OFFICIAL: Xabi Alonso becomes new Real Madrid manager

Xabi Alonso is back at Real Madrid - this time, on the touchline instead of the pitch. The 43-year-old returns to the Spanish capital, where he won the Champions League and La Liga as a player, to begin a new adventure in his managerial career, taking over from Carlo Ancelotti after bidding farewell to Bayer Leverkusen.

"Real Madrid announce that Xabi Alonso will take charge as head coach for the next three seasons, from 1 June 2025 until 30 June 2028," reads the statement from Real Madrid.

Alonso has penned a three-year deal, which will see him stay with Real Madrid until June 2028. Contrary to rumours suggesting that Santiago Solari would be brought back to oversee the Club World Cup on an interim basis, Madrid have confirmed that Alonso will take over in time for the debut in the newly-revised version of the competition.

Always on Madrid's radar

Having led Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga shield and German double in an unbeaten domestic campaign in 2023/24, Alonso has long been the frontrunner for the Madrid job. The Merengues were on the hunt to bring the Spaniard last summer, with main competitors Liverpool opting to go for Arne Slot instead, but that all blew after he decided to stay in Germany for a second season.

Nevertheless, Alonso remained in the frame for Real Madrid after a disappointing season from Ancelotti. The Italian failed to put up a fight against Hansi Flick's Barcelona this term, losing out in both domestic cup finals and the La Liga title. Adding to his woes, Los Blancos also crashed out of the Champions League quarter-finals after two humbling defeats to Arsenal.

Finishing the season without a major trophy cost the 65-year-old his place, and soon enough, everything led back to Alonso. The former midfielder announced his Leverkusen exit on May 10 after Bayern Munich shattered his title defence bid, and later, he announced his arrival at Real Madrid.

With Ancelotti jumping ship to become Brazil manager, Alonso will be tasked with turning Real Madrid's fortunes around, starting from the Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14 in the United States. The former midfielder will be aiming to lift the trophy on July 15 to kickstart his Real Madrid journey in the best way possible before properly getting underway next term.