The matter was already known. Carlo Ancelotti left Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso left Bayer Leverkusen. It was officially announced that Ancelotti's next destination was Brazil. It was not official, but everyone knew through the media that Alonso was going to fill Ancelotti's vacant place at Real.
Finally, the official announcement has come. Real Madrid have announced that Alonso will take over as their next coach. Former Spain and Real Madrid midfielder Santiago Bernabeu will take over from June 1. His contract will be for 3 years. That is, until June 30, 2028.
Real Madrid announced in a statement that Alonso would be appointed coach for three seasons, saying: 'Xabi Alonso will be Real Madrid's coach for three seasons, from 1 June 2025 to 30 June 2028.'
Alonso's first tournament for Real was the Club World Cup. Alonso, who retired from playing for Bayern Munich in 2017, began coaching in 2019. That was with Real Sociedad's 'B' team. In 2022, he took charge of German Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen. He led the team to the Bundesliga and German Cup in the 2023-24 season. Alonso's Leverkusen also won the 2024 German Super Cup.
Alonso's professional football career also began with Real Sociedad's 'B' team. After playing for Real's main team, on loan, he joined Liverpool in 2004. From there, he signed for Real in 2009. After playing for the team for five seasons, he left for Bayern. In that sense, Alonso's becoming Real's coach is like returning home to his son!