Less than three years into his career as a top-level coach, Alonso is returning to Real Madrid, the most pressurized job in football. He's earned it.

The former Spain international replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who has departed to become head coach of the Brazil national team.

The 65-year-old Ancelotti is departing after four mostly successful seasons with Madrid. He bid a tearful farewell on Saturday in the team’s final match of the Spanish league season. Ancelotti’s contract was to end at the end of next season, but the club confirmed his departure on Friday after he had already been announced as the next Brazil coach.