'We share same ambition' - Alonso named Chelsea's third boss in year
Chelsea have appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a four-year contract starting in July, making him the club's third permanent boss in a year. The 44-year-old Spaniard joins after leaving Real Madrid in January and previously led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga and German Cup double in 2023-24. Alonso expressed pride in taking the role, citing shared ambitions with Chelsea's leadership to build a competitive team and win trophies.
- ▪Xabi Alonso has signed a four-year contract to become Chelsea's new manager, starting in July.
- ▪He left Real Madrid by mutual consent in January after less than eight months into a three-year deal.
- ▪Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in 2024 and also won the German Cup.
- ▪He played five years in the Premier League with Liverpool, winning the Champions League in 2005.
- ▪Alonso earned 114 caps for Spain, winning the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships.
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'We share same ambition' - Alonso named Chelsea's third boss in yearImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Xabi Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen to the German double in 2023-24ByBen CollinsBBC Sport journalistPublished17 May 2026, 09:10 BSTUpdated 29 minutes agoChelsea have appointed former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso as their manager on a four‑year contract, starting in July.The 44-year-old Spaniard was available after leaving Real Madrid by mutual consent in January, less than eight months into a three-year contract.He previously spent three years in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, leading the German club to their first Bundesliga title in 2024, as well as the German Cup.Confirmation of Alonso's arrival comes a day after Chelsea lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City.The Blues hope he…
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