The Spanish powerhouse announced the hiring of Alonso on Sunday to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who is leaving to take over the Brazil job. Alonso will take over on June 1 and will be given a contract through June 2028, the club said.

Xabi Alonso has been confirmed as Real Madrid's new coach, taking over from Carlo Ancelotti for this summer's Club World Cup. The 43-year-old, who made 236 appearances for Madrid as a player and began his coaching career at the club's academy,

Xabi Alonso leaves Bayer Leverkusen as a club legend after only two full seasons in charge. Despite being under contract until the summer of 2026, Alonso bid farewell to Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the 2024–25 season to return to the Spanish capital.