Xabi Alonso, the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, has officially confirmed that he will be leaving the club at the end of the current Bundesliga season. Announcing this significant decision on May 9, 2025, Alonso stated that it was the right moment to clarify his future ahead of his last home game on Sunday, May 11, 2025, against Borussia Dortmund.
Alonso, who took charge of Leverkusen in October 2022, has enjoyed a remarkable tenure, leading the team to its first-ever Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal last season. His leadership was instrumental in transforming the club's fortunes, as he took over when they were languishing in the relegation zone. Under his guidance, Leverkusen not only won the league but also finished the 2023-24 season unbeaten—an unprecedented achievement in Bundesliga history.
During a press conference, Alonso expressed gratitude to the club, saying, "I owe great thanks to Bayer 04 Leverkusen, my players and staff, all the employees of the club and last but not least the fantastic fans. Our success was the result of an outstanding team performance." He reflected on the journey, adding, "This club, who showed exceptional trust in me, very much deserved to win the German league title for the first time. My thanks and admiration go to everybody who helped to make this triumph happen, including the DFB Pokal win in Berlin. Bayer 04 are ready for the future. The positive path will continue, and I will be excited to follow it."
Despite his successful stint at Leverkusen, Alonso will be departing one year early from his contract, which was set to run until 2026. Speculation is rife that he is poised to take over as head coach at Real Madrid, where he previously played and won numerous titles. Current Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is under contract until the end of next season but is widely expected to leave, potentially to take charge of the Brazil national team.
Alonso's impending move to Madrid has been a hot topic, especially after Real Madrid's disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League and their struggle in La Liga, where they currently trail rivals Barcelona. The club is keen to solidify its coaching situation ahead of the expanded Club World Cup this summer, and Alonso is seen as the ideal candidate to lead the team into a new era.
In his final two matches with Leverkusen, Alonso's squad is already assured of a second-place finish in the Bundesliga, trailing Bayern Munich by eight points with two games left to play. This is a stark contrast to the previous season when they achieved a historic double.
Reflecting on the current season, Alonso remarked, "I think that we can be happy, we can be proud of what we have achieved during this time. I have tried to squeeze them as much as possible. They have given me so much, so maybe we are empty right now." His honesty about the team's performance this season indicates a recognition of the challenges they faced after such a stellar previous campaign.
As he prepares for his final home game, Alonso emphasized the importance of a proper farewell, stating, "This week, the club and I have agreed that these last two games are going to be my last as Leverkusen coach. Now is the right moment to announce it. We want to have a proper farewell on Sunday." His commitment to ensuring a respectful send-off speaks volumes about his character and connection to the club and its supporters.
Alonso's tenure at Leverkusen will be remembered for not just the titles but also the way he reinvigorated a club that had been struggling. His ability to inspire and motivate players has been evident throughout his time, and he leaves behind a legacy that will be difficult to match.
As the football world watches closely, the focus now shifts to the potential transition at Real Madrid. With Alonso's name frequently mentioned as the leading candidate for the coaching position, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this narrative unfolds. Ancelotti's impending departure and Alonso's likely arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu could signify a dramatic shift in the club's fortunes.
In conclusion, Xabi Alonso's departure from Bayer Leverkusen marks the end of an era filled with remarkable achievements. As he embarks on what many believe will be a successful new chapter at Real Madrid, the football community will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on his next steps. The excitement surrounding his potential return to the club where he once shone as a player adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing story of one of football's most promising managers.
