Overview

• Xabi Alonso announced that his last two Bundesliga matches will mark the end of his time as Bayer Leverkusen coach, concluding a mutually agreed early termination of his contract originally set to run until 2026.
• Under Alonso's leadership, Leverkusen achieved their first Bundesliga title and a domestic double in the 2023–24 season, completing an unbeaten league campaign.
• Leverkusen will finish the 2024–25 season as Bundesliga runners-up, having relinquished the title to Bayern Munich with two games remaining.
• Alonso declined to confirm his next move, though he is widely expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid's head coach after the Spanish club finalizes its season and Club World Cup commitments.
• Leverkusen's management and fans have praised Alonso for his transformative impact on the club, elevating its profile in European football and ending its reputation as 'Neverkusen.'