Real Madrid Appoints Xabi Alonso Head Coach Through 2028

Real Madrid has officially appointed former player Xabi Alonso as the new head coach, effective June 1, 2025, with a contract running through June 30, 2028. Alonso will replace Carlo Ancelotti, who is departing to become the Brazil national team's head coach after a largely successful tenure marked by recent struggles. Alonso, a club legend with 236 appearances and six major titles as a player, has built a strong managerial reputation, notably leading Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title in the 2023-24 season along with the German Cup and Super Cup. He began his coaching career with Real Madrid's youth teams and Real Sociedad's reserves before moving to Leverkusen, where he developed a reputation as one of the top young coaches in Europe. Real Madrid views Alonso's appointment as the start of a new cycle aimed at restoring the club's competitive edge and trophies. The club is also actively pursuing new signings to support Alonso's tenure, including discussions for Benfica's left-back Alvaro Carreras.