Today is the day—Xabi Alonso has officially signed as the new head coach of Real Madrid, alongside Florentino Pérez, at the Valdebebas training complex.
🚨 Xabi Alonso signe son contrat avec le Real Madrid : l'histoire est en marche ! 🤍✍️pic.twitter.com/5fpfOulGD9
— Instant Foot ⚽️ (@lnstantFoot) May 26, 2025
✨ #WelcomeXabi ✨ pic.twitter.com/X4wAJmUGIX
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 26, 2025
Now it’s time for the official presentation, which you can watch live right here:
Xabi Alonso’s Speech
Following Florentino Pérez’s introduction—where he highlighted Xabi Alonso’s history both as a player and a coach, with the classic tone and style we’ve come to expect from any Real Madrid presentation—it was time for Xabi Alonso to take the microphone.
And he delivered exactly what everyone already knew: he’s one of the most intelligent players to have worn the Real Madrid shirt. His speech was flawless—no notes, just sincerity and precision, touching on exactly what needed to be said.
He began by thanking Florentino Pérez and showed great respect to Carlo Ancelotti, whom he played under at both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Xabi said that if it weren’t for having Ancelotti as a mentor, he wouldn’t be standing there today. He also expressed pride in taking over the legacy Ancelotti leaves behind.
He spoke about the deep madridismo that has always lived in his heart—and how returning to the training ground at Valdebebas had reignited that flame. He shared his excitement for this new chapter, noting the quality and potential within the squad. Xabi expressed his desire to build a team that inspires excitement, emotion, and joy—a team that fans genuinely look forward to watching. While he didn’t explicitly say it, his words clearly hinted at his intention to play attractive, entertaining football.
Xabi Alonso later responded to journalists in the press conference, where he talked a bit about everything, although he skillfully dodged many questions without giving too much away. However, he maintained his stance that he wants an attractive team, with a flexible system, and that he will try to get the most out of every player, emphasizing that he is counting on all of them.