Official: Real Madrid snatch Boniface's coach Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid have officially announced the start of the reign of Xabi Alonso, the mastermind behind Victor Boniface’s rise at Bayer Leverkusen.

The club announced that Alonso will take charge from June 1, 2025, signing a three-year deal that runs through June 2028, returning to the Santiago Bernabeu, where he won the Champions League as a player.

After cutting his managerial teeth with Real Madrid’s youth team in 2018/19, where he led Infantil A to a league and tournament double, Alonso built his reputation into one of the hottest in world football.

At Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso did the unthinkable, breaking Bayern Munich’s grip on German football by guiding his side to a historic treble, with the Bundesliga, German Cup, and German Super Cup.

With Nigerian forward Victor Boniface thriving under his leadership, Alonso’s stock soared globally, with several clubs sounding out the Spanish manager.

Now, Los Blancos have brought their former midfield general back to the capital, not as a player this time, but as the head of their coaching unit.

Alonso’s appointment marks the end of an era for Carlo Ancelotti, who leaves the club after a trophyless season.

Despite his tenure ending, Ancelotti and Real Madrid parted with mutual respect and celebration after a hugely successful stint by the Italian manager.

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez praised the Italian icon, calling him “part of the Real Madrid family forever,” while Ancelotti was in tears during his final game, calling Real Madrid the club of his life.

Ancelotti will take over as Brazil’s new head coach, and the Italian departs as the most successful manager in the club’s history, with 15 trophies and an unmatched legacy.