Xabi Alonso, born on November 25, 1981, in Tolosa, Spain, is celebrated for his exceptional vision, precise passing, and tactical intelligence. His professional journey commenced at Real Sociedad, where he quickly rose to prominence, leading the team to a second-place finish in La Liga during the 2002–03 season. In 2004, Alonso transferred to Liverpool FC, making an immediate impact by helping the club secure the UEFA Champions League title in 2005. During his tenure with Liverpool, he also contributed to winning the FA Cup in 2006 and the FA Community Shield the same year.
In 2009, Alonso joined Real Madrid, where he continued to demonstrate his midfield mastery. His time with Los Blancos was marked by significant achievements, including winning La Liga in the 2011–12 season and the UEFA Champions League in 2014. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in securing two Copa del Rey titles in 2011 and 2014. Alonso’s consistent performances earned him recognition as one of the best midfielders of his generation.
Alonso concluded his playing career at Bayern Munich, joining the German giants in 2014. With Bayern, he added three Bundesliga titles (2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17) and a DFB-Pokal in the 2015–16 season to his impressive trophy cabinet. Internationally, Alonso was an integral part of Spain’s golden era, contributing to their UEFA European Championship victories in 2008 and 2012, as well as the FIFA World Cup triumph in 2010. His illustrious career is a testament to his skill, leadership, and enduring influence on the game.
