Real Madrid have officially confirmed that Xabi Alonso is the club’s new manager, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti. The 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 June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028.
Alonso will take charge immediately and is set to lead Los Blancos in the upcoming Club World Cup, which begins on June 14 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 Carlo Ancelotti, who has now taken up the managerial role with the Brazilian national team. 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.
Club Statement
“Real Madrid announce that Xabi Alonso will take charge as head coach for the next three seasons, from 1 June 2025 until 30 June 2028,” the club’s official statement reads.
Mission Ahead
Alonso’s first competitive assignment will be leading Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup, where he will aim to deliver silverware early into his reign. The newly-expanded tournament ends on July 15, offering him the perfect opportunity to make an immediate impact.
With his tactical acumen and success at Leverkusen, expectations are high that Alonso can usher in a new era of dominance at Real Madrid — a club where he previously won La Liga, the Champions League, and Copa del Rey as a player.