Alonso began his career atReal Sociedad, the main team of his home provinceGipuzkoa. After a brief loan period atEibar, he was appointed asteam captain of Real Sociedad and finished runner-up inLa Liga in2002–03 season. He moved toLiverpool in 2004 for£10.5 million and won theUEFA Champions League in his first season, scoring in theFinal. He later won theFA Cup and theFA Community Shield. Alonso moved toReal Madrid in 2009 in a deal worth £30 million and won La Liga, twoCopas del Rey, and another Champions League. He joined German clubBayern Munich in 2015 and won three Bundesliga titles, including a domestic double in his second season, and retired in 2017.[8]
He made his international debut forSpain in April 2003 and went onto winEuro 2008, the2010 World Cup, andEuro 2012. He also represented Spain atEuro 2004 and the2006 World Cup. On 23 June 2012, Alonso won his 100th cap for Spain in the quarter-final of Euro 2012 againstFrance, where he scored both goals in a victory. Alonso retired from international football after the2014 World Cup. His 114 appearances make him the eighth-most capped player in Spain's history.
Alonso coached Real Madrid's U14 team before being appointed as manager ofReal Sociedad B in 2019, where he won promotion to theSegunda División in his second season. Alonso was named head coach of Bayer Leverkusen in 2022 and completed anunprecedented unbeaten domestic double in 2024, winning the club's first Bundesliga title and firstDFB Pokal since 1993.
Alonso was born in the small town ofTolosa, Gipuzkoa,Basque Country, into a family known for its footballing prowess. His father,Periko Alonso, wonLa Liga twice in successive seasons withReal Sociedad and a third time after he joinedBarcelona. He also featured in the national team, winning 21 caps over the course of his career.[9]
Alonso lived in the city ofBarcelona for the first six years of his life and moved toSan Sebastián (Donostia) thereafter. It was here that his passion for football began as he whiled away his childhood playing at Playa de la Concha (Shell Beach).[9] On the Basque sands, Alonso befriended a fellow resident of Calle Matia,Mikel Arteta, and the two would battle each other in exhibitions of technical ability.[10] He was immersed in football and his father would often bring him and his older brother,Mikel, toSabadell's training ground to practise together. Alonso was influenced by his father's playing, taking more pleasure in passing the ball well than shooting at goal.[11] At an early age, he decided to play as adefensive midfielder, a role which helped him learn how to distribute the ball well. This talent would later prove to be an integral part of his club and international career.[9]
Alonso and Arteta were ambitious and dreamed of playing alongside each other for Real Sociedad when they were older. Though they attended different schools, the two young players joined forces at the local youth sideAntiguoko, playing games at the weekend.[12] Their performances attracted the attention of scouts from top Spanish sides and the youngDonostiarras separated ways, ending nine years of friendly rivalry, as Alonso went to Real Sociedad and Arteta moved toCatalan giantsBarcelona.[13] Alonso's move to Real Sociedad, however, was not a companionless one, as his older brotherMikel, who had also become an adept player, joined the club together with him.[9]
Alonso quickly progressed through theyouth ranks and thereserve team at Real Sociedad (winning the regionalisedfourth tier in hissingle season with the latter) and impressed enough to earn a first team debut at the age of 18.[11] He made his first senior appearance againstLogroñés in December 1999 in aCopa del Rey match.[14] Alonso failed to make another appearance in the season but the following year brought more opportunities. At the beginning of the2000–01 season,Javier Clemente sent him toSegunda División teamEibar to gain experience. Alonso's father particularly felt the move to the smaller club improved him as a player.[11] A quick turnover of managers, however, including a two-month period with Periko Alonso in charge, left Real Sociedad in a dire situation. By January 2001, Real Sociedad were bottom of the league and its new manager,John Toshack, turned to the prodigious Alonso in the hope of reversing the team's fortunes. In a surprise move, the Welsh manager made the 20-year-old the teamcaptain, a position traditionally held by more senior players.[9] By the end of the season, Sociedad had climbed out of therelegation zone and finished in 14th place.[15] Toshack lauded Alonso, noting that the impression he had on the team was exceptional, especially for a player from the youth team.[9]
