Despite being under contract until the summer of 2026, Alonso bid farewell to Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the 2024–25 season to return to the Spanish capital. The 43-year-old is the new manager of Real Madrid, replacing the winningest manager in club history, Carlo Ancelotti.

The former Spain international replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who has departed to become head coach of the Brazil national team.

Xabi Alonso used a different formation and tactics than Carlo Ancelotti. He will be bringing fresh ideas to Real Madrid, but can those help the club improve?