Xabi Alonso is currently one of the hottest new managerial properties throughout top clubs in world football. Having played for some of the biggest clubs in the world during his time as a player, Alonso has since applied his footballing aptitude to management and in his short time in the field, become one of the best young coaches in world football. That said, his stock as a manager rose massively after he turned Bayer Leverkusen from relegation candidates to invincible league champions in 2023.
As a player for Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, Alonso demonstrated his deep understanding of the game coupled with brilliant technical ability. Often hailed as a legend of the game for his illustrious playing career, all signs point to the Spaniard quite possibly replicating the same as a manager. Already, in his short span as a manager, Xabi Alonso has reportedly drawn interest from top clubs around the world as they look for alternatives.
Most notably, rumors suggested that Alonso was even considered to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, following the German’s departure at the end of the 2023-2024 season. That said, Alonso is not one to believe his own hype and despite the high praise on his name, has remained grounded and humble throughout. That said, many clubs will be quietly monitoring his progress and how he gets on with Leverkusen in the 2024-2025 season.
Xabi Alonso Bio
| Full Name | Xabi Alonso Olano |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | November 25, 1981 |
| Age | 42 |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Place of Birth | Tolosa, Spain |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Current Team (s) | Bayer Leverkusen |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Weight | 79 KG |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Nagore Aranburu |
| Children | 3 |
Xabi Alonso’s Playing Career
From the get-go, it was certain that Xabi Alonso, owing to his footballing ties would take after the family tradition and go on to make a name for himself in the sport. After all, his father, Periko Alonso, was a three-time La Liga champion with Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona. During his time in San Sebastián, Alonso ended up befriending a young Mikel Arteta as they would practice against each other, unbeknownst to them that they would eventually end up as professional players before managing two top teams in world football down the line.
Owing to his footballing prowess and innate talent, Alonso quickly rose through the rankings at Real Sociedad before making his way into the main squad in 2001. However, prior to making it into the main team, Alonso had to tend with being sent on loan to Eibar in the second division, to truly earn his stripes. However, owing to dire circumstances, Xabi was reintegrated into the fold at Real Sociedad and surprisingly made club captain by then-manager John Toshack.
Under the leadership of a then 22-year-old Alonso, Sociedad recorded their best-ever season since 1981-82, finishing two points behind eventual winners Real Madrid. In the season that followed, Alonso flourished at the club and national level, giving a solid account of himself during international friendlies and the UEFA Euro 2004. This would then lead to his transfer to Liverpool in 2004 in a deal worth £10.7 million, overseen by Spanish manager Rafa Benitez.
Under Benitez, Alonso played a vital role in the Liverpool squad, which completed the ‘Miracle of Istanbul’ later that year, overcoming a three-goal deficit against AC Milan in the Champions League final. In the years that followed, Xabi Alonso, despite occasional injury setbacks continued to deliver in midfield, chipping in with audacious long-range goals that mesmerized the Liverpool fans. That said, after 5 years at Merseyside, Alonso completed his £30 million move to Real Madrid in 2009.
At Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso played amongst the best of the best and the European elite. However, despite the significant step up in both his team and opposition, the Spaniard almost seamlessly integrated himself, becoming a vital member of the squad that would go on to post the club’s highest-ever points tallies in 2010, and 2011 when he claimed his first ever league title. That said, his time at the Bernabeu also saw him win numerous domestic trophies along with another Champions League trophy in his final year with the club.
Following his time with Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso set his sights on Bayern Munich. In his three seasons with the Bavarian giants, Alonso won League titles in all three of them, along with a few domestic trophies for good measure. All things considered, the club saw some great victories during his time with the club. Finally, in 2017, with his contract running down, Alonso revealed that he would be hanging up the boots for good, thus calling an end to an illustrious and legendary career.
| Clubs | Period | Appearances | Assists | Goals |
| Real Sociedad | 1999-2004 | 124 | 9 | 10 |
| Eibar (loan) | 2000-2001 | 13 | – | – |
| Liverpool | 2004-2009 | 210 | 19 | 19 |
| Real Madrid | 2009-2014 | 236 | 31 | 6 |
| Bayern Munich | 2014-2017 | 177 | 12 | 9 |
Also Read: Jurgen Klopp’s Rise: Managerial Journey, Family, Net Worth, and Football Achievements
Xabi Alonso’s International Career
Throughout his career, Xabi Alonso spent a significant part playing for his country. Having represented his career at 7 major tournaments including three World Cups, the Spaniard has acquired a wealth of experience during his playing career. Having received his first call-up to the national team for a friendly by manager Iñaki Sáez, Alonso’s performance impressed the former that he found a place for the budding midfielder in his Euro 2004 squad.
Although Alonso received limited minutes, it was a great honor to be representing his country at such a prestigious tournament. When the 2006 World Cup came about, Xabi Alonso had become an integral part of the squad and netted his country’s first goal of the tournament, which coincidentally was his first international goal as well. Despite a knockout stage loss, Spain came back at the 2008 Euros with a vengeance and an unparalleled squad depth. As such, Xabi once again played a rotational role, earning a man of the match award as well while his country went the entire tournament unbeaten.
This golden age of the Spanish national team would continue on to the 2010 World Cup, where Xabi Alonso retained a starting spot in an extremely talented midfield. That said, he also overcame huge adversity, playing on with an injury in the final as his side went on to lift their first World Cup trophy. Then at Euro 2012, Alonso went on to win his third title with Spain after they beat Italy 4-0 in the finals. Following a shocking and humbling tournament exit, despite being favorites at the 2014 World Cup, Xabi Alonso called time on his international career.
