Xabi Alonso has officially announced that he will step down as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the 2024/25 season, paving the way for a high-profile move to Real Madrid. The former midfield maestro is widely expected to take over at the Santiago Bernabéu following the imminent departure of Carlo Ancelotti.

Alonso confirmed the decision ahead of Leverkusen’s clash with Borussia Dortmund this weekend, telling reporters:

“The club and I have agreed that these next two games will be my last as Bayer Leverkusen coach.”

Bayer Leverkusen released a statement shortly after, honoring Alonso’s accomplishments during his two-and-a-half-year tenure. His time at the BayArena has been nothing short of remarkable, highlighted by an unbeaten domestic double last season—including the Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal—along with a Supercup victory and a run to the Europa League final.

With Real Madrid moving swiftly to secure a successor as Ancelotti prepares to exit, Alonso is expected to take the reins of the Spanish giants, where he previously starred as a player from 2009 to 2014.

This next chapter marks a major step in Alonso’s rapidly ascending managerial career and signals a new era for both Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid