Xabi Alonso returns to Real Madrid as head coach after Bayer Leverkusen success
Real Madrid appoint Xabi Alonso on a three-year deal, marking his return nearly 11 years after his final match as a player.
 |
| Xabi Alonso arrives at his residence on May 25, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. Photo by Antonio Gutierrez/Europa Press |
By Yuni Utomo and Widya Putri
Xabi Alonso returns to Real Madrid as head coach, nearly 11 years after he played his final match for the club. The Spanish tactician, who gained recognition for transforming Bayer Leverkusen into one of Germany’s most exciting teams, has signed a three-year contract with Real Madrid. His appointment had long been speculated but became a formal reality when the club announced it officially on Sunday.
The move signals the beginning of a new era at the Santiago Bernabeu. Alonso, a former midfielder with 236 appearances for Real Madrid, won the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and two Copa del Rey titles during his time as a player. But as he returns, he does so not to relive the past, but to create a new chapter—one defined by leadership and tactical innovation.
A planned return years in the making
Rumours of Alonso's return began circulating during the 2023–24 season. However, it was only during this past campaign that those whispers gained traction. According to The Athletic, Real Madrid had engaged in months of talks with Alonso’s representatives, identifying him early on as their preferred successor to Carlo Ancelotti, who is now preparing to take over the Brazilian national team.
Behind the scenes, both parties were making moves. Alonso, fully focused on Bayer Leverkusen at the time, began laying quiet groundwork for a future at the Bernabeu. Ancelotti, aware of the transition, was reportedly disappointed but not surprised, having known for months that Alonso’s appointment was imminent.
Madrid’s admiration for Alonso never waned
Xabi Alonso’s ties with Real Madrid run deep. He first joined the club in 2009 during Florentino Perez’s second spell as president, arriving alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, and Karim Benzema. While his transfer was not as headline-grabbing, fans and the club hierarchy immediately recognized his importance.
A pivotal player for Liverpool during their 2005 Champions League triumph and a central figure in Spain’s 2008 Euro-winning team, Alonso brought intelligence, calm, and a commanding presence to Madrid’s midfield. His quiet charisma, understanding of the game, and professionalism made him a fan favorite.
Alvaro Arbeloa, a close friend and former teammate, symbolically welcomed him back even before the official announcement. In response to Alonso’s farewell post to Leverkusen, Arbeloa wrote on Instagram: “Your home awaits you.”
From player to coach: a journey of deliberate steps
Alonso’s transition from playing to coaching has been deliberate and strategic. After retiring in 2017, he joined Madrid’s youth system in 2018, coaching the under-14 team. There, he met Sebastian Parrilla, who has since become his most trusted assistant.
Realising the limited growth opportunities at Madrid, Alonso left in 2019 to coach Real Sociedad B. Within two seasons, he led the team to the Segunda Division, before relegation in 2022 ended his tenure. That exit paved the way for a move to Bayer Leverkusen, where his coaching credentials would reach new heights.
Leverkusen legacy: breaking Bayern’s hold
Alonso’s success in Germany turned heads across Europe. His fluid, attacking football disrupted Bayern Munich’s dominance in the Bundesliga, and his command of the German language helped build a strong rapport with fans and the media alike.
Under his leadership, Bayer Leverkusen became known not only for results but for style. He earned admiration from across the league, culminating in a farewell filled with gratitude and respect. Club CEO Fernando Carro confirmed that Alonso had been transparent in his plans and that a gentleman’s agreement allowed him to depart if a club like Madrid came calling.
On May 9, Alonso announced his exit in a press conference after first addressing the Leverkusen squad directly. Players responded with an ovation that mirrored the warmth with which fans and staff viewed him.
Madrid’s pattern: former players on the bench
Real Madrid’s history of appointing former players to managerial roles continues with Alonso. The pattern includes Zinedine Zidane, Santiago Solari, and even Ancelotti’s own second spell. Madrid values coaches who understand the unique pressures of the Bernabeu, and Alonso fits that mold perfectly.
He knows what it means to represent Real Madrid—the scrutiny of the press, the political weight of the president, and the expectations of a demanding fanbase. This institutional knowledge was a crucial factor in the club’s decision.
Chief executive Jose Angel Sanchez, in particular, has always respected Alonso’s work ethic and tactical mind. Trained under elite managers like Jose Mourinho, Guardiola, and Ancelotti himself, Alonso carries their lessons into his own approach.
Preparing for the next challenge
Real Madrid’s appointment of Alonso includes plans for the Club World Cup in the United States. His first match will be against Al-Hilal on June 18, and early signs suggest he is already preparing intensively.
He has spoken with Real Madrid players and even connected with Raul, who is set to leave his position as Castilla coach. Both men took their UEFA coaching courses together in 2018. Alonso also maintains strong relationships with Alvaro Arbeloa and goalkeeper coach Luis Llopis, further strengthening his support system within Valdebebas.
Strategic contacts and agency involvement
The negotiations involved multiple parties, including Alonso’s agencies—IDUB and Best of You. While IDUB has long represented Alonso and other prominent coaches like Mikel Arteta and Ernesto Valverde, Best of You handles his commercial matters. Their CEO, Oscar Ribot, helped facilitate the Kylian Mbappe deal last summer, further reinforcing the close ties with Real Madrid.
Inaki Ibanez from IDUB played the leading role in Alonso’s appointment, overseeing the communication with Madrid executives. The pre-existing relationship between the agency and the club helped ease the negotiation process.
A sentimental but strategic return
The move is not purely emotional—it’s a strategic investment in a coach whose potential seems limitless. Alonso leaves Germany with his reputation enhanced and his coaching philosophy sharpened. His influence extended beyond tactics—he became part of Leverkusen’s identity, even receiving honorary citizenship and a street named “Xabi-Alonso-Allee” around the BayArena.
Although his family enjoyed life in Germany, the allure of Madrid was undeniable. The decision to leave was mutual and understood by both parties.
What lies ahead for Alonso and Madrid
As the 2025–26 season approaches, all eyes will be on Alonso. His appointment represents a blend of tradition and innovation, a former legend now tasked with shaping Madrid’s future. With his deep understanding of the club’s culture, an impressive tactical resume, and a support system already in place, Alonso’s return to Real Madrid marks a new beginning.
And in the words of Madrid’s own anthem: history was made, but more history is yet to be written.
More in Football
- Luka Modric to leave Real Madrid after Club World Cup this summer
- Arne Slot says Liverpool transfer plan avoids radical changes after Premier League title
- Gary Lineker leaves Match of the Day after social media controversy
