Xabi Alonso has called Chelsea ‘one of the biggest clubs in world football’ after the former Real Madrid boss agreed to take over at Stamford Bridge.
The 44-year-old has signed a four-year contract as Chelsea manager and will take over on July 1.
The former Real and Bayer Leverkusen manager becomes the fifth full-time manager under Chelsea’s BlueCo ownership, following Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
It marks a return to English football for Alonso, who made 210 appearances for Liverpool as a player before moving to Real in 2009 and later ending his playing career with Bayern Munich in 2017.
“Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it makes me very proud to be the manager of this great club,” said Alonso in a statement.
“In my discussions with the ownership group and the sports leadership, it is clear that we have the same desire. We want to build a team that can compete continuously at a high level and fight for trophies.
“There is a lot of talent in the squad and a lot of energy in this football club and it will be an honor for me to lead it. Now the focus is on working hard, building the right culture and winning trophies.”
Alonso is out of action as his short spell at Real Madrid ended in January.
Alonso made a name for himself when he was very successful at Bayer Leverkusen.
Under Alonso’s leadership, Leverkusen relegated Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga in 2023-24. Die Werkself won their first Bundesliga title without losing a game and lifted the DFB-Pokal title to complete the double.
Alonso’s Leverkusen did not lose a game that campaign until the Europa League final, where they lost 3-0 to Atalanta.
Leverkusen then won the DFL-Supercup the following season before finishing second behind Bayern in the Bundesliga, with Alonso saying goodbye as he headed to Madrid.
But the reunion with Los Blancos proved unsuccessful, and Alonso was sacked following defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final.
Chelsea are ninth in the Premier League and lost in the FA Cup final on Saturday to Manchester City.
Alonso joins the list – Chelsea managers since 2010
Carlo Ancelotti (2009–2011)
André Villas-Boas (2011–2012)
Roberto Di Matteo (2012)
José Mourinho (2013-2015)
Antonio Conte (2016–2018)
Maurizio Sarri (2018–2019)
Frank Lampard (2019–2021)
Thomas Tuchel (2021–2022)
Graham Potter (2022–2023)
Mauricio Pochettino (2023–2024)
Enzo Maresca (2024–2026)
Liam Rosenior (2026)
Xabi Alonso (2026–Present, officially taking over on July 1)
