Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano shared a groundbreaking announcement on X that has sent waves through the football world: Real Madrid has officially appointed Xabi Alonso as their new head coach, with a contract extending until June 2028.

This marks a significant homecoming for Alonso, who previously donned the iconic white jersey as a player from 2009 to 2014, during which he secured a Champions League title in 2014 and a La Liga crown in 2012, among other accolades.

The announcement, accompanied by a visually striking image featuring Alonso surrounded by Real Madrid symbols and the warm Spanish greeting "Bienvenido!" (Welcome!), has ignited a firestorm of excitement among fans and analysts alike.

Alonso’s journey to this prestigious role comes on the heels of a remarkable tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, where he achieved historic success.

In the 2023-24 season, he guided Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title, shattering Bayern Munich’s 11-year stranglehold on the German league.

His tactical brilliance also saw Leverkusen clinch the DFB-Pokal, securing a domestic double, and he maintained an unbeaten record in 34 away matches—a testament to his strategic prowess.

Alonso’s departure from Leverkusen was bittersweet, with the club wishing him well in a heartfelt message, acknowledging his transformative impact during his time there.

The appointment follows months of speculation, culminating in Carlo Ancelotti’s exit from Real Madrid to take over as Brazil’s national team coach for the 2026 World Cup.

Ancelotti’s final match in charge was against Real Sociedad on May 25, 2025, and his move to Brazil was confirmed just days prior, paving the way for Alonso’s return to the Santiago Bernabéu.

This transition has been long anticipated, with Real Madrid reportedly in talks with Alonso since early 2025, recognizing his potential to usher in a new era for the club.

The X post’s replies reveal a mix of optimism and rivalry. Madrid fans are buzzing with predictions of a treble under Alonso’s leadership, while others highlight the challenge he faces against Barcelona, now led by Hansi Flick.

Flick recently masterminded a thrilling 4-3 comeback against Madrid in El Clásico, helping Barcelona secure the La Liga title with a seven-point lead.

As Alonso steps into this high-stakes role, the football world watches eagerly to see if he can replicate his Leverkusen magic and restore Real Madrid’s dominance on both domestic and European stages.