Bayer Leverkusen’s head coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will step down at the end of the season, fueling strong speculation that he is set to take the reins at Real Madrid following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure.
The 43-year-old Spanish tactician made headlines in 2024 by leading Leverkusen to an invincible Bundesliga title win, the first in the club’s history and lifting the German Cup, all in his debut full season as head coach. His tactical brilliance and calm leadership have made him one of the most sought-after managers in European football.
Alonso, a midfield legend who played for top clubs including Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, announced his departure during a press conference on Friday. His emotional statement confirmed what many insiders had anticipated: a monumental career move is on the horizon.
“This week, I reached an agreement with the club that these final two matches will mark the end of my time as Bayer Leverkusen’s coach,” Alonso revealed. “It’s not the time to discuss the future in detail. Right now, we want to enjoy a proper farewell for the players, for myself and this feels like the right moment to share that news.”
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With heartfelt words, Alonso addressed the fans and team, acknowledging the emotional weight of his decision: “This is a moment filled with mixed feelings. I spoke with the players, the staff, and everyone who’s supported me during these incredible three years. Now, it’s time to connect with our supporters one last time in the stadium that shaped my journey as a manager.”
Sources close to the Spanish football scene suggest Alonso is the top candidate to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, a club where he enjoyed a successful five-year playing spell from 2009 to 2014. If confirmed, this move would mark a full-circle return to the Bernabéu but this time, as the boss.
Leverkusen will host Borussia Dortmund on Sunday before closing their remarkable season against Mainz on May 17. With Alonso’s departure now official, the upcoming matches promise to be an emotional send-off for a coach who has redefined Leverkusen’s legacy and may soon embark on a new chapter in Madrid.
