Alonso’s exit came just eight months after his appointment, bringing a sudden end to what many expected to be a long-term project.

Breaking his silence shortly after the club confirmed his departure, the former midfielder released a short but emotional statement on his official Instagram page, thanking the club hierarchy, players, and supporters for their backing.

Despite the abrupt ending, Alonso insisted he walked away with dignity and pride, stressing that he gave everything during his time in charge.

He said:

“This professional stage is over, and it didn’t go as we would have liked. Coaching Real Madrid has been an honor and a responsibility. I thank the club, the players and above all the fans and Madrid fans for their trust and support. I leave with respect, gratitude, and pride that I did my best.”

The 44-year-old admitted that the outcome fell short of expectations but accepted responsibility for the team’s performances, acknowledging that such decisions are part of life at a club with Real Madrid’s standards.

“When results don’t meet the club’s standards, these decisions happen,” Alonso noted, while also reserving praise for his squad, highlighting their professionalism and commitment during what he described as a challenging period.

He further reflected on the weight that comes with managing the Spanish giants, describing the role as both an honour and a huge responsibility he will always cherish.

Real Madrid have since moved quickly to fill the vacancy, announcing Álvaro Arbeloa as Alonso’s replacement. Like his predecessor, Arbeloa is a former Madrid player and now steps into the role tasked with steadying the club after a turbulent spell.

While Alonso’s reign ended far sooner than anticipated, his message struck a tone of gratitude rather than bitterness — closing the chapter with his head held high as Real Madrid turn the page to a new era.

 

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A post shared by Xabi Alonso (@xabialonso)

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The decision, which was reached by mutual agreement, comes at a delicate moment for the Spanish giants. Alonso’s exit follows closely on the heels of Madrid’s painful 3–2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final in Saudi Arabia, a result that further intensified pressure on the former midfielder.

Alonso, a revered figure at the club from his playing days, returned to Madrid on May 25, 2025, riding high after an impressive managerial spell with Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. Expectations were sky-high, but results failed to match the optimism.

After 19 La Liga games, Los Blancos are currently four points behind leaders and archrivals Barcelona, a gap the hierarchy seemingly felt was unacceptable.

On Monday, January 12, Real Madrid made the announcement official in a club statement.

“Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first team coach,” the statement read.

Despite the disappointing spell, the club was keen to underline Alonso’s legendary status and enduring connection with Madrid.

“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.

“Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication during this time and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”

In the same announcement, Real Madrid confirmed that Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as the new head coach of the first team. Like Alonso, Arbeloa is a former Madrid player and understands the club’s culture deeply.

The former Spain international has been in charge of Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve side, since June 2025, having previously spent around five years coaching within the youth academy.

Arbeloa now steps into one of football’s most demanding jobs, tasked with steadying the ship and reigniting Madrid’s title charge as the season enters a critical phase. For Alonso, meanwhile, the chapter closes quickly in the dugout but his bond with the club, as Madrid made clear, remains unbroken.

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Legendary Spanish footballer Xabi Alonso has brought his remarkable career to a close on a high note, setting a new Bundesliga record during his emotional farewell match as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen.

Alonso’s final game in charge ended in a 2-2 draw against Mainz, marking an unprecedented achievement: a new Bundesliga record for the most successive away league games without defeat.

Although Leverkusen were dethroned this season in both the Bundesliga and DFB Cup—having clinched both titles in the 2023/24 campaign—the team remained unbeaten in all 17 of their away league fixtures, surpassing Bayern Munich’s previous record of 33 away league matches without loss, which was set between 2011/12 and 2013/14.

What makes this record even more impressive is that, unlike Bayern’s run—which spanned the coaching tenures of both Jupp Heynckes and Pep Guardiola—Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak on the road was achieved entirely under Alonso’s leadership.

This also breaks the previous record of 27 consecutive away matches without defeat, held by the legendary Udo Lattek until February 28, 2025, when Alonso’s side secured a 2-0 victory in Kiel.

0 Away defeats in two seasons! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/fsBSiQgNeD

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) May 17, 2025

Leverkusen’s formidable away record under Alonso across the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons stands at an incredible 23 wins and 11 draws.

