Spanish manager, Xabi Alonso, has been unveiled as the new Real Madrid head coach in an event at Real Madrid City on Monday 26 May, 2025.
The ceremony which commenced with an emotional video looking back at the Alonso’s career so far, had President Florentino Pérez make his statement.
According to realmadrid.com, Perez said: “The strength of this club is continuing to work to ensure the dreams of all madridismo come true. Today is a very special day for all those who feel passionate about Real Madrid. It’s the dawn of a new era, full of excitement and intense emotions.
“The coach coming in is already one of the best in the world and the embodiment of the Real Madrid values because he is fully aware of all this crest and this shirt represents. He was here as a player when this new golden age in our history got underway, when we lifted the unforgettable tenth European Cup in Lisbon. Today, we’re welcoming back one of our own, Xabi Alonso.”
Xabi Alonso is joining Real Madrid from German Bundesliga club, Bayer Leverkusen, after spending three years with the Black and Reds, and clinching three major trophies, including the League, the cup and the German Super Cup.
The Spaniard’s unveiling was announced by the club on Sunday 25 May, 2025 after Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the last La Liga 2024/25 match at Santiago Bernabeu.
Kylian Mbappe netted both goals for the home side in the encounter that had Croatian midfieder, Luka Modrić, and Italian manager, Carlo Ancelotti, make their final appearances for the Spanish giants.
Perez continued: “We’re proud to have you here to continue building on our club’s incredible history. I’m sure today will be an emotional day, because those who know you understand what Real Madrid means to you.
“Now, you’re back home at the place where you took your initial steps into coaching. We all quickly saw your destiny, from the moment you sat in the dugout in 2018, in charge of our Under-12s.
“That team were crowned champions of the League and the Torneo de Campeones. But the most important thing was how it set you forth on a path you would tread in your own style and with your own philosophy.
“You made history in German football: in three seasons at Bayer Leverkusen, you succeeded in doing something that much-admired club had never managed before – winning the Bundesliga. Furthermore, you took Bayer Leverkusen to their first ever German Super Cup, and their second German Cup.
“Today, you come back to Real Madrid as first-team coach to tackle one of the greatest challenges in your life so far. You will be backed by fans who love and admire you.”
Alonso will manage Real Madrid until 2028.
Photo: Xabi Alonso puts pen to paper to manager Real Madrid for the next three (3) years, with the club President, Florentino Perez. X/@realmadriden