Under the tutelage of John Toshack, Alonso's captaincy marked a resurgence of form for Real Sociedad. Toshack recognised Alonso's potential and invested much time in his young captain, creating a training method designed to improve his touch and control specifically for him.[16] The team cemented its mid-table position in the2001–02, finishing in 13th place. Alonso appeared consistently inLa Liga with 30 appearances over the course of the season and also scored his first league goal, finishing with a season total of three. Real Sociedad's management changed again in the summer of 2002 with the arrival ofRaynald Denoueix, but Alonso kept his place in the first team on the strength of his past performances.[17]
The2002–03 season was the club's best league performance since the1981–82 season, in which they won the league. The Basque team finished second, two points behindReal Madrid,[18] setting a club record for their highest ever points total, and qualifying for theUEFA Champions League for the first time.[19] Alonso received much praise for his role in the team's success and was given the Best Spanish Player award by Spanish sports magazineDon Balón.[20] In addition, Alonso significantly contributed to the team's goal tally, scoring 12 goals in all competitions.[21] His performances earned Alonso national repute andIñaki Sáez, the coach of the Spain national team, called him up for theSpain national football team. Alonso made his international debut in April 2003 in a 4–0friendly win overEcuador.[22] Sáez raved over Alonso, saying, "He has a fantastic range of accurate passing [and] sees football with an extraordinary clarity."[9]
The2003–04 season comprised mixed results for Alonso and his San Sebastián club. Alonso revelled in the opportunity to perform in Europe, appearing in all the team's games, and Real Sociedad qualified for theknockout phase of the Champions League. The team struggled under the pressure of the extra matches, however, and were promptly knocked out of the tournament byLyon and finished 15th in La Liga.[21] The combination of Alonso's outstanding performances and the team's poor league finish made a move away fromAnoeta Stadium inevitable. Despite interest from La Liga champions Real Madrid, Alonso remained committed to Real Sociedad.[9] Madrid failed to meet the£13 million price tag thatJosé Luis Astiazarán, the Real Sociedad president, had placed on Alonso and the deal reached a stalemate.[21] Alonso had other concerns and focused on international duty with Spain atUEFA Euro 2004.[22] Despite the fact that Alonso's appearance at the tournament was brief, he caught the attention of retired footballerJan Mølby, who was impressed with his precise passing abilities.[9]
The summertransfer window at Real Sociedad saw the arrival of Alonso's childhood friend Mikel Arteta.[23] Arteta was ecstatic at the prospect of partnering Alonso in midfield, but his excitement was short-lived.[10] Alonso was not picked for Real Sociedad's pre-season friendlies, signalling that an offer byLiverpool was being treated seriously.[23] The Basque side announced on 20 August 2004 that they had made a deal worth £10.7 million with Liverpool and Alonso had agreed terms with theMerseyside team.[14][24] Alonso did not lament the fact that a move to Real Madrid had not materialised. Instead, he concentrated on integrating with the new Spanish contingent at Liverpool under the guidance of formerValencia managerRafael Benítez.[9]
Alonso arrived at Liverpool along withLuis García from Barcelona, marking the beginning of a new era atAnfield. New Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez sought to revolutionise the club and completely overhauled the squad, impressing his own management style and tactics upon the team.[25] The technical Spaniards were Benítez's first signings and he remarked that their emphasis of skill over strength offered the team something different.[24][26] Alonso made hisPremier League debut againstBolton Wanderers at theReebok Stadium on 29 August 2004.[14] Liverpool lost the fixture 1–0 but Alonso was already receiving praise for his passing skills from the press.[27] APremier League tie away againstFulham displayed more of Alonso's talents. Liverpool were losing 2–0 athalf-time and Benítez brought on Alonso as asubstitute after the break. He revived a deflated Liverpool and the game finished 2–4 to the Merseyside team.[28] Furthermore, Alonso scored his firstgoal for the team from afree kick to bring Liverpool ahead of the opposition.[29]
Alonso playing againstThe New Saints in the Champions League in July 2005
Alonso continued to provide important goals for the club, scoring his first goal at Anfield againstArsenal in a 2–1 victory.[30] Alonso was elated at the achievement and felt he was settling in well in England.[31] The Arsenal game marked the return ofSteven Gerrard from injury but Alonso's midfield partnership with theteam captain came to a halt when Alonso suffered his first setback at Liverpool. Alonso's ankle was broken following a tackle fromFrank Lampard in Liverpool's 0–1 home defeat againstChelsea on New Year's Day 2005 and the Spaniard was ruled out of action for three months.[32][33]
