Xabi Alonso has officially announced his departure from Bayer Leverkusen after an impressive three-year tenure that saw him secure three major titles. In a press conference held on May 9, 2025, Alonso revealed that his last two matches with the club will be against Borussia Dortmund and Mainz, marking the end of a significant chapter in his coaching career.
During his time at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso achieved remarkable success, culminating in a historic double last season, winning the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal (German Cup). His tenure was marked by an impressive win rate of 71%, with 88 victories, 32 draws, and just 18 losses in 138 matches. "The club and I have decided that these will be my last two matches in charge," Alonso stated, expressing gratitude for the support he received from the players, staff, and fans.
As speculation mounts about his future, many believe that Alonso is poised to take over as head coach of Real Madrid, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti. Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano has indicated that Alonso is the top choice for the position, with reports suggesting that a contract is already prepared for him. "If he comes to Real Madrid... Xabi is a fantastic guy, and these talented coaches enrich our league," remarked a well-known goalkeeper, underscoring the excitement surrounding Alonso's potential return to Spain.
Alonso's exit from Leverkusen comes after a season where the team struggled to defend their title against Bayern Munich and faced a disappointing early exit from the UEFA Champions League. Despite these challenges, he reflected fondly on his time with the club, stating, "Winning the Bundesliga for the first time is very deserved for this club," and emphasized the importance of the strong bond he developed with the fans. "We have a great connection. They always push us and help a lot. I can only say words of gratitude and respect towards them," he added.
Looking back on his achievements, Alonso noted that the Pokal final was the most emotional moment of his coaching career at Leverkusen. "The last week of the previous season was very intense. At some point, I knew we were going to win the Bundesliga. After experiencing the bitterness of football in Dublin, I wanted to close the season in the best possible way, and in the end, we were able to close a historic season with the double. It was the best way to end a dream year," he said.
Alonso's departure has been met with mixed emotions among fans and players alike. The president of Bayer Leverkusen's board, Werner Wenning, praised Alonso's contributions, stating, "Together with Xabi Alonso, we have written a success story never seen in German football, winning the Bundesliga without knowing defeat." Fernando Carro, the club's CEO, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how Alonso's successes have brought lasting recognition to Bayer 04 in the football world.
As the clock ticks down to his final matches, Alonso is focused on leaving Leverkusen on a high note. "I still have two very emotional games left. We believe it is the right moment to leave, and today was the right time to announce it," he said. The anticipation builds as fans await the final home game against Dortmund, where they hope to see their beloved coach off in style.
With Alonso set to step into a new role, the football community is buzzing with excitement and speculation about what lies ahead. His name has already become a trending topic in Spain, with many fans eagerly discussing the prospect of him taking the reins at Real Madrid. As he prepares for his last two matches, all eyes will be on Alonso, not just for the outcomes of these games, but for the future that awaits him.
In a light-hearted moment during the press conference, Alonso joked about potentially bringing some of his Leverkusen players with him to his next destination, saying, "I can't promise not to take any Leverkusen players with me in my next stage." This comment elicited laughter and showcased the camaraderie he has built with his squad.
As the press conference wrapped up, Alonso reiterated the importance of focusing on the present. "It is not the moment to talk about the future given that we want to have a beautiful farewell here on Sunday," he stated, emphasizing his commitment to finishing the season strong.
As fans prepare to bid farewell to a coach who has transformed Bayer Leverkusen into a formidable force in German football, the question of who will fill his shoes remains. The club has yet to announce a successor, but the search is undoubtedly underway as they look to continue the momentum built under Alonso's leadership.
In conclusion, Xabi Alonso's departure marks the end of an era for Bayer Leverkusen, but it also opens the door to a new chapter in his coaching career. With the potential move to Real Madrid looming, the football world watches closely to see where this talented coach will land next. His legacy at Leverkusen will undoubtedly be remembered, but the excitement for what comes next is palpable.
