Xabi Alonso Takes the Helm at Real Madrid After Ancelotti’s Departure

In a major shift for Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti has officially announced his departure from the club at the end of the 2024/2025 La Liga season. This marks the end of a successful chapter under the Italian’s leadership, leaving fans to wonder who will be the next man to guide the prestigious club forward.

The answer is former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has been named as the new head coach. The announcement was confirmed on May 12, 2025, by reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, who made the news official with his signature "Here we go!" The appointment comes shortly after Alonso made his own farewell to Bayer Leverkusen, where he has been managing successfully for the past few years.

In his final home match for the German club, Alonso delivered an emotional goodbye to fans, signaling the close of his tenure in Germany and the start of his next great adventure at Santiago Bernabeu.  

Read More: https://www.esnnews.com/post/carlo-ancelotti-saudi-arabia-national-team-rumors Alonso’s return to Madrid is both symbolic and significant.

Not only does it mark his return to the club where he enjoyed a stellar playing career, but it also ushers in a new era for the club. Romano reported that Alonso has signed a three-year contract with Real Madrid, with all staff arrangements finalized.

His journey as the head coach will officially begin before the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off next month. The former Spain international has already made the decision to leave Bayer Leverkusen, where he had become one of the most highly regarded young coaches in Europe.

Under his leadership, Leverkusen achieved a domestic double and reached the final of the Europa League last season. His success continued this year, with the club currently holding second place in the Bundesliga standings.

While their Champions League run ended in the round of 16, Alonso’s work at Leverkusen has been nothing short of impressive. Real Madrid fans now look forward to Alonso’s tactical acumen and leadership skills as he takes the reins at one of the world’s biggest clubs.

His appointment is seen as a move toward a more modern tactical approach, and with his extensive experience as an elite player, he is expected to bring fresh energy and innovation to the team. The appointment of Alonso, along with his three-year contract, represents a significant change for Real Madrid, following Ancelotti’s remarkable tenure.

Read More: https://www.esnnews.com/post/mohamed-salah-breaks-record-heskey-rates-henry-higher With the season winding down, Ancelotti is expected to confirm his move to Brazil’s national team shortly after the conclusion of La Liga.

Real Madrid’s final match of the season will take place on May 25, and Alonso is set to take over as head coach immediately after. With a promising future ahead, Xabi Alonso’s return to Real Madrid has fans excited about the new direction the club will take under his leadership.