Alonso made his return to the first team in the second leg of theChampions League quarter-final againstJuventus. Alonso was not at full fitness but, as Steven Gerrard was injured, he played for the full 90 minutes and Liverpool held the score at 0–0 in Italy, defeating the eventual Italian champions on aggregate.[34] Kevin McCarra ofThe Guardian paid testament to Alonso's skill and dedication to the game, saying, "This marvellously accomplished footballer testified in theStadio delle Alpi that technique can overcome a serious physical disadvantage."[35] In the next round against Chelsea, Alonso received ayellow card in a tense and scrappy 0–0 draw atStamford Bridge, making him suspended for the following fixture.[36] Alonso was distraught that he would miss the game and vehemently contested the referee's decision to no avail.[37][38] Gerrard returned from injury for the second leg, however, and the captain steered his team to a 1–0 win with the help of a Luis García goal, qualifying for the final againstMilan.[39]
Liverpool's fifth-place finish in the Premiership left much to be desired but debut season glory still awaited Alonso in the form of theChampions League final. The team fell three goals behind Milan but completed a dramatic second-half comeback.[40] Liverpool, trailing 3–2, were awarded a penalty and it was decided that Alonso would take the spot kick. WhileDida, Milan's acclaimed Brazilian goalkeeper, managed to save the penalty Alonso fired the rebound into the roof of the net, bringing the score to 3–3.[41]Extra time passed without a goal from either team and Liverpool won 3–2 in the penalty shootout.[42] Alonso was praised for his pivotal influence on the team's comeback and manager Benítez reinforced his importance to the team.[43][44][45] Alonso was ecstatic with the win, commenting, "This is the best moment in my professional career."[46] The epic night was also recalled to be the 'Miracle of Istanbul'.[47]
Alonso taking a corner kick for Liverpool in March 2006
Alonso was ever-present in the first team in the2005–06 season, largely avoiding injuries that had marred his first season at the club. The summertransfer window broughtPeter Crouch to Liverpool and the striker's height sparked accusations that the team would change tolong ball tactics. Crouch denied this, highlighting that Alonso's passing ability, alongside Gerrard, would define Liverpool's style of play.[48] Alonso faced more competition for his place in the form of new arrivalMohamed Sissoko. However, Steven Gerrard's injuries and Rafael Benítez's favouring of a4–5–1formation ensured Alonso's place in the team. Alonso appeared in all of Liverpool's games in theChampions League but the dominance shown in the previous season had gone as the team lost toBenfica in theknockout stage.
On 7 January 2006, in anFA Cup third-round tie againstLuton Town, Alonso assisted Liverpool to a 5–3 comeback victory after being down 3–1 early in the second half.[49] Alonso scored two impressive goals from distance: one from 45 yards, and the other 65 yards from goal; behind thehalf-way line.[14][50] Consequently, Alonso's goals marked a stroke of luck for a Liverpool fan who won £25,000 from a £200 bet on Alonso scoring from within his own half.[51] Alonso suffered an ankle injury in a 1–3 away victory overPortsmouth, putting his participation in theFA Cup final in doubt.[52] However, he recovered sufficiently to start the game againstWest Ham United and Gerrard scored Liverpool's third goal from Alonso's free kick, pulling the team ahead of the opposition. Alonso, still affected by the injury, could not manage the entire 90 minutes and was substituted in the second half. Liverpool won on penalties without his help but Alonso still earned his first FA Cup winners' medal.[53]
Alonso andDirk Kuyt playing for Liverpool in April 2007
On 20 September 2006, Alonso scored what theBBC described as "an outrageous strike" from his own half in a 2–0 Premiership win againstNewcastle United.[54] Andy Hunter ofThe Independent described it as "one of the most audacious goals in Anfield's rich 115-year history".[55] Alonso rebutted claims that his 70-yard goal was all down to luck and stated that he took long range shots as part of his training routine.[56] Despite the similarity of the goals struck from inside his own half, Alonso was in no doubt which was his best. He said, "I think this was better. The Luton goal bounced a few times, this one went quite straight. The Luton one was left-footed – it was different – but I am quite happy to score the goal."[57] It was his first goal for Liverpool since the goal against Luton, making distinct history as the only outfield player in modern professional football history to score two consecutive goals from inside his own half of the pitch.[54]
