Alonso confirms ’emotional’ Leverkusen exit ahead of Real Madrid move

The Football Faithful

·9 May 2025

Alonso confirms ’emotional’ Leverkusen exit ahead of Real Madrid move

Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season amid an expected move to Real Madrid.

Alonso will depart the BayArena following the conclusion of the Bundesliga campaign. Last season, the Spaniard led Leverkusen to a historic German double. Leverkusen won their first-ever Bundesliga title and added the DFB-Pokal without losing a single game. Alonso’s side became German football’s first Invincibles.

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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.
– Friday, 9 May 2025

Their only defeat of the season came against Atalanta in the Europa League final, with Leverkusen setting a new record of 51 games unbeaten in all competitions – the longest on record since the advent of European competition.

Alonso has confirmed the decision to leave Leverkusen and he is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid manager.

“This week the club and I have agreed that these two games will be my last two games as Bayer Leverkusen coach. We have been talking during this week that is always about the moment and now is the right moment to announce it.

“We have always had a good and direct communication and now that we have clarity, it is the right moment to say that for sure. It is a moment with mixed emotions but it is the moment to announce it.

“It’s not the moment to talk about the future. Now we know, we want to have a proper farewell on Sunday for some players and for myself. We have to enjoy this moment with mixed emotions.”

Read – Midfield Magicians: Xabi Alonso, the grand master of 4D chess

See more – The games that defined Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title success