Xabi Alonso Appointed Real Madrid Manager on Three-Year Deal, Replacing Ancelotti

Xabi Alonso won the Champions League as a player with Real Madrid in 2014

Real Madrid have confirmed the appointment of former midfielder Xabi Alonso as their new head coach on a three-year contract running until 30 June 2028. The 43-year-old Spaniard replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who stepped down after managing his final game for the club and is set to take over as head coach of Brazil.

Alonso, who made 236 appearances for Real Madrid during his playing career and was part of the squad that won the UEFA Champions League in 2014, returns to the Santiago Bernabéu after a successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen. He will be officially unveiled as Real Madrid manager at the club's Valdebebas training ground on Monday.

The former Liverpool and Spain international announced earlier this month that he would leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season. His tenure at the German club was marked by historic success, including leading Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title during the 2023–24 campaign, completing the season unbeaten in the league. He also secured the German Cup in the same season.

Despite the previous season’s triumph, Leverkusen were unable to defend their title this year, finishing second behind Bayern Munich. Alonso’s departure leaves a managerial vacancy at Leverkusen, with former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag reportedly close to finalizing a deal to take over.

Alonso's first official match as Real Madrid manager will come at the FIFA Club World Cup, with the Spanish giants set to face Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal on 18 June.

Alonso’s appointment has been met with optimism, with former manager Ancelotti praising him earlier this month as “one of the best in the world.” Real Madrid fans now look ahead to a new era under a club legend, hoping he can replicate his success in Germany on the European stage.