Xabi Alonso transformed Bayer Leverkusen from relegation threat to Bundesliga Champions
A story with a happy ending.
On May 9, 2025, Xabi Alonso announced his departure from Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the 2024/25 season during a press conference, concluding a remarkable two-year tenure.
When Alonso took charge on October 5, 2022, replacing Gerardo Seoane, Leverkusen languished in 17th place after eight Bundesliga matches, with just nine goals scored and 16 conceded.
By season’s end, Alonso had steered them to sixth, securing Europa League qualification.
The 2023/24 season was historic: Leverkusen clinched their first-ever Bundesliga title, won the German Cup, reached the Europa League final, and captured the 2024/25 German Super Cup.
In 2024/25, they finished second in the Bundesliga and reached the Champions League round of 16.
Alonso’s 89 wins in 138 matches (64%) cemented his legacy, turning a struggling side into German football royalty before his reported move to Real Madrid.
