Xabi Alonso (44) has been officially appointed as the new head coach of Real Madrid. After lifting numerous trophies with Real Madrid and the Spanish national team as a player, he now takes the helm of Real Madrid as a manager.
Real Madrid announced on the 25th (Korean time) through the club's official website that "Xabi Alonso will serve as the head coach of Real Madrid's senior team for three years from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028."
Alonso appeared in 236 official matches for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2014. He lifted a total of six trophies, including the 10th UEFA Champions League title, known as 'La Décima,' two Copa del Rey titles, La Liga, the UEFA Supercup, and the Supercopa de España.
His international career is also impressive. He played 113 matches for the Spanish national team and was a key player in winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
After retiring, Alonso took the path of coaching, starting his managerial career by leading Real Madrid's youth team 'Infantil A' during the 2018-2019 season, before advancing to become the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen's senior team. In just three seasons in Germany, he lifted the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and the German Supercup, establishing himself as a 'next-generation great coach.'
Real Madrid noted, "Alonso has returned as one of the best managers in the world," and stated, "He will leave a lasting legacy as a leader in the club's history."
The official inauguration ceremony is set to take place at 7:30 p.m. on the 26th (Korean time) at the club's training facility, 'Ciudad Real Madrid.' Before that, club president Florentino Pérez will welcome Coach Alonso and conduct the contract signing ceremony, after which Alonso will hold a press conference to share his thoughts on this new beginning.
Alonso, who left Real Madrid as a player in the summer of 2014, is returning to his old team exactly 11 years later. This time, he will lead the field not as a player but as a manager.
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