Xabi Alonso has officially been announced as the new manager of Chelsea FC.
The Premier League club confirmed on Sunday that the Spaniard will officially take over on July 1, 2026, after signing a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
‘Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the Men’s Team,’ the club wrote on social media platform X on Sunday.
‘The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge. Welcome to Chelsea, Xabi.’
Reacting to the appointment, Alonso expressed excitement about taking charge of one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
“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.”
Chelsea reportedly moved for Alonso after parting ways with former manager Liam Rosenior in April, just three months into his tenure.
The former Real Madrid midfielder and ex-manager will take on the title of manager rather than head coach, reflecting the significant role he is expected to play in shaping the club’s overall football structure.
Alonso had been without a managerial role since leaving Real Madrid in January after a short spell in charge.
During his career, he won the UEFA Champions League twice as a player and also guided Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning campaign in the 2023/24 season.
He now becomes the fifth permanent managerial appointment under Chelsea’s BlueCo ownership, following the appointments of Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca, and Liam Rosenior.