Chelsea Football Club have appointed Xabi Alonso as manager of the club’s men’s team, with the former Real Madrid and Bayer 04 Leverkusen coach set to take charge on July 1, 2026.
The Premier League club announced Sunday that Alonso signed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Alonso joins Chelsea after a successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the German club to its first Bundesliga title and established himself as one of Europe’s most highly rated young coaches.
In a statement, Chelsea said the appointment reflected the club’s confidence in Alonso’s tactical philosophy, leadership qualities and coaching approach.
Speaking after his appointment, Alonso said Chelsea’s ambitions matched his own vision for long-term success.
“Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football, and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club,” Alonso said.
“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.”
Alonso said he was eager to begin work with the squad and help build a winning culture at the club.
“There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club, and it will be my great honour to lead it,” he said. “Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies.”
Chelsea described Alonso as both an elite coach and a proven leader whose approach aligns with the club’s long-term sporting objectives.
The club added that it looks forward to a new era under Alonso’s leadership as it aims to compete for major trophies.
