Xabi Alonso Begins New Era as Real Madrid Head Coach

Xabi Alonso is the new head coach of Real Madrid. The former midfielder is excited to bring Los Blancos back to success.

WHAT HAPPENED?

On Monday, Xabi Alonso signed a three-year contract with Real Madrid. Club president Florentino Pérez welcomed him at the club. Alonso received a replica of the Santiago Bernabéu and a team jersey with his name. The 43-year-old replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who had a poor season with no major trophies. Alonso’s first job is the FIFA Club World Cup in the US this summer, before the 2025-26 campaign.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This is a big change for Real Madrid. The team finished the 2024-25 season behind Barcelona in LaLiga and missed out on both the Copa del Rey and Champions League after being eliminated in the quarter-finals. Alonso comes from Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga and guided the team to historic success. Real Madrid wants Alonso’s experience as a player and as a coach to help them win more trophies.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

Alonso will be presented as head coach before the final league match against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu. His first challenge will be the Club World Cup, where he can win his first title with the team. Real Madrid wants to close the gap with leaders Barcelona and return to winning ways under Alonso. Fans can expect new tactics and transfers to help the team fight for trophies next season.