Xabi Alonso: Outgoing Bayer Leverkusen boss appointed Real Madrid head coach on three-year deal, replacing Carlo Ancelotti
Updated 26/05/2025 at 16:46 GMT+1
Real Madrid have announced Xabi Alonso as their new manager following the departure of legendary head coach Carlo Ancelotti. Former Los Blancos, Bayern Munich and Liverpool midfielder Alonso will take charge of the team after a sensational spell with Bayer Leverkusen. Alonso defied the odds and led Leverkusen to an historic Bundesliga title during his time in Germany.
Alonso unveiled and eyes 'great beginning' at Club World Cup
Video credit: TNT Sports
Xabi Alonso has replaced Carlo Ancelotti as the manager of Real Madrid on a three-year deal.
The Spanish midfielder spent five years at the Bernabeu as a player, between 2009 and 2014, and he will now return to lead the team after Los Blancos confirmed the departure of five-time UEFA Champions League winner Ancelotti on Friday.
Alonso will lead his new side at the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup this summer in the United States. He is set to take charge of his first match against Al Hilal on June 18.
The club's official website confirmed: "Xabi Alonso will be Real Madrid’s manager for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. Xabi Alonso is one of the greatest legends of Real Madrid and world football."
Alonso announced he would depart Leverkusen at the end of the season ahead of his side's final home match of the season against Borussia Dortmund, where he said his goodbyes to the BayArena crowd, to a rousing reception.
The Spaniard helped end Bayern Munich's dominance at the top of the Bundesliga table while at Bayer Leverkusen, guiding the German club to the title without losing a league match last season.
He also inspired his side to the DFB-Pokal and the final of the UEFA Europa League in the 2023-24 campaign, but Alonso and Leverkusen had to settle for second place in the Bundesliga this time around.
Alonso arrived in Madrid from Liverpool in his playing days, making 236 appearances for the club before leaving to join Bayern.
The FIFA World Cup winner took over as Leverkusen boss in October 2022, guiding the German giants to a sixth-placed finish in his first season.
The Spaniard has been linked with several clubs during his time in Germany, including former sides Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
Ancelotti left the Bernabeu following his second spell with the club after an era of unprecedented success.
He has inspired Los Blancos to two UEFA Champions League triumphs since returning to the club in 2021, and has been heavily linked with the vacant Brazil job ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
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