Spanish manager Xabi Alonso is set to depart Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the ongoing season, following a hugely successful two and a half year spell in charge at the Bay Arena.
Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen legacy
Alonso, who enjoyed a highly decorated playing career, has been one of the most talked about managers in Europe since he burst onto the coaching scene with German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder etched his name into Die Werkself folklore after leading them to a first ever Bundesliga title in their 120 year history last season.
His all-conquering team managed to dislodge perennial Bundesliga winner Bayern Munich from their throne and seal a DFB Pokal triumph without recording a single defeat in both domestic competitions. In fact, their only loss during the entire season came in a bitter 3-0 Europa League final defeat to Atalanta.
Alonso’s inevitable departure now at hand
Following Bayer Leverkusen’s exploits last season, Alonso became one of the most sought-after young managers in Europe. Numerous reports linked him with a return to either Real Madrid or Liverpool especially with the latter preparing for life after Jurgen Klopp at that time.
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However, Alonso stayed put at the Bay Arena but has seen his team struggle to replicate their immaculate levels from last season despite retaining the core of their Bundesliga winning squad.
It can now be confirmed that this season will be his last in charge of Leverkusen after the man himself made the announcement in a press conference on Friday.
“We can let you know that this week the club and I, we have agreed that these two games are going to be my last two games as a Bayern Leverkusen coach,” Alonso told a press conference as revealed by The Guardian.
“We have been talking during this week that is always about the moment and now is the right moment to announce it.”
The club has also confirmed the Spaniard’s exit via a post on their official X page; “After almost two-and-a-half years, and during the most successful period in the club’s history, our head coach, @XabiAlonso, will leave #Bayer04 at the end of the season.”
After almost two-and-a-half years, and during the most successful period in the club's history, our head coach, @XabiAlonso, will leave #Bayer04 at the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/SinXlkWJIJ
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) May 9, 2025
Real Madrid beckons
With Carlo Ancelotti expected to leave the Bernabéu at the end of the season—regardless of how the title race with Barcelona unfolds—the Italian has been strongly linked with taking over as Brazil’s first modern-day foreign national team manager.
In his place, Xabi Alonso is widely anticipated to return to Real Madrid, the club where he once lifted both La Liga and the Champions League as a player. Spanish reports indicate that a pre-contract agreement has already been reached with the 43-year-old.
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
