Xabi Alonso: What’s New with the Former Midfield Maestro?
If you follow football, you’ve probably heard Xabi Alonso’s name a lot. The Spanish star spent years dazzling fans at Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich before swapping his boots for a coach’s whistle. Today he runs Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, turning the club into a European contender. This page gives you the latest scoop on his coaching moves, tactical tweaks and any buzz about possible job changes.
Career Highlights
Alonso started as a deep‑lying playmaker at Real Sociedad, then moved to Liverpool where he won the 2005 Champions League. A switch to Real Madrid added two more European titles, and his final playing chapter at Bayern Munich ended with a domestic double in 2016. After hanging up his boots, he coached youth squads before taking Leverkusen’s top job in 2022. In his first season he led the team to a Bundesliga runner‑up spot and a Champions League semi‑final – a huge jump for a club that usually fights mid‑table.
What to Watch This Season
Fans are curious about Alonso’s signature pressing style. He likes his midfielders to stay compact, press high and recycle the ball quickly. Look out for Leverkusen’s quick transitions: a short pass from the back, a forward run by the winger, and a finish inside the box. Also, keep an eye on how he handles big‑game pressure. In recent matches against Dortmund and PSG his substitutions have shifted momentum, showing he trusts fresh legs to change tempo.
Rumors about Alonso jumping to bigger leagues surface every transfer window. While some clubs in England and Spain have shown interest, Leverkusen’s board keeps re‑signing him on longer contracts, signaling they want stability. If you’re tracking potential moves, watch official club statements rather than speculation on social media.
Stat lovers will notice his teams boast high pass‑completion rates (often above 90%) and a solid defensive record. In the last ten games Leverkusen kept clean sheets in six matches, thanks to disciplined backlines that follow Alonso’s structured approach.
Bottom line: Xabi Alonso is reshaping his post‑player legacy with smart tactics and steady results. Whether you’re a casual fan or a data geek, his progress at Bayer Leverkusen offers plenty of material to follow this season.
August, 25 2025

Real Madrid make it two from two as Mbappé brace sinks Oviedo 3-0
Kylian Mbappé scored twice and Vinícius Júnior added a stoppage-time third as Real Madrid beat Real Oviedo 3-0 away on August 24, 2025. Thibaut Courtois snuffed out Oviedo’s early threat, while Arda Güler created the opener. Xabi Alonso rotated up front, starting Rodrygo and using Vinícius off the bench. Madrid stay perfect after two games, trailing Villarreal on goal difference.