Looking ahead, Bayer Leverkusen will have the opportunity to extend this remarkable unbeaten streak when the 2025/26 Bundesliga season kicks off in late August, although Alonso will not be at the helm.

The former midfield maestro recently confirmed that the Mainz fixture would be his last game managing the Rhineland club, closing the chapter on an impressive coaching spell following a stellar playing career.

ANOTHER FULL SEASON UNBEATEN AWAY FROM HOME! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/S0jQ89OMJW

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) May 17, 2025

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The Bayer Leverkusen manager—long seen as the natural heir to Carlo Ancelotti—is reportedly in line to begin his tenure this summer.

According to Spanish outlet MARCA, a deal has been finalized, with Alonso agreeing to a three-year contract. He is expected to bring trusted lieutenants Sebas Parrilla (assistant coach) and Alberto Encinas (fitness coach) as part of his backroom team.

Ancelotti, the most decorated manager in Real Madrid history, is anticipated to step down following the club’s final La Liga game on 25 May. The decision follows a string of disappointing results in Europe and back-to-back defeats to Barcelona in domestic competitions. Alonso is expected to sign his contract officially after Ancelotti’s exit is confirmed.

Reports from Sky Sport Germany’s Florian Plettenberg support the news, and speculation around Alonso’s successor at Leverkusen is already gaining traction. Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, along with ex-Barcelona midfielders Xavi Hernandez and Cesc Fabregas, and Real Madrid Castilla coach Alvaro Arbeloa, are all being considered for the Bundesliga role.

Despite the buzz, MARCA adds that Alonso might not formally take charge until after the summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, possibly pushing his arrival to late July. In the meantime, Santiago Solari—Madrid’s director of football and a former interim coach—is expected to serve as caretaker manager.

Don’t expect sweeping changes when Alonso steps in. MARCA reports that a major overhaul is neither planned nor financially practical. Real Madrid’s leadership, including Florentino Pérez, will retain final authority over transfers, though Alonso will have input in identifying areas for reinforcement.

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FIFA has announced the nominees for the prestigious 2024 Best FIFA Men’s Coach award, showcasing some of the finest managerial talents in global football.

The winner will be determined by a diverse panel that includes current coaches and captains of men’s national teams, one journalist from each FIFA-recognized territory, and global football fans.

Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, the reigning titleholder of the award, has been shortlisted again following another stellar season.

The Catalan tactician led City to their fourth consecutive Premier League triumph in 2024, making history as the first English top-flight team to achieve this milestone.

Also making the cut is Carlo Ancelotti, the experienced Real Madrid manager, whose leadership earned Los Blancos both the La Liga title and the Champions League trophy. Ancelotti’s achievements have also brought recognition to his players, with several nominated for individual honours.

Xabi Alonso, the celebrated coach of Bayer Leverkusen, has been nominated after an exceptional 2023/24 campaign. Under his guidance, Leverkusen clinched the Bundesliga title and maintained an extraordinary 51-match unbeaten streak in all competitions.

The Spaniard also secured a domestic cup victory, though his team narrowly missed out on Europa League glory, falling in the final.

On the international front, Luis de la Fuente receives a nod for his remarkable success with Spain, guiding them to victory at Euro 2024.

Meanwhile, Lionel Scaloni is recognized for leading Argentina to triumph in the Copa America, further solidifying his reputation on the world stage.

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach Award celebrates the immense contributions of these tacticians to the sport, with fans eagerly awaiting the final announcement at the Best Awards ceremony.

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2024 nominees

• Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
• Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
• Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
• Lionel Scaloni (Argentina)

🚨 OFFICIAL: The Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2024 nominees!

• CARLO ANCELOTTI
• Lionel Scaloni
• Luis de la Fuente
• Pep Guardiola
• Xabi Alonso pic.twitter.com/lwVvDiynwA

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) November 28, 2024

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Bayer Leverkusen has etched their name in history by clinching their inaugural Bundesliga title with a resounding 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen on Sunday.

Heading into the weekend’s match, Xabi Alonso’s side required just one more win to secure the BuLi title, given their remarkable form throughout the 2023–24 campaign. Leverkusen remained undefeated both domestically and in continental competitions.

🔴⚫️🏆 Bayer Leverkusen win the Bundesliga title for the FIRST time in their history!

