Xabi Alonso has officially been unveiled as the new head coach of Real Madrid, marking a powerful return to the club where he once excelled as a player.
The 43-year-old, fresh from a historic double-winning season with Bayer Leverkusen, signed a three-year deal with Los Blancos and replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who departs to lead the Brazil national team.
The unveiling, held at Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground on Monday, May 26, 2025, opened with a stirring video highlighting Alonso’s journey from midfield maestro to one of Europe’s most respected young coaches.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez welcomed the new manager with high praise, setting the tone for what he called the “dawn of a new era” for the club.
“The coach coming in is already one of the best in the world and the embodiment of Real Madrid values. He was here as a player when this new golden age in our history got underway, when we lifted the unforgettable tenth European Cup in Lisbon. Today, we’re welcoming back one of our own, Xabi Alonso,” he said.
Taking to the podium with visible emotion, Alonso spoke from the heart about his return to Madrid.
The former midfielder, who played for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014 and was part of the squad that won La Décima, expressed gratitude to the club and to Ancelotti, whom he described as a mentor and major influence.
“The cycle has come to an end under Ancelotti, who was my coach. He left a mark on me and has been a huge influence. I wouldn’t be here without all I learned from him. I’m honoured to take over from him and proud to be in a place where he achieved so much. I hope I can live up to the expectations,” Alonso said.
Alonso returns to the Bernabéu at a critical juncture. Real Madrid endured a difficult 2024–25 campaign, relinquishing their La Liga crown to rivals Barcelona, losing domestic cup finals to the same opponents, and bowing out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals to Arsenal.
Despite the recent setbacks, Alonso was optimistic about the club’s future and eager to get started.
“We have fantastic players, we have a team that has a lot of potential. There’s a very good present and a very good future. That gives me a lot of reason to come here with a lot of energy and a lot of hope that I can get the best out of all the players and build a great team,” he added.
Alonso officially begins his duties on June 1 and will lead the team into the FIFA Club World Cup next month, the first competitive test of what promises to be an exciting new chapter at the Santiago Bernabéu.
FKA/MA
Watch full report on the day one of the Sekondi Inter-Schools athletics
