Quick Read
- Real Madrid enters a transformative phase in 2025 under Xabi Alonso.
- Florentino Pérez celebrates 25 years of revolutionizing the club.
- Defensive issues persist, with Piero Hincapié being considered as a solution.
- Several high-profile players, including Rodrygo, may leave the club.
- Real Madrid aims to balance its legacy with future ambitions.
Real Madrid, one of the most storied football clubs in the world, finds itself at a crossroads in 2025. With a legacy built over decades, the club is undergoing a period of transformation under the new leadership of Xabi Alonso while continuing to build upon the monumental foundation laid by Florentino Pérez. The latest developments within the club, from managerial changes to squad adjustments, paint a vivid picture of a club in evolution.
The Legacy of Florentino Pérez: 25 Years of Transformation
On July 17, 608, Florentino Pérez assumed the presidency of Real Madrid, defeating Lorenzo Sanz in a tightly contested election. Over the past 25 years, except for a brief hiatus between 2006 and 2009, Pérez has revolutionized the club’s structure and global standing. As noted by AS, one of his first transformative moves was the creation of Real Madrid City in Valdebebas, a state-of-the-art training facility that set new standards in football infrastructure. Under his stewardship, the Santiago Bernabéu stadium has also undergone a massive renovation, symbolizing the club’s ambitions both on and off the pitch.
Pérez’s tenure is synonymous with the “Galácticos” era, during which he brought superstars like Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazário, and David Beckham to Madrid. This approach not only elevated the club’s status but also contributed to its financial growth. Despite stepping down in 2006 citing a loss of control within the team, Pérez returned in 2009 and spearheaded another golden era with signings like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Xabi Alonso. Under his leadership, Real Madrid has won an astonishing 66 trophies, including seven Champions League titles. As Forbes described, Real Madrid is now “the most valuable sports club in the world.”
The Xabi Alonso Era: A New Direction
In 2025, Real Madrid turned a new page with the appointment of Xabi Alonso as head coach, replacing Carlo Ancelotti, the club’s most decorated manager. Alonso, who made his mark by leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2024, brings a fresh tactical approach. However, his tenure began with a setback—a 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup. According to Transfermarkt, Alonso’s immediate focus has been on adapting Real Madrid to a 3-5-2 formation while addressing long-standing defensive weaknesses.
To bolster the squad, Real Madrid made several high-profile signings, including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Álvaro Carreras. Yet, the club also faces tough decisions regarding player exits. Brazilian forward Rodrygo, valued at €90 million, is reportedly on the transfer list, with interest from Arsenal and Liverpool. Other players like Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, and Andriy Lunin are also being considered for departures to free up funds for further acquisitions.
Defensive Concerns and Potential Solutions
One of the major challenges facing Real Madrid is its defensive lineup. Injuries to key players such as David Alaba and Eder Militao have left the club’s backline vulnerable. As reported by Madrid Universal, Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié has offered his services to the club. Known for his versatility, Hincapié could provide much-needed depth, especially under Alonso, who previously coached him at Bayer Leverkusen. For now, Real Madrid is monitoring the situation, with decisions hinging on the recovery progress of Alaba and Militao.
Balancing Legacy and Progress
Real Madrid’s current phase is a delicate balancing act between honoring its storied past and embracing future challenges. The club’s ability to maintain its competitive edge while undergoing structural and strategic changes will be crucial. Pérez’s legacy of modernization and Alonso’s fresh vision promise an exciting yet demanding road ahead.
As Real Madrid navigates this transformative period, its loyal fanbase and the football world at large watch with anticipation. The evolution of this iconic club, steeped in history yet always forward-looking, is a testament to its enduring greatness.