On 8 June 2007, Alonso signed a five-year contract, stating, "I knew there was interest from other clubs but it was always my idea to stay here. I have been here for three seasons now and have such special feelings for the club and the supporters. I understand what Liverpool means to so many people. It is such a special club and I just didn't want to leave."[58] The 2007–08 season started well for the Spaniard: Gerrard's absence led to Alonso playing in a more advanced position and he scored twice in a 6–0 rout against Premier League newcomersDerby County.[59][60] The bright beginning was short-lived, however, as a minor injury sustained in a game against Portsmouth became aggravated in training.[61] The metatarsal injury forced him out of training for six weeks but his return to the first team was rushed and his injury recurred in his first game back. Alonso's determination and passion proved to be his downfall, and he later reflected, "I had been feeling a bit tired around that time because it was only my first game back and the match was very fast. But as a player you don't want to come off, particularly when the team is winning and I stayed on."[62]
Alonso returned from injury at December 2007, but over the following months he increasingly faced competition for a place in midfield fromJavier Mascherano andLucas.[63][64] His role in Liverpool's five-man midfield role was assured, however, as Rafael Benítez regarded him as "a top class player", stating that Alonso had the ability to change games and break down the opposition's defence.[65][66] Alonso made his 100th league appearance for Liverpool on 12 January 2008 againstMiddlesbrough.[67]
The 2008 summer transfer window suggested a move away from Merseyside, as Liverpool pursued England internationalGareth Barry to replace Alonso.[68] By the start of the 2008–09 season, neither Alonso or Barry had moved club but the drawn-out transfer saga had left the Spaniard feeling unsettled at Liverpool and unsure of his position in the team.[69][70] However, the club's fans did much to restore his spirits, supporting him on and off the pitch, and Alonso responded to this, saying:
"[The fans] couldn't have done more to show me how they felt... If I went out for lunch or a coffee, there was always someone who would come over and say, 'We'd love you to stay'. I'm just glad that, in the end, nothing came of it [the transfer] because it wasn't something I ever asked for."[71]
Despite the events of the summer, Alonso made a confident start to the season and both his peers and the press praised his strength of character, citing his influence as a factor in the team's strong opening to the season.[71][72] Alonso's importance to the team was further underlined when he scored the only goal, through a deflection, in a 0–1 victory against Chelsea, making Liverpool the first away team to win at Stamford Bridge in over four years.[73] Statistical analysis reflected Alonso's good form: on 11 December, figures fromOpta Sports revealed that he was the first Premier League player to complete 1,000 successful passes in the season.[74] His last goal for Liverpool came in their 1–3 away win atHull City on 25 April, striking after his free kick deflected off the Hull wall.[75]
Alonso completed his £30 million move toReal Madrid on 5 August 2009.[76] It has been suggested that he never wanted to leave the Anfield club, with his contract existing until at least 2012, and that his departure was due to differences with Benítez.[77][78][79] Former teammate Steven Gerrard said he was "devastated" by Alonso's decision, and cited his departure as one of the reasons behind Liverpool's poor run of form at the start of the following season.[80]
Alonso was given the number 22 jersey in Madrid and played in a holding midfield position. He scored his first goal for his new team on 21 February 2010, a penalty againstVillarreal in a 6–2 win.[81] Unless he was injured or suspended,Manuel Pellegrini started Alonso in every match of the Champions League and in La Liga in his first season at Real Madrid.[82] In La Liga, he helped the club finish with a club-record 96 points, three points behind winners Barcelona.[83] It was the third time in Alonso's career that he helped his team set a new club record in terms of points gathered, while finishing in second position (he achieved the same feat with Real Sociedad in 2002–03 and with Liverpool in 2008–09). During his first season at Real Madrid, Alonso scored three goals and was considered one of the club's "most consistent" players.[84] Readers ofMarca made him part of itsLa Liga team of the season, as their choicedefensive midfielder; the only other Real Madrid player featured wasCristiano Ronaldo.[85] Alonso received the same accolade fromESPN Soccernet.[86] He was also a nominee in theLFP Awards, awards given out by theLiga de Fútbol Profesional, the Spanish Football league. Alonso was nominated in the Best Midfielder category, alongsideXavi andJavi Martínez.[87] Several members of the Spanish press, as well as a number of Real Madrid supporters, gave Alonso a new nickname during the season:La Barba Roja ("The Red Beard").[88]
Alonso's second season at Real Madrid started with the arrival of a new manager,José Mourinho. He was given the number 14 jersey after the departure of vice-captainGuti.[89] He did not score any goals that whole season but helped Real Madrid win theCopa del Rey.
