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Xabi Alonso is a retired Spanish professional footballer who played as a midfielder. Born on November 25, 1981, in the Basque Country of Spain, Alonso had a successful football career that spanned over 17 years. He was known for his elegant playing style, excellent vision, passing accuracy, and tactical intelligence on the field.

Early Life and Career

Alonso started playing football at a young age with his father, Periko Alonso, being a professional footballer himself. He began his career in San Sebastian before joining Real Sociedad’s youth academy at the age of 15. In 2003, he made his professional debut against FC Barcelona and went on to make 87 appearances for the club, winning the Spanish Super Cup in 2004.

Success with Liverpool

In 2004, Alonso joined Liverpool Football Club and became a vital member of the team that went on to win the UEFA Champions League in 2005 against AC Milan. His quick thinking, passing accuracy, and excellent range of passing regularly helped the team create scoring opportunities. He won the FA Cup with Liverpool in 2006 and reached a second Champions League final in 2007, losing to AC Milan.

Years with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich

In 2009, Alonso joined Real Madrid for a fee of £30 million and stayed there for five seasons, winning the La Liga title in 2012. He then signed with Bayern Munich, where he played another three successful seasons, winning three Bundesliga titles, one DFB-Pokal, and reaching the semifinals of the Champions League in 2015.

International Career

Alonso represented the Spanish national team for over a decade, amassing 114 caps and scoring 16 goals. He won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships with the La Roja. His composure, passing range, and tactical awareness made him an essential part of Spain’s midfield during their most successful period as a national team.

Retirement and Post-Football Career

Alonso retired from football in 2017 and became a coach. He received his UEFA Pro coaching license and became the head coach of Real Sociedad B, the reserve team of his former club. In 2019, he was appointed as the head coach of Real Sociedad’s first team.

Xabi Alonso was a midfield maestro who played with elegance and intelligence on the field. He won numerous titles throughout his career, both with his clubs and the national team. As a coach, he continues to inspire and impart his knowledge and experience to his players, ensuring the development of the game and the next generation of footballers.