Xabi Alonso began his professional career at Real Sociedad, where he was trusted with the captain’s armband under the guidance of John Toshack. From 2004 to 2009, Alonso played in England for Liverpool. During his five years at Anfield, he helped the Reds win both the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup, becoming an indispensable part of the squad.
In 2009, Alonso moved to Real Madrid in a deal worth around £30 million. With Madrid, he won several titles, including the 2011–12 La Liga and the 2013–14 Champions League. After five seasons in the Spanish capital, Alonso signed a two-year deal with German powerhouse Bayern Munich. He retired from professional football in the summer of 2017 at age 35, having won two Bundesliga titles with Bayern. Alonso was also a key member of Spain’s golden generation, winning Euro 2008, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and Euro 2012. Throughout his playing career, he was widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation.
Currently, Alonso is the manager of Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, where he has achieved extraordinary success. Under his leadership, the club claimed all three major domestic titles: the Bundesliga, the DFB-Pokal (German Cup), and the German Super Cup. Most notably, Leverkusen’s long-awaited Bundesliga title ended a 120-year drought, fulfilling the dreams of their loyal supporters.
Understandably, Leverkusen is heartbroken over his potential departure. However, they are bound by a clause agreed upon when Alonso extended his contract last year. In a recent interview, Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro stated: “We will not stand in Xabi Alonso’s way if Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid, or Bayern Munich come calling. We’ve agreed to negotiate in such a case. We will not prevent him from leaving.”
This highlights the immense respect Alonso has earned for his contributions to the club. Last season, all three of his former clubs—Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich—reportedly approached him, but he chose to remain with Leverkusen for one more season.
However, with Real Madrid’s recent dip in form and coach Carlo Ancelotti confirming his move to the Brazilian national team, it seems Alonso's heart has spoken. The pull of returning to the Bernabéu appears too strong to resist.
Eleven years after his departure, Xabi Alonso is poised to return to Real Madrid, this time as head coach, ready to usher the Royal Club into a new era. With his sharp tactical mind and unwavering passion for "Los Blancos," fans are hopeful that his comeback will spark the dawn of another golden age.
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