Xabi Alonso Named Real Madrid Manager, Succeeding Ancelotti

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Real Madrid have officially appointed Xabi Alonso as their new head coach, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti at the helm.

The former Spain international, who previously played for the club and lifted the UEFA Champions League with Los Blancos in 2014, has agreed to a three-year contract with the Spanish giants.

Alonso recently announced his departure from Bayer Leverkusen, where he made headlines by leading the club to an historic Bundesliga title—their first ever—while remaining unbeaten throughout the 2023–24 season. He also secured the German Cup in what was his first full campaign as a top-flight manager.

Despite that success, Leverkusen ended the 2024–25 season behind Bayern Munich, finishing second in the Bundesliga.

Alonso will be officially unveiled at Real Madrid’s training complex on Monday. His first assignment comes quickly, as he prepares the team for the FIFA Club World Cup, kicking off with a match against Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia on June 18.

At 43, Alonso returns to Madrid with both club legend status and a growing managerial reputation.