Xabi Alonso Poised to Return to Real Madrid as Head Coach

Alonso had won the 2013-14 UEFA Champions League under Ancelotti, and the former midfielder had previously hinted that there could be an approach towards him. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Xabi Alonso is set to become Real Madrid's next manager following Carlo Ancelotti’s move to Brazil, marking a historic return to the club where he starred as a player and began his coaching journey.

It looks like Xabi Alonso is coming home.

According to several reports from Spain, the former Real Madrid midfielder is on track to become the club’s next head coach, following Carlo Ancelotti’s upcoming departure to manage the Brazil national team.

For Madrid fans, this is more than just a managerial switch — it’s the return of a club legend. Alonso, who helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup and spent five trophy-laden seasons in Madrid, is now set to return not as a player, but as the man in charge. He made 236 appearances and lifted nine major trophies with Los Blancos. His coaching journey even began at the club, working with the under-14s after hanging up his boots.

He’ll have big shoes to fill. Ancelotti is leaving as the most successful manager in Real Madrid’s long history, with 15 major titles to his name, including three Champions League trophies. His next challenge will be guiding Brazil toward the 2026 World Cup.

There were rumors about other big names in the running, including former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, but Alonso stood out. Since taking over at Bayer Leverkusen in 2022, he’s transformed the German side. What was once a team teetering near relegation is now Bundesliga champions for the first time in history. Add to that a German Super Cup and DFB Pokal, and it’s clear why Real Madrid sees him as the ideal candidate.

In just 137 matches at Leverkusen, Alonso has lost only 18 — a remarkable record that’s turned him into one of Europe’s hottest managerial prospects. And of course, there’s the sentimental angle: he was part of Ancelotti’s Champions League-winning side in 2014 and has long been tipped to one day return to the Bernabéu.

When asked recently about a potential move, Alonso remained calm and professional, saying, “There’s a moment for everything. So we need to wait a bit.” That moment, it seems, is now.

Spanish outlets Diario AS and Relevo report that Real Madrid are in advanced talks with Alonso, and thanks to a gentleman’s agreement with Leverkusen, Madrid might not even have to pay the €20 million release clause to bring him back.

It’s a reunion fans have dreamed of — the beloved midfield general returning to lead a new era from the sidelines.