Xabi Alonso Named Real Madrid Manager as Ancelotti Heads to Brazil

In a seismic shift for European and international football, Xabi Alonso has been confirmed as Real Madrid’s new manager, signing a three-year deal until 2028, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The announcement, made on May 12, 2025, marks the end of Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure at the club, with the Italian set to take charge of the Brazilian national team, the first foreign coach in nearly a century, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2023-24, will begin his Madrid journey at the FIFA Club World Cup in June 2025, hosted in the United States. His appointment follows a trophyless season for Madrid, marred by a Champions League quarterfinal exit and a LaLiga title loss. Meanwhile, Ancelotti’s move to Brazil, finalized by the Brazilian Football Confederation, aims to rejuvenate the Seleção after recent struggles, with his first challenge being the South American qualifiers. Real Madrid also eyes Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold for the Club World Cup, signaling a broader squad overhaul under Alonso’s leadership as the club seeks to reclaim its European dominance.