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Xabier AlonsoSpanish footballer and midfielder who plays for Real Madrid
Date of Birth: 25.11.1981
Country:  Spain |
Content:
- Biography of Xabi Alonso
- International Career
- Moving to Liverpool
- Long-Range Goals and Achievements
- Later Career
- Legacy
Biography of Xabi Alonso
Early Life and CareerXabi Alonso is a Spanish professional footballer who is known for his role as a midfielder for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. He was born on November 25, 1981, in Tolosa, Spain. Alonso comes from a famous football family, with his father, Periko Alonso, being a star player for Barcelona in the 1980s and winning two championship titles with Real Sociedad. His brother, Mikel Alonso, also plays as a midfielder for Real Sociedad, while his other brother, Jon, is a football referee.
Alonso began his football career at the youth academy of Real Sociedad and made his professional debut for the club in the 1999-2000 season. He initially spent the first half of the 2000-2001 season on loan at Eibar before returning to his hometown club and fighting for a place in the starting lineup. In the successful 2002-2003 season, where Real Sociedad finished second in the league, Alonso played a crucial role, participating in 33 matches and scoring 3 goals.
International Career
On April 30, 2003, Alonso made his debut for the Spanish national team in a friendly match against Ecuador. He was only 21 years old at the time. Alonso went on to represent Spain in major tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship in 2004 and the FIFA World Cup in 2006. During the World Cup, he scored his first goal for the national team against Ukraine on June 14, 2006.
Moving to Liverpool
In August 2004, Alonso transferred to Liverpool, making his debut in the English Premier League on August 29 against Bolton Wanderers. Although he was a newcomer to English football, Alonso quickly became a key player in Liverpool's midfield due to his excellent vision and passing abilities. His accurate long-range passes and powerful strikes made him a fan favorite at Anfield.
Alonso faced a setback when he broke his ankle in a collision with Frank Lampard of Chelsea on January 1, 2005, which sidelined him for three months. However, he returned in time for the decisive matches of the UEFA Champions League, helping the team win the final against AC Milan in a penalty shootout after equalizing the score.
Long-Range Goals and Achievements
On January 7, 2006, Alonso scored the furthest goal in Liverpool's history against Luton Town in the FA Cup. From his own half of the field, Alonso struck the ball from 65 yards out and found the empty net as Luton's goalkeeper had gone forward for a corner kick. This achievement was widely discussed among fans and the media. It was even reported that a Liverpool fan won £25,000 after betting £200 on Alonso scoring a goal from his own half during the season.
Throughout his career, Alonso continued to impress with his long-range shooting abilities. On September 20, 2006, he scored another spectacular goal from distance against Newcastle United in the Premier League. This goal further cemented his reputation as a master of long-range strikes.
Alonso achieved numerous successes during his time at Liverpool, including winning the UEFA Champions League in 2004-2005, the UEFA Super Cup in 2005-2006, the FA Cup in 2005-2006, and the FA Community Shield in 2006-2007.
Later Career
In August 2009, Alonso transferred to Real Madrid, where he continued to showcase his skills as a midfielder. He played for Real Madrid until 2014 before joining Bayern Munich for the final two years of his professional career. Alonso retired from professional football in 2017.
Legacy
Xabi Alonso will always be remembered as one of the best midfielders of his generation. His ability to score goals from long distances and his precise passing made him an indispensable player for both his club and country. Alonso's impact on the game and his contributions to Liverpool's success during his time at the club will long be celebrated by football fans around the world.
