Xabi Alonso, born in November 1981 in Tolosa, Spain, is renowned for his exceptional kicking skills and powerful shots, making him a master of direct free kicks and long-distance goals. His precise passing abilities also distinguish him as a unique playmaker, greatly valued by both Real Madrid and the Spain national team.
Hailing from a prestigious football family, Alonso’s father and brothers all pursued careers in professional football, with one brother even becoming a professional referee. With such a background, Alonso’s destiny in football was apparent from an early age. He honed his skills at the Real Sociedad football academy, debuting for the club in 2000.
In 2004, Liverpool F.C. recruited Alonso for his talent, and he quickly established himself as a top-class player in his debut season. In 2009, amidst significant spending by Real Madrid, Alonso joined the club, contributing significantly to their success.
In 2014, Alonso moved to Bayern Munich, marking a new chapter in his career.
His coaching journey officially began in 2022 with Bayer Leverkusen, where he transformed the team from second-bottom in the standings to unbeaten in the 2023/24 season.
Under Alonso’s guidance, Leverkusen secured their first Bundesliga title and advanced to the DFB Cup final and Europa League quarter-finals. His strategic vision and leadership have earned him recognition as one of football’s promising coaches.
