Real Madrid confirms the appointment of Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid have officially announced the appointment of their former midfield maestro, Xabi Alonso, as the new head coach of the club ahead of the 2025/26 football season.
The Spanish giants, commonly known as Los Blancos, confirmed the news on their official website on Sunday, May 25, 2025—shortly after the conclusion of their final La Liga fixture for the season. Alonso had previously revealed his decision to step down as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the current campaign, setting the stage for his return to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Alonso, a former Spain international and ex-Liverpool star, has put pen to paper on a three-year contract that will keep him at the helm until June 30, 2028. His official unveiling as manager is scheduled to take place at Real Madrid’s training complex on Monday.
He will begin his tenure by leading the team into the FIFA Club World Cup, with his first match set against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal on June 18, 2025.
During his time in Germany, Alonso made headlines by guiding Bayer Leverkusen to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season—the club’s first-ever league triumph. He also secured the German Cup, completing a domestic double in what was his first full campaign as a senior club manager.
Despite a valiant effort, Leverkusen fell short of retaining the Bundesliga crown this season, finishing second behind perennial champions Bayern Munich.
Who Will Take Over at Bayer Leverkusen?
Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly preparing to appoint former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag as Xabi Alonso’s successor. The Dutch tactician is seen as a strong candidate to build on Alonso’s impressive legacy at the German club.
