Madrid, Spain – The footballing world is abuzz with anticipation as Xabi Alonso, the architect of Bayer Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga triumph, has confirmed his departure from the German club at the end of the 2024–25 season. His next destination? All signs point back to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Alonso’s name has dominated the headlines in recent weeks, with Real Madrid reportedly lining him up to replace current head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is expected to step down or transition into a different role by the summer. The timing is impeccable: Alonso exits Leverkusen at the peak of his managerial ascent, having led the club to its first-ever Bundesliga title and a DFB-Pokal victory, all while maintaining an unbeaten domestic season.
In a press conference following his announcement, Alonso remained tight-lipped about his future, only saying, “It has been an incredible chapter in my coaching journey. I’m proud of what we achieved at Leverkusen. Now it’s time for a new challenge.”
While the Spaniard stopped short of confirming his next role, the speculation has been all but confirmed by Real Madrid insiders and echoed by Ancelotti himself. The veteran Italian manager had nothing but praise for his former midfield maestro. “Xabi has all the doors open. He’s shown he’s one of the best young coaches in the world,” Ancelotti said during a recent interview with El País.
A Full-Circle Moment
Alonso’s return to Madrid would mark a full-circle moment in his illustrious footballing career. As a player, he donned the white shirt of Real Madrid from 2009 to 2014, becoming a lynchpin in a midfield that delivered multiple titles, including the coveted La Décima — Madrid’s 10th UEFA Champions League crown in 2014.
Now, just over a decade later, he is poised to lead a new generation of Galácticos from the touchline.
Tactical Brilliance Meets Club Legacy
Since taking over at Leverkusen in 2022, Alonso has transformed the club’s identity. His tactical flexibility, use of vertical passing, and development of young players have won him admiration across Europe. Under his leadership, Leverkusen not only became winners but played with a style that mirrors Real Madrid’s own ideals: aggressive, intelligent, and fearless football.
If appointed, Alonso would become the first Real Madrid manager in the modern era to return to the club as both a Champions League-winning player and a head coach with elite European credentials. It’s a narrative rich in symbolism, one that appeals both to the boardroom and the Bernabéu faithful.
What’s Next?
Real Madrid are expected to make an official announcement in the coming weeks, possibly after the Champions League final. According to reports from Marca and AS, terms between Alonso and the club are “virtually agreed,” with only formalities remaining.
If the deal goes through, it would herald a new era for the Spanish giants — one shaped not just by a manager’s résumé, but by his deep understanding of what it means to represent Los Blancos.
One thing is clear: if Xabi Alonso returns to Madrid, he won’t just be filling Ancelotti’s shoes — he’ll be stepping into his own legacy.