Xabi Alonso Officially Named New Real Madrid Manager

Real Madrid have officially announced Xabi Alonso as their new head coach, marking the start of an exciting chapter for the Spanish giants. The 43-year-old Spaniard, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with the club, will take the reins from Carlo Ancelotti, whose departure to manage the Brazil national team was confirmed earlier this week. Alonso’s appointment, widely anticipated after his successful tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, was finalized on May 25, 2025, with the former midfielder signing a three-year contract to lead Los Blancos into the FIFA Club World Cup and the 2025-26 La Liga season.

Alonso’s return to the Santiago Bernabéu is a homecoming for the Basque coach, who played for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2014, winning La Liga, two Copas del Rey, and a Champions League title. His managerial rise has been meteoric since taking charge of Bayer Leverkusen in 2022. Last season, he guided the German club to an unprecedented unbeaten Bundesliga campaign and a German Cup triumph, cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches. His tactical acumen, shaped by working under managers like Rafael Benítez, José Mourinho, and Ancelotti himself, has made him a natural fit for the high-pressure role at Real Madrid.

The announcement comes on the heels of a trophyless 2024-25 season for Real Madrid, a rare disappointment for a club accustomed to dominating Spanish and European football. A 4-3 defeat to Barcelona in El Clásico earlier this month effectively ended their La Liga title hopes, leaving them seven points adrift with only three games remaining. Ancelotti, who departs as the club’s most decorated manager with 15 trophies, including three Champions League titles, will receive a heartfelt send-off during Real Madrid’s final home game against Real Sociedad on May 25. The Italian’s exit, coupled with the team’s inconsistent performances, prompted club president Florentino Pérez to turn to Alonso as the architect of a generational transition.

Alonso inherits a squad brimming with talent but facing significant challenges. The integration of star forward Kylian Mbappé, who has been a standout with 28 goals this season, alongside Vinícius Jr., who is set to sign a new long-term contract, will be a priority. Young prospects like Endrick and Arda Güler are expected to play larger roles, while veterans such as Luka Modrić, whose contract extension Alonso reportedly requested, will provide leadership. However, the new manager faces tough decisions, with reports suggesting that Brazilian forward Rodrygo Goes may not fit into his tactical plans, potentially leading to a high-profile departure. Alonso is also expected to oversee new signings, with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen already linked to bolster the squad’s right-back and center-back positions, respectively.

Tactically, Alonso is known for his flexibility, having employed both a 3-5-2 system at Leverkusen and a 4-4-2 during his time coaching Real Sociedad’s B team. Spanish media report that he is considering both formations for Real Madrid, aiming to maximize the attacking prowess of Mbappé and Vinícius while addressing defensive vulnerabilities exposed this season. His Leverkusen teams were lauded for their possession-based play, high pressing, and clinical set-piece execution, attributes that could reinvigorate a Real Madrid side criticized for lacking structure.

Alonso’s appointment has generated excitement among fans and pundits alike. Ancelotti himself praised his successor, calling him “one of the best in the world” after his Leverkusen exit was announced. The Spaniard’s deep connection to the club, combined with his proven ability to transform teams, has raised hopes that he can restore Real Madrid’s dominance. However, the challenges are immense: navigating a demanding fanbase, a scrutinizing media, and a boardroom eager for instant success will test Alonso’s emotional intelligence and tactical nous.

As Real Madrid prepare for the Club World Cup in June, where they face Al Hilal in their opening match, Alonso is expected to join the team on June 1 to begin preparations. His staff, including trusted assistant Sebastián Parrilla, will accompany him, bringing continuity from his Leverkusen tenure. The club’s decision to appoint Alonso ahead of the tournament reflects their confidence in his ability to hit the ground running, despite the limited pre-season time.