Real Madrid make it official! Xabi Alonso joins from Bayer Leverkusen with first presentation as new manager confirmed

Alonso, who played for the La Liga giants between 2009-14, leaves Bayer Leverkusen after achieving extraordinary success, notably beating Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title last season. He now succeeds Ancelotti, who has departed to take on the Brazil national team job after a trophyless campaign at the Bernabeu.

A Real Madrid statement said: "Real Madrid CF announces that Xabi Alonso will be Real Madrid's manager for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. Xabi Alonso is one of the greatest legends of Real Madrid and world football. Now he returns to Real Madrid as one of the best coaches in the world, after making history at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the League, Cup, and German Super Cup in three seasons."

Alonso will be unveiled at an event in Madrid on Monday before getting to work. He will be tasked with unlocking the potential of a squad featuring global superstars Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to become his first signing.

Alonso will not have long to get his feet under the table, with Real's Club World Cup campaign beginning against Al-Hilal on Wednesday June 18. He will also hold his first press conference on Monday May 26.