Xabi Alonso Appointed Real Madrid Head Coach on Contract Until 2028

Real Madrid has officially appointed Xabi Alonso as the club's new head coach, signing a three-year contract that runs until June 2028. The 43-year-old Spaniard will assume his duties on June 1, 2025, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, who departs after a trophyless season to manage the Brazilian national team.  

Alonso returns to the Santiago Bernabéu, where he previously played from 2009 to 2014, making 236 appearances and securing multiple titles, including La Liga, two Copa del Rey trophies, and the club's 10th UEFA Champions League crown. His managerial career began with Real Madrid's youth academy, followed by a successful tenure at Real Sociedad B, and most recently, a transformative spell at Bayer Leverkusen. Under his leadership, Leverkusen achieved an unbeaten Bundesliga title, a German Cup victory, and reached the Europa League final, marking the most successful period in the club's history.  

Alonso's coaching staff will include long-time assistant Sebas Parrilla and fitness coach Alberto Encinas. The future of current fitness chief Antonio Pintus remains uncertain, though goalkeeper coach Luis Llopis is expected to continue.  

Real Madrid has already begun strengthening its squad in alignment with Alonso's tactical vision. The club has secured Spain defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth and is pursuing Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold.  

Alonso's first major challenge will be leading Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup, where they will face Al-Hilal, Pachuca, and RB Salzburg. His appointment marks a strategic effort to restore balance and innovation to the team, drawing parallels to Zinedine Zidane's successful transition from player to manager at the club.  

The official presentation of Xabi Alonso as head coach is scheduled for Monday, May 26, at the Ciudad Real Madrid training complex.