Xabi Alonso has been appointed as the new manager of Chelsea with the Spaniard signing a four-year contract, the Premier League club announced on Sunday.
“Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the Men’s Team. The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge,” said the five-time Premier League winner in an official statement.
The 44-year-old began his managerial career by taking charge of the Real Sociedad B team in 2019. In 2022, he moved to Bayer Leverkusen. Under him, the Bundesliga club had a historic 2023-24 season in which it achieved the domestic double without losing a game. It also finished runner-up in UEFA Europa League.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 17, 2026Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the Men's Team.
The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Welcome to Chelsea, Xabi!
In 2025, Alonso was made head coach of Real Madrid. However, he left the job by mutual consent after Los Blancos lost to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in January this year.
Chelsea is set to finish the 2025-26 season trophyless. Currently placed ninth in the Premier League standings, the Blues are also in danger of missing out on European football for the next season.
Published on May 17, 2026
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