Alonso began his third season at Madrid by scoring the second goal in a 2–2 draw against Barcelona in the2011 Supercopa de España at theSantiago Bernabéu Stadium. On 21 September 2011, he played his 100th official game for Real Madrid in the 0–0 draw againstRacing de Santander. Alonso claimed the first league title of his career.
On 8 January 2014, Alonso signed a contract extension with Real Madrid, which would have kept him at the club until 2016.[90] On 29 April 2014, Real Madrid defeatedBayern Munich 4–0 in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final to qualify for thefinal on a 5–0 aggregate win.[91] Alonso received a yellow card after a sliding tackle onBastian Schweinsteiger in the first half; as he already had two before the match, this ruled him out of the final.[92] He claimed his second Champions League winners medal as Real defeatedAtlético Madrid 4–1 in extra time.
Alonso playing for Bayern againstCSKA Moscow in 2014
On 29 August 2014, Alonso moved toBayern Munich on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.[93][94][95] He made his debut the following day, starting in a 1–1 draw atSchalke 04.[96] On 27 September 2014, in the match against1. FC Köln, Alonso broke the record for most passes completed in aBundesliga game, with 196.[97] He scored his first goal for the club on 18 October 2014, a free kick in a 6–0 win overWerder Bremen.[98]
In his 100th Champions League appearance, on 17 February 2015, Alonso was sent-off for a second bookable offence in a 0–0 draw againstShakhtar Donetsk.[99] On 28 April, he was one of four Bayern players, allFIFA World Cup winners, to miss in a 2–0 penalty shootout defeat toBorussia Dortmund in theDFB-Pokal semi-final.[100] He was also the only player to miss as the club lost the shootout at the end of the2015 DFL-Supercup away toVfL Wolfsburg, his attempt being saved by goalkeeperKoen Casteels.[101]
Alonso signed a new contract with Bayern on 18 December 2015, keeping him at the club until 2017.[102] On 9 March 2017, Alonso confirmed viaTwitter his retirement from the game at the end of the 2016–17 season.[103][104] He and Bayern captainPhilipp Lahm played their final professional game on 20 May, in a 4–1 victory at home to Freiburg in which he assisted the opening goal forArjen Robben. He was substituted off in the 82nd minute forFranck Ribéry.[105]
Alonso was named in the Spanish squad for the2006 FIFA World Cup and he scored Spain's first goal of the tournament, his first international goal, againstUkraine on 14 June 2006.[111] After Spain won all their games of thegroup phase, they were beaten by the eventual finalistsFrance in the firstknockout stage of the tournament.[112]
Liverpool's 2007–08 season finished trophyless but the opportunity to win honours awaited Alonso in the form of theEuro 2008 tournament. Alonso featured mainly as a substitute but, with key players resting, he captained Spain in the final group game againstGreece, earning theman of the match award.[113] Despite a strong performance, he could not attain a starting position in the team, highlighting Spain's strength in depth.[114] Spain went on to win the tournament and he featured in four of their six matches.[115] Speaking to Spanish journalistGuillem Balagué, he said that Spain's victory was deserved and the players' teamwork had been crucial to the team's undefeated run in the tournament. The Basque was ecstatic at the achievement, declaring, "Right now, we're all just living the moment. It's incredible and we're all walking around in a dream. It's fantastic."[116] Alonso scored twice in a 3–0 win in a friendly againstDenmark on 20 August.[117]
At the2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa, Spain were eliminated in the semi-finals by theUnited States. In the third-place play-off againstthe hosts, the game went to extra time after finishing 2–2; Alonso scored a free kick in the 107th minute to win the game.[118]
Alonso started every game for Spain during the2010 tournament, playing alongsideSergio Busquets andXavi in midfield and helping his side to lift their firstWorld Cup trophy.[119] In the 28th minute of the final against theNetherlands, he received a "Kung fu-style" kick to the chest from Dutch midfielderNigel de Jong, the foul was controversial since it appeared to be a foul worthy of a straight red, but was only ruled out to be a yellow card given by refereeHoward Webb. This left Alonso in pain and in fear of a broken rib.[120] Despite this pain, he continued playing on for another hour.