74 goals scored, 19 goals conceded, ZERO defeats.

Insane job by Xabi Alonso and this group of fantastic players.

Congratulations, @bayer04fussball! ✨ pic.twitter.com/CMHErGMKb2

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 14, 2024

True to form, Leverkusen dominated the game at the Bay Arena, securing the win with goals from Victor Boniface, Granit Xhaka, and a sensational hat-trick from Florian Wirtz.

The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute, when Leverkusen earned a penalty following a foul by Jonas Hofmann in the box. Victor Boniface calmly converted from the spot, slotting the ball low into the net.

Leverkusen nearly doubled their lead late in the first half as Yacine Adli rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort after a clever cross from Hofmann.

In the 60th minute, Leverkusen extended their lead with a stunning goal from Granit Xhaka, who expertly curled the ball into the top corner from 30 yards out.

Der Fußballgott stimmt an:
📢 𝑫𝒆𝒖𝒕𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒇𝒕 🎶

Florian #Wirtz | #DeutscherMeisterSV pic.twitter.com/WT7Qv89DOA

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04fussball) April 14, 2024

Shortly after, Florian Wirtz showcased his brilliance by adding a third goal, unleashing a fierce shot into the roof of the net from outside the penalty area.

Wirtz completed his hat-trick late in the game, delighting the Bay Arena faithful with two more goals, sealing Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga triumph.

This triumph marks Bayer Leverkusen’s first-ever league title, following five previous instances of finishing as runners-up. The achievement holds particular significance, echoing their memorable campaign in 2001/02, when a team led by Michael Ballack reached the finals of the UEFA Champions League and DFB-Pokal.

With the title secured, Alonso’s side now sets their sights on a potential treble this season. Leverkusen has already secured a spot in the DFB-Pokal final, where they will face 1. FCK, and are poised to advance to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals after a commanding 2-0 victory over West Ham in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

JAAAAAA! 🥹🖤🔴 #DeutscherMeisterSVB pic.twitter.com/EktgGLIcta

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04fussball) April 14, 2024

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English professional footballer Callum James Hudson-Odoi has elaborated on his reasons for having to leave Chelsea in the summer to join Bayer Leverkusen on a long-term loan.

In light of the “tough times” he had under Tuchel, Hudson-Odoi acknowledges the necessity to “get out” of Chelsea. He felt compelled to leave Chelsea during the summer and finally decided to sign a season-long loan with Bayer Leverkusen.

When Hudson-Odoi suddenly broke into the first team at Stamford Bridge a few years back, Chelsea appeared to have another future England regular on their hands.

A move away from the club seemed to be his only option after being kept out of the matchday squad at the beginning of the season due to injuries and his inability to convince Thomas Tuchel that he was deserving of a regular spot.

“My mindset was, ‘I have to get out of there’,” he told The Athletic. “Not in a rude way, as in I don’t like the club or I don’t want to be at the club, I don’t like the club. Nothing like that. But I needed to play football somewhere new. Start afresh. Try the best I can wherever I am. And then go back to Chelsea at the end of the loan.”

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Additionally, Odoi found it frustrating as Tuchel’s approach forced him to play primarily as a wingback despite the fact that he is a natural winger. He added on his time in the role:

“At times, it was okay. But sometimes in my head, I’m thinking, ‘What am I doing, why am I in this position? I’m more defending than attacking’. No matter where I was playing, I was always trying to do my best and help the team — it’s not always about myself. I never argued; I just got on with it. But in order to get the best out of yourself, you have to play where you can feel most comfortable and do what you can do best. It was definitely difficult at times with him but you have to get on with it and do what you can.”

The continued investment in the squad at Chelsea, who sacked Tuchel in September before drafting Graham Potter, has only made it harder for Hudson-Odoi to prove he is worthy of a regular place in the starting XI.

Instead, he felt he was better placed at Leverkusen, where he is afforded more game time and he has already started eight games across the Bundesliga and Champions League, with the last few of those coming under the club’s new manager Xabi Alonso.

The 21-year-old is keeping one eye on the World Cup coming up next month, just like many other players throughout Europe.

He may yet be able to play for Ghana, who have been placed in Group H with Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea, even if earning a spot in the England team appears to be very impossible.

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