Xabi Alonso Named New Real Madrid Manager

Real Madrid has officially appointed Xabi Alonso as the club’s new head coach, commencing his tenure on June 1, 2025. The 43-year-old Spaniard, a former midfielder for Los Blancos, has signed a contract extending through June 2028. Alonso succeeds Carlo Ancelotti, who departs to manage the Brazilian national team after a six-year stint that yielded 15 major trophies, including three UEFA Champions League titles.

Alonso’s appointment marks a return to the Santiago Bernabéu, where he played from 2009 to 2014, making 236 appearances and securing six trophies, notably contributing to the club’s 10th European Cup victory in 2014. His managerial career began with Real Madrid’s youth teams, followed by a successful period at Real Sociedad B, and most recently, a transformative spell at Bayer Leverkusen. Under his leadership, Leverkusen achieved an unbeaten Bundesliga season in 2023–24, clinching the league title, the DFB-Pokal, and the German Supercup, while also reaching the UEFA Europa League final.

Alonso’s debut as Real Madrid’s head coach will occur at the FIFA Club World Cup in Miami, starting with a match against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal on June 18. This tournament presents an immediate opportunity for Alonso to secure his first silverware with the club.

Real Madrid has been active in the transfer market ahead of the new season. The club secured the signing of 20-year-old Spanish defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth for a reported fee of €59.5 million, making him the most expensive defender in the club’s history. Huijsen is expected to bolster a defense that conceded 14 defeats in the previous season.

Additionally, Real Madrid is pursuing the acquisition of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. The club aims to finalize the deal before the Club World Cup, with Alexander-Arnold’s contract at Liverpool set to expire on June 30. Negotiations are ongoing to facilitate his early release, allowing him to participate in the tournament.

Alonso inherits a squad featuring prominent talents such as Kylian Mbappé, who scored 31 La Liga goals last season, and Vinícius Júnior. Integrating these attacking options while restoring defensive solidity will be among Alonso’s primary challenges as he seeks to guide Real Madrid back to domestic and European success.

The official presentation of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid’s head coach is scheduled for Monday, May 26, at 12:30 PM local time at the club’s training complex in Valdebebas.