Santiago Bernabéu, Spain:
Real Madrid have officially announced the appointment of club legend Xabi Alonso as their new head coach, marking a high profile return to the Santiago Bernabéu. The 43 year old Spaniard has signed a three-year contract that will keep him in charge through the summer of 2028.
Alonso takes over from Carlo Ancelotti, who stepped down following a mixed campaign and his move to lead Brazil’s national team. The former midfield general, who made over 230 appearances for Madrid as a player between 2009 and 2014, now returns to lead from the touchline with the backing of fans, players, and club president Florentino Pérez.
Alonso’s first statement after the announcement:
“This is more than just a job for me. It’s a return home,” Alonso said during his unveiling at the club’s training facility in Valdebebas. “Real Madrid shaped me as a footballer and as a person. Now I’m ready to give back as a manager.”
Alonso’s managerial stock has soared in recent years. After cutting his teeth with Real Madrid’s youth teams and Real Sociedad B, he took over at Bayer Leverkusen in 2022 and led them to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal triumph in the 2023–24 season an achievement that turned heads across Europe.
FIFA Club World Cup:
The new manager will have little time to settle, with Real Madrid set to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States next month. His first competitive game in charge will be against Al-Hilal on June 18 in Miami, as the Spanish giants aim to secure global silverware under fresh leadership.
Alonso inherits a squad full of talent and promise, with young stars like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Eduardo Camavinga forming the spine of the team. The club is also expected to be active in the summer transfer market, with ongoing talks surrounding high-profile reinforcements.
Club president Pérez welcomed Alonso with high praise, calling him “a symbol of Madridismo and excellence,” and expressed confidence that the new coach would continue the club’s legacy of success.
With deep tactical knowledge, a modern footballing philosophy, and the respect of the locker room, Xabi Alonso now faces the pressure and promise of leading one of the biggest clubs in the world. A new era at Real Madrid has officially begun.
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