Real Madrid have officially announced that Xabi Alonso will become the club’s new head coach, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, who is stepping down to take over the Brazil national team. The appointment marks a return to the Santiago Bernabéu for Alonso, this time as the man tasked with leading Los Blancos into a new era.

The three-year contract will see Alonso manage Real Madrid through at least the 2027–28 season, with his duties beginning June 1, 2025. His first major assignment will be the FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to kick off just two weeks later.

“Returning to Real Madrid as manager is a great honor,” Alonso said in a brief club statement. “I look forward to building on the club’s legacy and leading this team to more success.”

A Proven Winner with Leverkusen

Alonso arrives in Madrid after a record-breaking spell with Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the German side to their first-ever Bundesliga title and a DFB-Pokal win. His tactical acumen and calm demeanor on the touchline earned widespread praise across Europe.

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez reportedly prioritized Alonso as his first choice due to the Spaniard’s deep connection with the club and his impressive track record in Germany.

Alonso’s Coaching Staff and Vision

Alonso will bring along several trusted lieutenants from Leverkusen, including assistant coach Sebastián Parrilla and fitness coach Ismael Camenforte-López, ensuring tactical consistency and backroom familiarity.

Known for his flexibility and balance between attacking flair and defensive solidity, Alonso is expected to tailor his tactics to maximize the strengths of Real Madrid’s young core, including Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Jr.

Transfer Reinforcements Expected

Sources inside the club indicate Alonso will be backed in the summer transfer market, with Real Madrid reportedly targeting:

A left-back
A central defender
A box-to-box midfielder
These reinforcements are expected to align with Alonso’s preference for high-pressing, tactically fluid football.

End of an Era, Start of Another

Alonso replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who leaves behind a legacy that includes multiple Champions League and La Liga titles. The Italian’s departure signals the end of one successful chapter and the beginning of another with a familiar face at the helm.

With Real Madrid entering a new phase both domestically and in international competition, Xabi Alonso’s return signals ambition, tradition, and a forward-looking project in equal measure.

 
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