Real Madrid has confirmed that club legend Xabi Alonso is returning — this time as head coach — hailing him as "one of the best coaches in the world."
Alonso will take charge starting June 1 on a contract running through June 2028, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, who is leaving to manage Brazil’s national team. The Spanish club will officially unveil Alonso on Monday.
Ancelotti, 65, bid farewell after four largely successful seasons, including three Champions League titles across both his spells. Despite beginning the season with a UEFA Super Cup victory, Madrid struggled overall — losing all four Clásico matches against Barcelona and finishing the campaign without another trophy. His early departure was confirmed Friday, though Brazil had already announced his appointment months prior.
Ancelotti expressed confidence in Alonso, stating, “He has what it takes to coach this team. I wish him all the best.”
Alonso, 43, returns to familiar territory, having played 236 matches for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014. During his time as a player, he helped the club secure six major titles, including the long-awaited 10th Champions League crown in 2014.
Real Madrid celebrated his appointment with a tribute video, calling his return “the greatest challenge any coach can face.”
Alonso arrives fresh off a historic spell at Bayer Leverkusen. After taking over when the club was near the Bundesliga relegation zone in 2022, he led them to their first-ever Bundesliga and German Cup double last season — remaining unbeaten in the league. Their only loss of the 2023-24 campaign came in the Europa League final against Atalanta.
“You didn’t just coach us — you inspired us,” said Leverkusen captain Granit Xhaka in a farewell message.
As a player, Alonso was known for his tactical intelligence and vision, qualities that have translated into his coaching career. Before Leverkusen, he coached Real Madrid’s youth sides and Real Sociedad’s B team, achieving promotion with the latter.
His new role brings steep expectations: restoring Madrid’s dominance in Spain and Europe amid a resurgent Barcelona led by young stars like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi. He’ll also need to rejuvenate big na