Xabi Alonso Biography & Networth
Xabi Alonso Biography & Networth
Xabi Alonso is a retired Spanish footballer known for his incredible passing ability and tactical intelligence. He played for top clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich, as well as the Spanish national team, where he won the World Cup and two European Championships. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching.
Early life and Education
Xabier Alonso Olano was born on November 25, 1981, in Tolosa, Gipuzkoa, Spain. His father, Periko Alonso, was also a professional footballer. Growing up in a football-oriented family, Xabi developed a passion for the sport at a young age. He began his youth career at Antiguoko, a local Basque club, before joining Real Sociedad’s youth academy.
Alonso focused on his football career from an early age, so formal education beyond high school may not have been a priority for him. However, he likely completed his basic education in Tolosa before fully committing to his football career.
Career
Xabi Alonso had an illustrious football career spanning over 17 years. He started his professional career at Real Sociedad, making his debut in 1999. With his exceptional passing skills and vision, Alonso quickly established himself as a key player for the team.
In 2004, he made a high-profile move to Liverpool FC, where he became a fan favorite and a pivotal part of the team’s midfield. During his time at Liverpool, Alonso won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FA Cup, among other honors.
In 2009, Alonso transferred to Real Madrid, where he continued to shine, contributing to the team’s successes in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. His time at Real Madrid further solidified his reputation as one of the best midfielders in the world.
In 2014, Alonso joined Bayern Munich, where he continued to display his exceptional skills and leadership on the pitch. He enjoyed success with the German club, winning multiple Bundesliga titles and other domestic trophies.
Internationally, Alonso represented the Spanish national team with distinction, winning the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and the UEFA European Championship in 2008 and 2012.
After retiring from professional football in 2017, Xabi Alonso has ventured into coaching, aiming to pass on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of players.
During the UEFA Elite coaching course in 2018, Xabi Alonso joined former teammates Raúl, Xavi, Víctor Valdés, and Joan Capdevila. Upon completion, he returned to Real Madrid, taking on a coaching position with the Real Madrid U14s team.
On June 1, 2019, Xabi Alonso was appointed as the manager of Real Sociedad B, a Segunda División B club. He officially began his role on July 9. In his debut match on August 24, the team drew at home to Burgos CF.
In his second season with Real Sociedad B, Alonso led the club to promotion to the Segunda División after winning a playoff against Algeciras on May 22, 2021. This marked their return to the Segunda División after more than five decades. Despite being linked to the manager role at Borussia Mönchengladbach, Alonso extended his contract with Real Sociedad B in March.
Alonso’s first game in the Segunda División saw his team secure a victory at home against Leganés on August 14, 2021. However, on May 25, 2022, Real Sociedad announced that Alonso would leave the club at the end of the season, as the team had already been relegated from the second tier.
On October 5, 2022, Xabi Alonso took over as the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, replacing Gerardo Seoane. The team was struggling, sitting second from bottom in the Bundesliga after eight games, their worst start since 1979. Alonso’s debut match three days later saw Leverkusen secure a convincing home win over Schalke 04.
In his first Champions League campaign, Alonso guided Leverkusen through the group stage, finishing third and entering the Europa League knockout round play-offs.
Despite a challenging start, Alonso eventually turned Leverkusen’s fortunes around, leading them to their first European semifinal in 21 years, where they were eliminated by Roma. Leverkusen finished 6th in the Bundesliga, securing Europa League qualification for the next season.
In May 2023, Alonso confirmed he would stay for a second season despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
For the 2023–24 season, Alonso signed a contract extension until 2026. Leverkusen performed exceptionally well, remaining unbeaten in their first 33 games, setting a new record for matches without defeat by a German team. They also won all six games in the UEFA Europa League group stage.
Alonso’s success attracted interest from former clubs Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Real Madrid. However, he reaffirmed his commitment to Leverkusen until the end of the 2024–25 season.
On April 14, 2024, Alonso led Leverkusen to a historic 5–0 win over Werder Bremen, clinching their first-ever Bundesliga title.
Personal life
Alonso’s Liverpool teammates regarded him as a quiet and amiable person. He is married to Nagore Aranburu, and together they have three children: a son born in 2008 and two daughters born in 2010 and 2013. In March 2008, Alonso opted to stay in Merseyside instead of traveling with the team to be present for the birth of his child, a decision that caused tension with manager Rafael Benítez.
Alonso and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta were childhood neighbors in San Sebastián and later lived near each other in Liverpool when Arteta played for Everton. Alonso convinced Arteta to join Everton, citing his own positive experience living in Liverpool. He also influenced former Real Sociedad teammate Juan Ugarte to join Wrexham in 2004.
Alonso’s brother Mikel played for Real Unión and had a loan spell at Bolton Wanderers. Another brother, Jon, works as a referee.
Despite playing for Real Madrid, Alonso remains a loyal Liverpool supporter. He follows Meath Gaelic football, a passion he developed during a stay in Ireland to learn English at the age of 15. He has expressed his enduring support for Liverpool and intends to raise his son, born in Liverpool, as a Reds supporter.
Estimated to be over 35 million dollars.