Xabi Alonso’s Coaching Career
Following the end of his remarkable playing career, Xabi Alonso was keen to put his footballing mind to use. Thus, he would then go on to complete his UEFA Elite coaching course whilst managing the Real Madrid under-14s. This would eventually open the door for him to take up the managerial role at Real Sociedad B, playing in the Segunda División B, where in his second season, he managed to win promotion to the Segunda División.
Unfortunately, they would then be relegated in their very first season, and Alonso, whose contract was up, parted ways with the club in 2022. However, a new opportunity presented itself and Alonso was appointed as the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen until 2024. However, when the Spaniard first arrived, the club was in dire straits, sitting second from the bottom after eight league games. That said, Alonso managed to work out a spectacular turnaround, finishing the season in sixth place, and reaching the club’s first European semifinal in 21 years.
The following season saw Xabi Alonso put pen to paper and extend his deal until 2026. Having made some solid signings, and implementing some new ideas Leverkusen set off of an unprecedented run wherein they set a new record for unbeaten games, beating Bayern Munich’s previous tally of 32. By the end of the season, Alonso had overseen the club’s first German Championship triumph and completed an entire season unbeaten.
Naturally, this form continued in domestic cup competitions and Europe, leading to a European record of 49 competitive matches without defeat. Having broken multiple records throughout the season, Leverkusen fell short of completing their fairytale ending, suffering a 3-0 loss to Atalanta in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final. Regardless, it was a season to remember for Alonso and the club, which ultimately resulted in the young manager also receiving a lot of interest from clubs he had previously played for.
| Club | Matches | Win | Loss | Draw |
| Real Sociedad B | 98 | 40 | 35 | 23 |
| Bayer Leverkusen | 107 | 69 | 13 | 25 |
Xabi Alonso’s Tactics and Style of Play
For the most part, the key to Xabi Alonso’s success was the style of play and the way he set his team up for success. While his first season at Leverkusen was centered around making the best use of the players he had, the second season saw him implement his idea and with his recruitment, put his plans into action.
With his record-breaking Bayer Leverkusen side, Alonso put an emphasis on short passing and counter-pressing, utilizing the flanks as a way to reinforce both the attack as well as the defense. This saw the use of Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo deployed as wing-backs, racking up big numbers in goals and assists despite being traditionally seen as defenders. Further, the system allowed for strikers Victor Boniface, Patrik Schick, and attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz to thrive as well.
This use of the 3-4-3 formation brought about a certain fluidity in the side, meaning that they were always good for a goal. As such, the side managed to rescue points during many games and at the same time, keep their unbeaten streak alive.
Xabi Alonso’s Achievements and Trophies
Throughout his career, Xabi Alonso achieved varying levels of success with the different clubs he played for. Naturally, the expectations placed on him as manager of Bayer Leverkusen were much different. Either way, the Spanish manager has always given a solid account of himself, be it as a player or as a coach, with fans and players singing his praises.
That said, Xabi Alonso has already won league and domestic titles in Germany and is also expected to find European triumph down the line. In addition to this Alonso has won a whole host of individual awards as well including the Globe Soccer Best Coach of the Year (2024), VDV Bundesliga Coach of the Season (2023–24), Football Manager of the Year in Germany (2024).
| Competition | Title | Year |
| Bundesliga | 1 | 2023/2024 |
| DFB-Pokal | 1 | 2023/2024 |
| DFL-Supercup | 1 | 2024 |
Xabi Alonso’s Family
Xabi Alonso was born to Periko Alonso and Isabel Olano in the small town of Tolosa, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country. It was here that owing to his father’s profession, Xabi got himself into football, ending up at the Real Sociedad after catching the eye of scouts.
As for himself, has a son by the name of Jontxe Aranburu Alonso, born in 2008, along with daughters Ane born in 2010, and Emma in 2013 respectively. Following the birth of his son, Xabi decided to tie the knot with his longtime girlfriend and partner Nagore Aranburu in 2009.
Initially, the two had met as youngsters during Alonso’s time at Real Sociedad. However, despite their very different lifestyles and professions, the two managed to make things work and have been happily married for nearly 15 years now.
Xabi Alonso’s Net Worth & Salary
For the most part, Xabi Alonso has made a fortune playing for some of the most prestigious clubs in world football. With stints at Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, one can assume that the Spaniard was getting paid the big bucks. As such, sources suggest that Xabi Alonso’s net worth in 2024 lies around $20m (£15.9m).
At the same time, Bayer Leverkusen, amid interest from many top clubs in Europe, quickly chose to tie down the Spaniard to a newer, more lucrative deal which will earn him a reported €6m (£5.12m) a year. For context, in the Premier League, it equates to about the same amount the sixth highest-paid manager would earn.
Also Read: The Untold Story of Arne Slot: Family, Salary, and the Lifestyle Behind His Coaching Triumphs
Q. Where is Xabi Alonso from?
Xabi Alonso was born in Basque Country, Spain.
Q. Is Xabi Alonso married?
Xabi Alonso married his girlfriend Nagore Aranburu in 2009.
Q. How old is Xabi Alonso?
Xabi Alonso is 42 years old.
Q. How much does Xabi Alonso earn at Bayer Leverkusen?
Xabi Alonso reportedly earns €6m (£5.12m) a year at Bayer Leverkusen.