Just In: Real Madrid confirm Xabi Alonso as new head coach

Real Madrid have officially announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new head coach, confirming that the Spanish tactician has signed a contract that will keep him at the Santiago Bernabéu until June 2028.

The news ends months of speculation and marks a full-circle moment for the former midfield maestro, who now returns to the club he once served with distinction as a player.

The 42-year-old replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who is set to take over the Brazilian national team following the expiration of his contract with Madrid at the end of the 2024/25 season. Alonso’s appointment is widely seen as a strategic move to usher in a new era at the club, blending tactical innovation with deep-rooted knowledge of the Real Madrid philosophy.

From Midfield Maestro to Managerial Star
Xabi Alonso enjoyed an illustrious playing career that spanned nearly two decades, including a five-year stint at Real Madrid from 2009 to 2014. During that time, he was a pivotal figure in the midfield, helping Los Blancos win several major titles, including La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

After hanging up his boots in 2017, Alonso quickly transitioned into coaching. He began his managerial journey with Real Madrid’s youth teams before taking charge of Real Sociedad B, leading them to promotion to Spain’s Segunda División for the first time in 59 years.

His biggest breakthrough came when he joined Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022. Under his leadership, Leverkusen transformed into one of Europe’s most exciting sides, playing high-intensity, possession-based football. In the 2023/24 season, Alonso guided the German side to a historic Bundesliga title — their first ever — finishing the league campaign unbeaten. They also secured the DFB-Pokal, completing a domestic double, and reached the UEFA Europa League final, losing to Atalanta.

Strategic Move by Real Madrid
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is said to have been impressed by Alonso’s tactical acumen, leadership, and ability to develop young talent. His style of play — disciplined yet progressive — aligns with the club’s long-term vision of evolving their footballing identity while maintaining their competitive edge.

Alonso is expected to inherit a star-studded squad with an exciting mix of established names and emerging talents. With players like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurélien Tchouaméni forming the core of the team’s future, his appointment also signals Madrid’s intention to build a squad that can dominate both domestically and in Europe for years to come.