Real Madrid officially presented Xabi Alonso as their new head coach on Monday, with the former midfield star expressing confidence and excitement about leading the Spanish giants into a successful new era.

Alonso signed a three-year deal until June 2028, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, who has left to coach the Brazil national team. His first major assignment will be the Club World Cup in Miami, where Madrid will face Al-Hilal on June 18.

Despite a trophyless 2023–24 season that saw Madrid fall short in La Liga, Copa del Rey, Super Cup, and suffer a Champions League exit to Arsenal, Alonso remains optimistic.

“We have fantastic players and a team with great potential,” he said. “I come full of energy and hope, ready to build something worthy of Real Madrid’s legacy.”

Alonso, who played for Madrid between 2009 and 2014, returns after a historic unbeaten double-winning season with Bayer Leverkusen. He described his homecoming as emotional, calling it “the start of a new era.”

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez welcomed Alonso warmly, calling him “one of our own” and praising his deep understanding of the club’s values.