Xabi Alonso, born Xabier Alonso Olano, is a Spanish professional football manager and former player renowned for his exceptional midfield skills and leadership. Born on 25 November 1981 in Tolosa, Spain, Alonso's career spans over two decades, featuring stints at Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, culminating in his current role as the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen.
Main Milestones
Birth
25 November 1981
Xabi Alonso was born in Tolosa, Spain, marking the beginning of a storied career in football.
Youth Career
1990-1999
Alonso began his football journey at Antiguoko, a youth academy in Spain, where he honed his skills and laid the foundation for his future success.
Early Professional Career
1999-2004
Alonso joined Real Sociedad B in 1999 and quickly progressed to the first team, making 114 appearances and scoring 9 goals. He also had a brief loan stint at Eibar in 2000-2001.
Liverpool FC
2004-2009
Alonso moved to Liverpool in 2004, where he became a key player, making 143 appearances and scoring 15 goals. His time at Anfield included winning the European Cup in his first season.
Real Madrid
2009-2014
Alonso joined Real Madrid in 2009, playing a crucial role in the team's midfield. He won several titles, including LaLiga in 2011-12 and the Champions League in 2013-14.
Bayern Munich
2014-2017
Alonso moved to Bayern Munich in 2014, serving as a deep-lying playmaker and contributing to three league titles under Pep Guardiola.
Retirement
2017
Alonso retired as a player in 2017, concluding a distinguished career that earned him respect and admiration from rivals and fans alike.
Coaching Career Begins
2019-2022
Alonso started his coaching career by managing Real Sociedad B, where he impressed over three seasons.
Bayer Leverkusen Head Coach
2022-Present
Alonso took over as the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen in 2022, leading the team to a record-breaking first Bundesliga title and a DFB Cup victory in his first full season.