On 23 June 2012, Alonso played his 100th match for Spain[121] in the quarter-finals against France in which he scored both goals in a 2–0 victory. The first goal came after he headed a cross from the left flank delivered byJordi Alba, while the second one came from a penalty kick given afterPedro was fouled byAnthony Réveillère in the dying seconds of the match.[122] Alonso's penalty in the semi-final shoot-out against Portugal was saved byRui Patrício in which Spain went on to win 4–2 after a 0–0 draw in the game itself.[123] Spain went on to beatGianluigi Buffon andItaly 4–0 in the finals; this was Alonso's third major title win with Spain.[124]
Spain were again amongst the favourites for cup victory in the2014 FIFA World Cup, but were eliminated in the first round. Alonso scored a penalty in the 27th minute of their first match against the Netherlands, though he was substituted in the 62nd minute with Spain down 2–1 before losing 5–1. Spain then lost 2–0 toChile, in which Alonso received a yellow card in the first half and was substituted at half-time with the score already at 2–0. Spain were then eliminated from the tournament but did win their final match 3–0 againstAustralia and finished third in the group; Alonso played 83 minutes in the match.
Alonso retired from international football on 27 August 2014.[125]
Alonso playing for Basque Country in a friendly match againstTunisia
Alonso made his debut for theBasque Country national team in afriendly againstGhana on 29 December 2001[126] and received regular call ups since, while – due to his busy club schedule – not always being able to appear. Most recently, Alonso appeared for Basque on 29 December 2012 in a 6–1 victory overBolivia.[127]
A consistent and hardworking midfielder, Alonso is regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, and was effective both creatively and defensively.[3]
With good technique, excellent vision, and varied passing range, he excelled in thecentre in adeep-lying playmaking role, where he utilized his accuratelong passing ability to create goal scoring chances for teammates;[128] he also utilized a powerful and accurate shot from distance, and he was an effectiveset-piece andpenalty kick taker.[3][129][130] Due to his height, positioning, and physical characteristics, Alonso was also effective in the air, often contributing with headed goals from set pieces when he advanced into more offensive positions.[131]
In addition to his creative attributes, he was also capable of excelling as adefensive midfielder due to his strength and powerful physique, combined with his tenacity, tactical intelligence, aggressive tackling and his ability to read the game.[3][132][133] He was at times criticised, however, for occasionally committing rash challenges and for his tendency to lose his composure and pick up unnecessary cards for particularly hard fouls.[134]
Regarding Alonso's playing style,Jonathan Wilson noted in a 2013 article forThe Guardian that he was an example of a more creative interpreter of the holding midfield role, who, "although capable of making tackles, focused on keeping the ball moving, occasionally raking long passes out to the flanks to change the angle of attack like an old-style regista."[135] His role has also been likened to that of ametodista ("centre-half," in Italian football jargon), due to his ability to dictate play in midfield as well as assist his team defensively.[136]
Since retiring,Steven Gerrard has claimed that he believes Alonso was the best midfielder he has ever played alongside.[6] Moreover, in 2017, his former Bayern Munich managerPep Guardiola, to whom he has occasionally been compared due to their similar role and playing style, described Alonso as one of the best midfielders he had ever seen in his life.[137][5]
In 2018, whilst completing hisUEFA Elite coaching course alongside former international teammatesRaúl, Xavi,Víctor Valdés, andJoan Capdevila, Alonso returned to Real Madrid where he assumed a role coaching the Real Madrid U14s.[138]
In Alonso's second season atSanse, the club won promotion to theSegunda División, following aplay-off win againstAlgeciras on 22 May 2021. The win signified Real Sociedad B's first season back in the Segunda División since1961–62.[142] That March, despite being heavily linked to the soon-to-be vacant manager role atBorussia Mönchengladbach,[143] Alonso signed a one-year extension with the club.[144]
In his first game in the second tier on 14 August 2021, Alonso won 1–0 at home againstLeganés through aJon Karrikaburu goal.[145] On 25 May 2022, Real Sociedad announced that Alonso would leaveSanse at the end ofthe season, with the side already relegated from the second level.[146]
