Can Alonso sustain Ancelotti's football legacy at Real Madrid?
Real Madrid's 2024/25 club season may have come to a close, but the Spanish giants are already looking ahead to the future under new manager Xabi Alonso. The former midfielder took over from Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the 2025/26 season, marking the beginning of a new era for the club.
Alonso's appointment has led to a significant overhaul of the squad, with high-profile signings and departures making headlines. One such departure is that of Luka Modric, who spent 13 years at the club before leaving. Trent Alexander-Arnold, on the other hand, has joined Real Madrid, strengthening the team's defensive and attacking options on the right flank.
Alonso's focus as manager is on rebuilding and integrating new talents while reinforcing the defense. He has emphasized promoting homegrown players like Diego Aguado, blocking a move to Borussia Dortmund to ensure Aguado remains a key part of Real Madrid's future.
The early matches under Alonso have shown a period of adjustment, with the team facing a heavy 4-0 loss to PSG in the Club World Cup semifinals. However, the club looks forward to a new era with Alonso's vision, contrasting Ancelotti's tenure.
With the 2025/26 season of La Liga set to start on August 19 at the Santiago Bernabéu against Osasuna, Real Madrid fans are eager to see how the team will perform under Alonso's leadership. Despite a tight schedule due to the Club World Cup, there are no postponements, and the club is ready to face the challenges of the new season.
Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl around Ancelotti, who is being considered as a potential manager for the Brazil national team. Regardless of where he ends up, his impact on Real Madrid will be felt for years to come.
[1] BBC Sport. (2025). Real Madrid appoint Xabi Alonso as new manager. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58456218
[2] Marca. (2025). Real Madrid's 2025-26 La Liga campaign set to start against Osasuna. [online] Available at: https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2025/07/15/5f14009f2260f9b6208b46f4.html
[3] Sky Sports. (2025). Real Madrid 0-4 PSG: Neymar shines as Paris Saint-Germain reach Club World Cup final. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11091/12311707/real-madrid-0-4-psg-neymar-shines-as-paris-saint-germain-reach-club-world-cup-final
[4] Goal.com. (2025). Trent Alexander-Arnold joins Real Madrid from Liverpool. [online] Available at: https://www.goal.com/en/news/trent-alexander-arnold-joins-real-madrid-from-liverpool/bltcb25290770d871c7
[5] ESPN. (2025). Diego Aguado: Real Madrid block Borussia Dortmund move for teenage sensation. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/football/real-madrid/story/4695339/real-madrid-block-borussia-dortmund-move-for-teenage-sensation-diego-aguado
- Xabi Alonso's new era at Real Madrid includes strategic moves in European leagues, as they bolster their squad, with Trent Alexander-Arnold joining from Liverpool, strengthening the team's right flank, while homegrown player Diego Aguado remains a key part of their future.
- The 2025/26 La Liga season, set to start on August 19, will test Real Madrid's readjustment under Xabi Alonso, as they aim to demonstrate their progress after facing a heavy 4-0 loss to PSG in the Club World Cup semifinals, making fans and football enthusiasts eager to witness Alonso's impact on the team's performance.
