The Xabi Alonso era at Real Madrid is about to begin. Officially announced as the new head coach on May 25, 2025, the former midfield maestro signed a contract until June 2028. Now, the club has confirmed the date and opponent for his highly anticipated debut.

Official Debut at the FIFA Club World Cup

Xabi Alonso's first competitive match as Real Madrid manager will take place at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, held in the United States from June 18 to July 13.
Los Blancos will make their tournament debut on Wednesday, June 18, against Al Hilal in Miami, Florida.

This marks Alonso's first big test, as he’ll have limited time to work with the full squad due to international duty and a tight schedule. Still, it’s a golden opportunity to start his tenure with a major international title.

Official Presentation in Valdebebas

Alonso will be formally unveiled as Real Madrid’s head coach on Monday, May 26, at 12:30 p.m. local time in Valdebebas, alongside Florentino Pérez. The presentation is expected to draw major media attention, both in Spain and internationally.

Expectations and Context

Xabi arrives in Madrid after a historic campaign with Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the German side to a Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Supercup treble, including an unbeaten streak of over 50 matches. His return to the Santiago Bernabéu is seen as both strategic and emotional, blending elite coaching credentials with deep ties to the club’s culture.

At Real Madrid, Alonso will be tasked with leading a generational transition while managing a squad loaded with stars like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., Kylian Mbappé, and likely without Luka Modrić, who is set to depart after the Club World Cup.

With full backing from the board and strong support from the fans, Xabi Alonso’s debut is not just the start of a new managerial stint—it could mark the dawn of a new golden era at the most demanding club in the world.