On 5 October 2022, Alonso was appointed as the new head coach ofBayer Leverkusen until June 2024. He replacedGerardo Seoane with the team second from bottom after eight Bundesliga games, having their worst start to a season since 1979.[147] He debuted three days later with a 4–0 home win overSchalke 04.[148] In Leverkusen's first European semifinal in 21 years, he was eliminated by his former Real Madrid managerJosé Mourinho'sRoma via a single first-leg goal.[149] At the end of the season, Bayer Leverkusen finished in sixth place and qualified for next season'sEuropa League. In May 2023, Alonso confirmed that he would remain for a second season, amidst interest fromTottenham Hotspur.[150]
2023–24: Historic domestic double and unbeaten run
Alonso was linked to become the new manager of former clubs Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Real Madrid. However, on 29 March 2024, he reaffirmed his commitment to complete his contract.[158] On 14 April, Alonso led Leverkusen to a 5–0 win overWerder Bremen to clinch their first Bundesliga title and first German championship in history, with five games remaining.[159] On 9 May, he guided his team to achieve a new European record of 49 competitive matches without defeat in all competitions, following a 2–2 draw against Roma in the Europa League semi-final second leg, breakingBenfica's record of 48 games unbeaten between 1963 and 1965.[160] The streak was further extended to 51 matches without defeat with two additional Bundesliga wins, making for a full unbeaten Bundesliga season, before bringing it to an end with a 3–0 loss toAtalanta in the2024 UEFA Europa League final.[161][162] Leverkusen obtained 40 points more than the previous season, like Stuttgart, a Bundesliga record. Club records were broken as well, namely 28 wins, 90 points, 89 goals scored, 24 goals conceded, 10 games won in a row, and 16 clean sheets in a season.[163] Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen also claimed the2023–24 DFB-Pokal on 25 May, defeating1. FC Kaiserslautern 1–0 in thefinal to complete a domestic double.[164]
Alonso was regarded as a quiet and friendly person by his teammates at Liverpool.[165] He is married to Nagore Aranburu and the couple have three children—one son (born 2008) and two daughters (born 2010 and 2013).[166][167] In March 2008, instead of travelling with the team, Alonso stayed in Merseyside to be at his wife's side while she gave birth, saying, "It was a little frustrating to miss the match againstInter but I have to be with my family at times like these."[168] His decision to place his family ahead of a Champions League tie caused friction with manager Rafael Benítez.[169][170]
Alonso and Arsenal managerMikel Arteta were neighbours on the same street while growing up in San Sebastián, going on to live near each other inLiverpool while Arteta was anEverton player.[171] Alonso convinced Arteta to transfer to Everton after he told him how happy he was living in Liverpool.[172] Alonso also helped persuade former Real Sociedad teammateJuan Ugarte to make a move to Wales by joiningWrexham in 2004.[173]
Alonso's brotherMikel played for Spanish clubReal Unión. He previously spent a season on loan atBolton Wanderers in the2007–08 season with an option for a permanent deal.[174][175] However, the team opted not to extend the loan deal and he returned to Spain to train with Alonso's former club, Real Sociedad.[176] Alonso also has another brother involved in football, Jon, who works as areferee.[177]
Alonso is aMeathGaelic football supporter.[178] His interest in the Irish sport stems from the age of 15 when he stayed with a family in the Irish town ofKells, County Meath to learn English, and played the sport in his spare time.[179]
Even while playing at Real Madrid, Alonso has declared himself a Liverpool supporter[180] and returns to watch games at Anfield when his schedule allows. He was quoted inThe Times Online in 2011 as saying, "I am still a Liverpool fan and will be forever, absolutely" and that he will raise his Liverpool-born son as a Red supporter.[181]
The match away againstEquatorial Guinea in November 2013 although included in Alonso's 114 caps is not considered a full international byFIFA (too many substitutions) but it is official for theRFEF[187]
Scores and results list Spain's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Alonso goal.[182][185]
^Xabi Alonso (3 December 2004).Alonso happy to be at Anfield(Windows Media Player/Real Video) (Video). BBC Sport. Event occurs at 0.05mins/2.00mins. Retrieved15 August 2008.I think I'm settling quickly no? You know you come to a different country with a different culture but you have to accept all this"/"It was exciting to score at Anfield. I was looking for it and I felt great when I did, in a big game as well
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