Xabi Alonso - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Career Beginnings: Xabi Alonso was born on November 25, 1981, in Tolosa, Spain. He began his professional football career at Real Sociedad, where he made his debut in 1999.
- 2. Move to Liverpool: In 2004, Alonso made a high-profile move to Liverpool FC in the English Premier League. He quickly became a key player for the club, known for his passing accuracy and vision on the pitch.
- 3. Champions League Success: Alonso was a crucial part of Liverpool's historic Champions League triumph in 2005, where they came back from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan on penalties in the final.
- 4. International Career: Alonso also enjoyed success with the Spanish national team, winning the European Championship in 2008 and the World Cup in 2010.
- 5. Move to Real Madrid: In 2009, Alonso transferred to Real Madrid for a reported fee of €30 million. He went on to win several trophies with the club, including La Liga and the Champions League.
- 6. Bayern Munich: In 2014, Alonso joined Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. He continued to excel at the highest level, winning multiple domestic titles with the German giants.
- 7. Retirement: Alonso announced his retirement from professional football in 2017, ending a successful career that spanned nearly two decades.
- 8. Style of Play: Known for his excellent passing range, vision, and tactical intelligence, Alonso was considered one of the best midfielders of his generation.
- 9. Personal Awards: Alonso was named in the FIFPro World XI in 2011 and was included in the UEFA Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament.
- 10. Coaching Career: After retiring as a player, Alonso transitioned into coaching. He has worked with Real Madrid's youth teams and was appointed as the head coach of Real Sociedad B in 2021.