Chelsea Football Club has appointed former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso as manager of its men’s team.
The Spaniard will take charge at Stamford Bridge on July 1, 2026, on a four-year contract.
Alonso, who guided Leverkusen to the first Bundesliga title in the German club’s history, arrives at Chelsea as one of the most decorated coaches in European football.
The club, in a statement released on Sunday said his appointment reflected its confidence in his coaching quality, game model, leadership attributes and integrity.
Speaking on his appointment, Alonso said Chelsea’s ambition aligned with his own.
