Sports
Xabi Alonso Vows To Restore Real Madrid’s Glory As New Head Coach
Xabi Alonso was officially unveiled as the new head coach of Real Madrid on Monday, expressing confidence, energy, and a deep sense of homecoming as he begins his tenure at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The 43-year-old Spaniard has signed a three-year contract until June 2028, taking over from Carlo Ancelotti, who departed to manage the Brazil national team.
Alonso’s first test will come this summer at the FIFA Club World Cup, where Real Madrid will face Saudi Arabian champions Al-Hilal in Miami on June 18.
SEE MORE: Sevilla Names Diego Alonso As New Coach
“I come here full of energy and hope,” Alonso said during his presentation at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground. “We have fantastic players and a team brimming with potential — capable of achieving great things worthy of Real Madrid’s history.”
The former midfield maestro returns to Madrid at a critical juncture.
The club endured a disappointing 2024–25 campaign, finishing the season without a trophy. Rivals Barcelona clinched the La Liga title and defeated Madrid in both the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals.
The Champions League journey ended with a humbling quarter-final exit at the hands of Arsenal.
Despite the setbacks, optimism surrounds Alonso’s arrival. A standout tactician, he led Bayer Leverkusen to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga and German Cup double last season — achievements that propelled him into the elite tier of European coaching.
Alonso played for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014, making 236 appearances and lifting six trophies, including the club’s coveted 10th European Cup — La Décima — in his final season.
His playing career also includes a World Cup and two European Championship titles with Spain, adding to his already impressive résumé.
Reflecting on his return, Alonso said, “Though I have been away for a few years, my connection with Madrid and the fans has never faded.
“When I arrived at Valdebebas an hour and a half ago, it felt like a rebirth. I have the sense this is the start of a new era, as the president said.”
Club president Florentino Pérez welcomed Alonso with warm words, calling him “one of our own.”
“This is a very special day for all who love Real Madrid,” Pérez said. “A coach has arrived who is among the best in the world and who understands what this badge and shirt represent. Welcome back home, Xabi Alonso.”
Having been mentored by coaching legends such as Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola, and José Mourinho, Alonso now steps into the spotlight as the man tasked with rebuilding Madrid’s dominance at home and in Europe.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the dates for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, setting the stage for a historic tournament to be jointly hosted by three countries for the first time.
According to CAF, the competition—branded “PAMOJA 2027”—will kick off on June 19, 2027, and conclude with the final on July 17, 2027.
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The tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, marking a significant milestone in the history of African football.
CAF noted that the venues for both the opening match and the final will be confirmed at a later date, as preparations continue across the three host nations.
Describing the tournament as a landmark initiative, CAF said the joint hosting arrangement is expected to boost regional unity and enhance football development across East Africa.
The body also highlighted the opportunity to engage a massive audience of over 400 million people within the region.
In addition, CAF released details of the qualification process ahead of the tournament.
The draw for the qualifiers is scheduled to take place on May 19, 2026, following the preliminary rounds.
A total of 48 teams, including the host nations, will compete in the qualifiers.
The teams will be grouped into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the final tournament.
The qualification matches will be played across three FIFA international windows: from September 21 to October 6, 2026; November 9 to 17, 2026; and March 22 to 30, 2027.
With the announcement, anticipation is already building for what is expected to be one of the most unique and widely watched editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended the speedy and qualitative ongoing remodelling of Osogbo stadium, announcing that the sitting capacity of the modernised and upgraded stadium is to increase from 4000 to 15,000 upon completion.
Speaking after an early morning daily project review session which started since last week, the governor said the increased capacity will attract major sporting events to boost development of all games in the state.
“Upon completion, Osun will be qualified to host local and international events. Sports development will take a new tone. Our young population will have a big supportive platform to develop their talents”, the governor noted at the meeting.
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He particularly expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners who are working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium satisfy FIFA standard to eventually secure FIFA certification.
“In remodelling the stadium, we must satisfy global standards. I am happy at the involvement of local and international experts to ensure we meet FIFA and all associated standards. This is the way to go to finally integrate Osun into the mainstream of sports development in the country.
“As a sport loving governor, I am eager to ensure that the Osun Sport Trust Fund becomes operational. We are working round the clock to meet legal requirements and develop appropriate policy framework among others.
“We are working to also fully operationalise the Osun State Sport Commission. This and other structures are being put in place to address the many challenges facing the Sport sector. I have a vision of an Osun state sport sector with modern facilities, empowered workforce and big opportunities for sportsmen and women.
While commending the contractor for a job well done so far, Governor Adeleke commended the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi who doubled as the Commissioner for Sports, for demonstrating deep commitment to the completion of the project.
Manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has thrown his full support behind rising midfielder Nico O’Reilly, insisting the youngster deserves to be crowned Premier League Young Player of the Season after a breakthrough campaign.
Guardiola made the remarks on Monday following Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal, a result that further strengthened their push in the title race.
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In the match, O’Reilly delivered another impressive performance, playing with composure and confidence beyond his years.
The youngster also provided an assist for Erling Haaland, helping City secure a crucial win at a key stage of the season.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola was emphatic in his praise for the teenager, suggesting there should be no debate about the award.
“O’Reilly deserves the Young Player of the Season. What a season he has had,” Guardiola said. “I don’t know who will win the overall Player of the Season, but for the young category, it has to be Nico.”
The statement has since gained wide attention, especially after being highlighted by football journalist Fabrizio Romano on social media.
O’Reilly’s emergence has been one of the bright spots in Manchester City’s campaign, with the midfielder earning praise for his versatility, maturity on the ball, and ability to step up in high-pressure games despite his young age.
As the season enters its final stretch, Guardiola’s strong endorsement is expected to boost O’Reilly’s profile in the race for individual honours.
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