Real Madrid is handing Xabi Alonso something Carlo Ancelotti never achieved: the FIFA Club World Cup. Here’s how:
Ancelotti’s legacy: Across six seasons and two spells at Real, he secured 15 major trophies—including three Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys, two Super Cups, and the Intercontinental Cup .
But notably missing from Ancelotti’s resume is the Club World Cup, the successor to the Intercontinental Cup. During his tenure, Real ended up in the semifinals, failing to advance .
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🏆 Why this matters for Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid signed Alonso on a three‑year deal, effective June 1, 2025, with the explicit aim of guiding them to new silverware .
His first official tournament with the team will be the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup, starting this summer in the U.S.—a golden opportunity Ancelotti never had .
Alonso’s debut has already been promising: an unbeaten beginning (3W–1D) and progression to the quarterfinals .
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Beyond that trophy
Xab myi inherits a squad in need of renovation. Madrid finished the 2024–25 season trophyless in Europe, La Liga, and Copa del Rey, suffering some heavy defeats along the way .
Veterans like Modric and Lucas Vázquez may leave, and fresh talent (like Alexander-Arnold, defensive reinforcements, and Dean Huijsen) is on the way .
Internally, players are noticing a shift: Tchouaméni praised Alonso’s possession-based, defensive collective style over Ancelotti’s , and voices at the club expect Alonso to reconnect better with younger talent .
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🔍 Summary
Category Ancelotti Alonso
Major trophies at Madrid 15 (La Liga Champions League, Copa del Rey, Super Cups, Intercontinental Cup) TBD
Club World Cup ❌ Never won (exited in semifinals) ✅ Has immediate chance in inaugural edition
Mission Continued dominance with veterans Rebuild, energize squad, and secure missing titles
Xabi Alonso enters the scene with a clear mission: win the Club World Cup—the missing piece in Madrid’s recent trophy cabinet under Ancelotti. In doing so, he’ll both honor Real’s illustrious past and mark a departure into a fresh, modern era under his leadership.
Let me know if you’d like insights on their Club World Cup opponents, tactical shifts, or how the tournament fi
ts into bigger season objectives!