Xabi Alonso has been named the head coach of Real Madrid on a three-year contract.

Xabi Alonso has officially taken the reins at Real Madrid, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti on a three-year deal. The former Spanish midfielder, who enjoyed a successful five-year playing stint at the Bernabeu from 2009 to 2014, returns to the club after Ancelotti’s departure following a remarkable tenure that included five UEFA Champions League titles.

Alonso’s first challenge as manager will come at the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup this summer in the United States, where he is set to lead his new side against Al Hilal on June 18. The club’s official website heralded his appointment, stating, “Xabi Alonso will be Real Madrid’s manager for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. Xabi Alonso is one of the greatest legends of Real Madrid and world football.”

Before his return to Madrid, Alonso announced he would be leaving Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season. He bid farewell to the BayArena crowd during his side’s final home match against Borussia Dortmund, receiving a warm and rousing reception from the fans.

During his time at Leverkusen, Alonso played a pivotal role in breaking Bayern Munich’s stranglehold on the Bundesliga, leading the club to an unbeaten league title last season. He also guided the team to victory in the DFB-Pokal and reached the final of the UEFA Europa League in the 2023-24 campaign, although they finished as runners-up in the Bundesliga this time around.

Alonso’s journey in football began at Liverpool, from where he joined Madrid, making 236 appearances before moving to Bayern Munich. He took over as Leverkusen boss in October 2022, achieving a commendable sixth-place finish in his debut season.

Throughout his managerial tenure in Germany, Alonso has been linked with several high-profile clubs, including his former teams Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

Ancelotti’s exit from the Bernabeu marks the end of an era of unprecedented success for Real Madrid. The Italian manager led Los Blancos to two UEFA Champions League triumphs since his return in 2021 and is now heavily linked with the vacant Brazil national team position ahead of the 2026 World Cup.