Real Madrid Confirm Xabi Alonso as New Head Coach from June 2025
Real Madrid have officially named Xabi Alonso as their new head coach, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti starting June 1, 2025, on a contract running until June 30, 2028. The Spanish giants announced the appointment on Sunday, bringing one of their most celebrated former midfielders back to the Bernabéu.
“Xabi Alonso will be the Real Madrid coach for the next three seasons,” the club confirmed in a statement, highlighting his leadership for their upcoming Club World Cup campaign.
The move comes as Ancelotti departs to manage the Brazil national team, ending a glittering chapter in Madrid’s history. In response, the club moved swiftly to secure Alonso, who recently led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga season and a domestic double in 2023–2024.
Alonso, 43, is already a legendary figure at Real Madrid. Between 2009 and 2014, he played 236 games and lifted six major trophies, including being part of the squad that won La Decima, the club’s 10th UEFA Champions League title.
The former Spanish international will be presented officially at a press conference on Monday at 10:30 GMT.
A Rising Managerial Star
Alonso’s coaching journey began in Madrid’s youth ranks before spells at Real Sociedad and Bayer Leverkusen. His recent success in Germany—where his team not only won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal but also went undefeated—made him one of the hottest managerial prospects in Europe.
Thanks to a clause in his contract, Alonso was allowed to leave Leverkusen if approached by a former club—namely Real Madrid, Liverpool, or Bayern Munich.
Ancelotti’s Mixed Final Season
Carlo Ancelotti leaves after a disappointing season by Madrid’s standards. Despite lifting the European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup, the team fell short in all major competitions. They were knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal and finished second in La Liga, behind rivals Barcelona, who also beat them in both the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals.
Ancelotti, 65, departs with a legacy of 15 trophies over two spells, including three UEFA Champions League titles.
Alonso’s First Test: Club World Cup
Alonso’s managerial debut with Real Madrid will come during the FIFA Club World Cup, where they open against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal on June 18 in Miami.
Reinforcements on the Way
Real Madrid are also busy in the transfer market. They have signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth and are expected to land Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer this summer.
Mbappé’s Role in the New Era
Although Kylian Mbappé scored 31 La Liga goals this season and is on course to win the European Golden Shoe, fitting him into the team alongside Vinícius Júnior proved difficult for Ancelotti. Alonso’s tactical reputation may prove crucial in bringing balance and cohesion to Madrid’s attack.
