Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of former Liverpool and Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a four-year contract beginning in July.

The 44-year-old takes over following his departure from Real Madrid in January 2026, where he left by mutual agreement less than a year into a three-year deal.

Alonso now arrives at Stamford Bridge with a growing reputation after an impressive spell with Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the German side to their first-ever Bundesliga title in 2024 alongside German Cup success.

His appointment was announced on Sunday, May 17, 2026, just a day after Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

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The London club are hoping Alonso can restore stability after a difficult campaign that saw Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior both serve as permanent managers, while Calum McFarlane remains in interim charge for the final two Premier League matches of the season.

Speaking after his appointment, Alonso was full of optimism.

“Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club. From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.

“There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies," he said.

Alonso previously spent five seasons at Liverpool, winning the UEFA Champions League in 2005.

He also enjoyed successful spells with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, while earning 114 caps for Spain and winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and two European Championships.



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