Real Madrid confirm Alonso as new head coach

Xabi Alonso has officially been appointed as Real Madrid’s head coach, g a contract until the end of the 2027-28 season.

Alonso had long been expected to take over from Carlo Ancelotti, who oversaw his final match in charge of Los Blancos on Saturday.

Ancelotti is taking up a position in charge of the Brazil national team, while Alonso – a former Madrid player – confirmed earlier this month that he would be leaving Bayer Leverkusen.

Alonso led Leverkusen to their maiden Bundesliga title in 2023-24, with his team going unbeaten as they clinched a domestic double, with their sole defeat in all competitions coming in the Europa League final against Atalanta.

Leverkusen could not maintain that extraordinary form this season, finishing second in the Bundesliga, but Alonso’s stock has not fallen.

#WelcomeXabi pic.twitter.com/hKjjZWgtmb

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) May 25, 2025

The former Spain international, who helped Madrid win a LaLiga title and the Champions League during his playing days, leaves Leverkusen with a 63% win ratio in all competitions.

Though Madrid failed to win a major trophy this season, Alonso has big shoes to fill, with Ancelotti having won an extraordinary 15 trophies across his two spells in charge of Los Blancos, making him the most successful coach in the club’s history.

Alonso will be presented to the media on Monday. He will get an early chance to collect a trophy at the Club World Cup, which begins next month.