Premier League club, Chelsea, have appointed Xabi Alonso as head coach of the Men’s team.
Alonso will begin his managerial duties at Stamford Bridge on July 1, 2026 after agreeing a four-year deal with the Club.
An official statement from Chelsea FC on Sunday 17 May, 2026 reads: “Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the Men’s Team.
“The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.”
Alonso, former Real Madrid manager, is one of the most respected figures in modern football. He will be joining Chelsea after his stunning achievements at German Bundesliga Club, Bayer Leverkusen.
The former Spain midfielder guided Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in their history. Chelsea expresses optimism in Alonso’s experience and quality to lead the Blues in the next level of the Club’s journey.
According to the Club’s official website, in his post-appointment comments, Alonso described Chelsea as “one of the biggest clubs” on Earth.
Alonso said: “Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club.
“From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.
“Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies.”
With Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso won the Bundesliga 2023/24, DFB Pokal 2023/24, DFL Supercup 2024 and finished runner-up in the Uefa Europa League 2023/24.
In the UEL 2023/24 final, Bayer Leverkusen fell to Italian Serie A side, Atalanta, by three (3) goals to zero (0). All three (3) goals netted by Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman.
Photo: Xabi Alonso | Getty Images
