Real Madrid have appointed former player Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a three-year deal, replacing Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Alonso, 43, returns to the club where he played between 2009 and 2014, making 236 appearances and winning the Champions League in 2014. His new contract runs until June 30, 2028.
The Spanish legend takes over from Ancelotti, who managed his last game for the club on Saturday. The 64-year-old Italian is now set to become the new coach of Brazil’s national team.
Alonso will be officially introduced as Real Madrid manager on Monday at the club’s training ground. His first match in charge will be at the Club World Cup against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal on June 18.
Alonso recently led Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title during the 2023-24 season, finishing the campaign unbeaten. His team also won the German Cup, completing a domestic double. However, they missed out on the Champions League and were defeated in the Europa League final by Atalanta.
A World Cup winner with Spain in 2010, Alonso began his coaching journey at Real Madrid’s youth academy in 2018, before taking charge of Real Sociedad’s B team. He was appointed Leverkusen boss in October 2022 when the club was struggling near the bottom of the Bundesliga. He quickly turned their fortunes around, finishing sixth in his first season.
Alonso had been linked with managerial roles at Liverpool and Bayern Munich but chose to remain at Leverkusen until this recent decision. Former Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag is now tipped to take over from him at the German club.
