Bayer Leverkusen's midfielder, Xabi Alonso, set to depart from the club at the season's end.
Final Chapters for Xabi Alonso: Saying Goodbye to Bayer Leverkusen
Nipping at the Finish Line:As the sun sets on May 9, Xabi Alonso, the charismatic 43-year-old Bayer Leverkusen coach, unveiled his decision to call it quits at the end of the current season. The upcoming battles against Dortmund on May 11, followed by the showdown in Mainz on May 17, will mark his swan song with the German outfit. His contract, initially set to extend until 2026, has met its premature end following his choice to embark on new ventures[1][2].
The decision, echoing through the German and Spanish media waves, sends ripples in the footballing world. Xabi Alonso is rumored to succeed at Real Madrid, further fueling speculations with headlines like "Xabi Alonso to Succeed Carlo Ancelotti" (Marca) and "Alonso Signs with Real Madrid Until 2028" (Bild).
What's Cooking at the Bernabeu?:The Royal Club, grappling to secure the Spanish league title, currently languishes four points behind the heralded FC Barcelona with only four games left on the calendar. With the ongoing speculation surrounding current manager Carlo Ancelotti and his impending move to manage the Brazilian national team, Alonso's arrival at Real Madrid may materialize as soon as summer 2025[1][2].
Shrouded in Mystery:When probed about his future plans, Alonso remained tight-lipped: "I am not willing to discuss the future," he commented. "We need to cherish this moment and acknowledge the emotional journey I've encountered during these remarkable three years. Exchanges with the players, staff, and many others who supported me throughout this odyssey are unforgettable."
Building a Legacy:Born at Real Sociedad but donning the jerseys of illustrious clubs like Liverpool (2004-2009), Real Madrid (2009-2014), and Bayern Munich (2014-2017), the former midfielder dove headfirst into coaching with Real Madrid's youth teams before masterminding the reserve team at Real Sociedad (2019-2022)[1].
The glorious tenure at Bayer Leverkusen in the European elite leagues began during October 2022. He sparked an aesthetic revolution in Leverkusen, steering a perilously placed team away from the brink of relegation to a coveted slot in the European qualifiers. The following season became a whirlwind of victories, culminating in Bayer04's first Bundesliga title in 120 years, setting an unbeaten league streak record with 28 wins and 6 draws[1].
Victories and Triumphs:Notwithstanding a disappointing loss in the Europa League final (0-3 against Atalanta Bergamo), his team remained unbeaten throughout the Bundesliga campaign. However, this season's ambitions of repeating such perfection came undone, with a missed opportunity to challenge the unstoppable Munich side in February (0-0) and an unfortunate defeat against Bayern in the Champions League round of 16 (5-0 on aggregate)[1].
- The rumors grew stronger as Xabi Alonso's contract with Bayer Leverkusen expired in 2025, with him announced to succeed at Real Madrid, notably presiding until 2028.
- Come summer 2025, Alonso, now coaching the German outfit, will bid farewell following his decision to say goodbye to Bayer Leverkusen after the end of the current season.
- The upcoming battles against Dortmund and Mainz will mark a significant chapter in European football's history, as one of the sport's greats prepares to leave the club and return to Real Madrid.
- Born at Real Sociedad and a star player at renowned clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and now Bayer Leverkusen in the European leagues, Alonso cemented his legacy as both a player and a coach in these prestigious sports arenas.
