Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will step down as Bayer Leverkusen manager at the end of the 2024/25 season, fueling expectations that the Spanish tactician is set to replace Carlo Ancelotti as the next head coach of Real Madrid. Alonso made the announcement during a press conference on May 9, ending months of speculation over his future after a historic spell in Germany.

Sky Sports News on Twitter / X BREAKING: Xabi Alonso confirms he's set to leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season 🚨 pic.twitter.com/EC53738gYE— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 9, 2025 Sky Sports News Twitter

Alonso's time at Leverkusen has been nothing short of revolutionary. In the 2023/24 season, he led the club to their first-ever Bundesliga title, completing the campaign unbeaten — a remarkable feat in German soccer. That achievement was followed by a DFB-Pokal triumph, making it a domestic double and earning him widespread acclaim as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches.

"This week, the club and I have agreed that these last two games are going to be my final matches as Leverkusen coach," Alonso said. "Now is the right time to say it clearly, out of respect for everyone." Though he declined to reveal his next destination, multiple reliable sources suggest that Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement with Alonso to take over this summer.

With Ancelotti set to depart following Madrid’s final home game on May 25, all signs point to a managerial baton pass to Alonso, who spent five highly successful seasons as a player at the Bernabéu. His style — built around a balanced 3-4-3 formation, pressing, and possession — mirrors Madrid’s vision for the future as they look to build around young stars like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and Arda Güler.

Alonso's departure marks the end of a golden era for Leverkusen, a club he transformed into a genuine title contender. He leaves with his head held high, having not only delivered silverware but also reshaped the club’s football identity.

Real Madrid fans will now watch closely as Alonso prepares for a potential emotional return — this time, on the sidelines. An official announcement from Madrid is expected after Ancelotti’s farewell, ushering in a new chapter that could redefine Los Blancos for years to come.

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