KUCHING: Real Madrid has officially appointed Xabi Alonso as the club’s new head coach, marking a significant homecoming for the former midfield maestro.
Alonso, 43, succeeds Carlo Ancelotti, who departs after a trophyless season.
According to a statement by Madrid, the Spaniard has signed a contract until June 2028.
A familiar face at the Santiago Bernabéu, Alonso enjoyed a successful playing stint with Los Blancos from 2009 to 2014, securing six major titles, including the coveted La Décima.
His coaching journey began with Real Madrid’s youth teams, followed by a notable tenure at Bayer Leverkusen.
There, he led the German side to an unprecedented domestic treble and a 51-match unbeaten run, earning accolades such as the 2024 Globe Soccer Award for Best Coach.
Alonso’s immediate challenge will be steering Real Madrid in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, commencing on 14 June.
With the club aiming to reclaim its dominance, Alonso’s appointment signals a new era rooted in both legacy and ambition.
