Real Madrid have appointed their former midfielder Xabi Alonso as manager on a three-year deal.
The 43-year-old will succeed Carlo Ancelotti, who took charge of his final game for the Spanish giants on Saturday.
Ancelotti will now become coach of Brazil, making way for Alonso to take the helm at the Bernabeu. Earlier this month, Ancelotti called Alonso "one of the best in the world" as speculation grew about his appointment.
Alonso has signed a deal running until June, 30 2028 and will be introduced as manager at Real Madrid's training ground on Monday. His first match in charge will be at the Club World Cup against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal on June 18.
Xabi Alonso returns to Spain
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The former Liverpool and Spain midfielder announced earlier this month that he would leave his role as Bayer Leverkusen boss at the end of the season, paving the way for his return to Madrid.
Alonso led Leverkusen to their first ever Bundesliga title during the 2023-24 campaign, securing it without losing a single game. He also guided the club to German Cup victory in his first full season as a senior club manager.
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Despite their remarkable previous season, Leverkusen were unable to defend their Bundesliga title this term, finishing second behind Bayern Munich. Their Europa League final defeat by Atalanta last season represented their only loss in 53 games across all competitions.
Alonso's coaching journey began with Real Madrid's Under-14 side in 2018, his first role after hanging up his boots. The World Cup winner with Spain then spent three impressive years in charge of Real Sociedad's B team.
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Carlo Ancelotti will now manage the Brazil international team
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His first managerial position in first-team football came when he took over at Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022. He transformed the club from second from bottom to a sixth-place finish in the 2022-23 Bundesliga before their historic unbeaten title-winning campaign the following season.
As a player, Alonso made 236 appearances for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014, winning the Champions League with the club in his final season. The double European Championship winner with Spain also lifted the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005.
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Alonso was linked with managerial roles at Real Madrid, Liverpool and Bayern last year but opted to remain at Leverkusen following discussions with the club's hierarchy in March 2024.
Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly on the brink of agreeing a deal to replace Alonso at Leverkusen. This comes as Alonso's side were knocked out of this season's Champions League in the last 16 by Bayern Munich.
Xabi Alonso will begin his tenure at the Club World Cup
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Leverkusen also suffered a shock loss to third-tier Arminia Bielefeld in the German Cup semi-finals. Despite these setbacks, Alonso leaves the German club with his reputation significantly enhanced after losing just three Bundesliga matches this season.
