Xabi Alonso Appointed Real Madrid Manager Until 2028

Real Madrid have appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a three-year contract until 2028. The Spanish coach will replace Carlo Ancelotti, whose departure will be announced soon and is likely to become Brazil’s national team coach.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Xabi Alonso is returning to Real Madrid, this time as head coach. The 43-year-old, who announced he was leaving Bayer Leverkusen last Friday, has agreed to a three-year deal with the Spanish club. His appointment comes after much speculation following his decision to leave Leverkusen at the end of the 2024-25 season. Real Madrid have finalized arrangements with Alonso’s coaching staff, and he is expected to take charge officially at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup which starts in the beginning of June.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Alonso’s appointment means the end of Carlo Ancelotti’s second spell at Real Madrid. The Italian manager, who has won three Champions League titles with the club, is set to leave after Madrid’s final LaLiga match against Real Sociedad on May 25. Real Madrid are currently three points behind Barcelona in the tight LaLiga title race, with the crucial El Clásico against Barcelona scheduled for this Sunday. Despite Ancelotti’s success in the past, Los Blancos have underperformed this season, facing elimination in the Champions League quarterfinals and likely ending the season without a major trophy.

ALONSO’S CREDENTIALS

Xabi Alonso has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising coaches during his time at Bayer Leverkusen. Taking over the struggling German side in 2022, he transformed them into Bundesliga champions in the 2023-24 season without losing a single league match and also won the DFB Pokal, completing a domestic double. Alonso’s achievements have made him a highly sought-after coach, with Ancelotti himself admitting that Alonso “has shown himself to be one of the best coaches in the world.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

Before Alonso takes over, Real Madrid have crucial matches ahead. This Sunday, they face Barcelona in a potential title-deciding El Clásico, trailing their rivals by three points in the LaLiga standings. After that, they will prepare for their final league game against Real Sociedad, which will serve as Ancelotti’s farewell match. Once Alonso takes charge, his first major test will be at the FIFA Club World Cup, where Real Madrid will aim to add another international trophy to their impressive silverware collection. The club will be hoping that Alonso’s appointment marks the beginning of a new successful era at the Santiago Bernabéu.