- A humble beginning in Tolosa
- International scene and consolidation in Liverpool
- The evolution of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich
- El salto a los banquillos
Xabi Alonso is a football icon both for his elegance on the pitch and for his steps from the bench to the coaching post. From his beginnings as a footballer in the north of Spain to his evolution into a technician with great potential, Alonso has undergone a metamorphosis both in his professional trajectory and in his personality and lifestyle.
A humble beginning in Tolosa
Born on November 25, 1981 in Tolosa, Basque Country, Xabi Alonso grew up in a football environment. His father Perico Alonso played professionally and won the league with Real Sociedad, which greatly influenced his love for the sport. From his youth, Xabi showed a natural talent for football, excelling in grasping the game and passing accurately.
They began their professional careers in Real Sociedad's quarry, where they quickly rose through the ranks due to their skills. In 2000, he made his first-team debut and two years later led Real Sociedad to a memorable runner-up finish in La Liga in the 2002-2003 season. At the time, Alonso was a mediocampist with unassuming looks, short hair and an unassuming demeanor that belied his skills on the pitch.
International scene and consolidation in Liverpool
In 2004, Xabi Alonso experienced his first step into international football when he signed for Liverpool, where his style of play was ideally suited to the energetic English football. Alonso has become an important component of the team's midfield under Rafa Benitez. His ability to take long strides and his composure in moments of tension made him a role model to watch.
The highlight of his time at Liverpool came in 2005, when the team won the Champions League in a historic final over AC Milan. Alonso propiciaron que uno de los tantos anotó in historical remontada. Instante, solo sobresalía en el campo, sino que también, showing a more mature and developed personality, he began to sobresalir above all else.
The evolution of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich
In 2009, Alonso returned to Spain to sign for Real Madrid, where he continued his growth as a footballer. During his time at the Merengue club, he won one Liga, two Copas del Rey and one Liga de Campeones, establishing himself as one of the most effective midfielders of his era.
La transformación en Alonso no solo se basaba and fútbol; He also began to express himself in his personal style. With his neatly trimmed beard and refined style, he has become a fashion icon in the field of sports. This period marked a radical change in his public reputation, from a player with potential to an iconic figure.
In 2014, he moved to “Bayern” and finished his football career here. Under Pep Guardiola, Alonso has not only maintained his form, but has shown an increased interest in the tactical elements of football, which is a sign of what his path to the bench will look like.
El salto a los banquillos
After retiring as a footballer in 2017, Xabi Alonso chose to start his career as a coach. He started his career in the lower division of “Real Madrid” and later moved to the helm of the “Real Sociedad” branch. His tactical method and ability to connect with players quickly established him as a promising coach.
In 2022, Alonso made a significant breakthrough to take over the management of Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Under his leadership, the team showed an active and effective game, strengthening its technical reputation in the promotion.