Real Madrid have officially appointed Xabi Alonso as their new head coach, marking a dramatic return to the Santiago Bernabéu 11 years after his departure as a player.
The announcement was confirmed by respected transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, who posted on X: “Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, here we go! Story confirmed and deal sealed for Xabi as new manager until 2028.”
Alonso replaces Carlo Ancelotti, whose second spell at the club ends after a 4-3 El Clásico defeat to Barcelona that all but crushed Madrid’s La Liga title hopes. Despite winning 15 major trophies and etching his name in the club’s rich history, Ancelotti will step down at the end of the season.
Alonso, who recently led Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title, joins Real Madrid on the back of an unbeaten domestic season in Germany and a historic double. His rapid rise in coaching ranks has drawn widespread praise, with many tipping him as a natural successor to Ancelotti.
The Spaniard is expected to take charge in time for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, with his backroom staff already in place. Reports also suggest Madrid are lining up key signings to accompany Alonso’s arrival, including Trent Alexander-Arnold and two additional defenders.
With his tactical intelligence and leadership credentials, Alonso now faces the monumental task of guiding Europe’s most decorated club into a new era, as fans look forward to a potential resurgence under one of their own.
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