Alonso Takes Helm At Real As Legends Go

Spaniard appointed new Madrid manager as Ancelotti, Modric close Bernabeu chapter

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MADRID - Real Madrid appointed Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti as coach on May 25, with the Spaniard to take over from June 1 and lead the team at the Club World Cup.

"Xabi Alonso will be the Real Madrid coach for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025 until June 30, 2028," said Real in a statement.

With veteran Italian coach Ancelotti taking the reins of the Brazilian national team, Real secured a deal with former midfielder Alonso, whom they have been linked with for months.

Alonso, 43, leaves German side Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the Bundesliga season after finishing second.

"Alonso is one of the biggest legends at Real Madrid and in world football," continued Los Blancos' statement.

He made 236 appearances for Real Madrid as a player and also won the Champions League.

Alonso will be officially presented on May 26.

The Spaniard guided Leverkusen to a league and German Cup double in the 2023-2024 campaign, with his team unbeaten in the top flight, making him a target for Europe's top clubs.

Basque coach Alonso had an agreement with Leverkusen to allow him to depart if one of his former sides, including Real, Liverpool and Bayern Munich, wanted to hire him.