United States
Xabi Alonso’s first official challenge as Real Madrid manager will be the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The newly formatted 32-team tournament begins on June 14 in the United States. Real Madrid are placed in a group alongside Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Pachuca (Mexico), and RB Salzburg (Austria).
Winning the Club World Cup would offer Alonso an ideal start to his managerial tenure and an early opportunity to lift silverware with his new team.
Real Madrid’s Trophyless Season Prompts Change
The 2024–25 season was underwhelming for Real Madrid. The team finished second in LaLiga behind arch-rivals Barcelona. They also suffered defeats to Barcelona in both the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals. In the UEFA Champions League, Real were eliminated in the quarterfinals by English side Arsenal.
These results triggered the club’s decision to bring in new leadership, hoping that Xabi Alonso can revitalize the squad and restore Real Madrid to domestic and European dominance.
Club Vision and Expectations Under Xabi Alonso
As Real Madrid manager, Alonso is expected to guide the club back to the top of European football. His tactical flexibility, emphasis on possession-based play, and proven success with developing youth talent align well with the club’s long-term goals.
He will also be heavily involved in squad planning and youth development. With a new generation of players coming through the ranks, Alonso’s ability to nurture talent will be key to sustaining success in the coming years.
Quick Overview: Xabi Alonso Real Madrid Manager Appointment
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Role | Real Madrid Manager |
| Appointed | May 2025 |
| Contract Duration | Until June 2028 |
| Replacing | Carlo Ancelotti |
| Previous Club | Bayer Leverkusen |
| Achievements at Leverkusen | Bundesliga (Undefeated), German Cup, Europa League Finalist |
| Coaching Debut | Real Madrid Youth Team (2018–19) |
A New Era Begins at the Santiago Bernabeu
The appointment of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid manager signals the beginning of a new era at one of the most prestigious clubs in world football. With his deep-rooted connection to the club, tactical brilliance, and modern footballing philosophy, Alonso is expected to usher in a period of both stability and success.
Fans around the globe eagerly await to see how Xabi Alonso handles the challenge of leading Real Madrid in LaLiga, the Champions League, and beyond. His journey from the midfield of the Bernabeu to the manager’s bench is now complete—and a new chapter in Madrid’s legendary story is about to begin.