- Alonso emerges as a top figure in football following Bayer Leverkusen’s groundbreaking championship victory
- The Spanish enthusiast has a penchant for classic automobiles and timepieces, and has a fond memory of spending time in Ireland
- Fatigued by Manchester City’s performance? We’re all feeling the strain, but spreading such a message could be perilous. The essence of the game lies in the big matches: Tune in to the podcast
After the fervor had subsided, the mastermind behind it all managed to carve out some time for his family.
He shared an Instagram snapshot alongside his wife Nagore and their three children – Jontxu, Ane, and Emma, all beaming in the Leverkusen locker room.
Captioned as ‘My Team’ with a heart emoji, this gesture from the Spanish coach expressed gratitude for his family’s unwavering support during what has undeniably been a historic yet immensely demanding season for the German club.
On Sunday, Alonso steered Leverkusen to their inaugural title, with the possibility of clinching the German Cup and the UEFA trophies still looming.
What truly sets Alonso’s team apart is their flawless record this season, having not faced a single defeat so far.
His accomplished and stylish wife, Nagore, has dabbled in modeling, acting, and fashion design.
The pair, who were high school sweethearts, crossed paths when Alonso was part of his hometown club Real Sociedad in the Basque region.
Tying the knot in 2009 coincided with Alonso’s transition from Liverpool to Real Madrid. During his stint in Merseyside, Nagore worked at a hotel reception, leading to a comical anecdote involving his teammate Peter Crouch.
Reflecting on his Liverpool days, Crouch humorously recounted an incident where he mistook Nagore for a hotel staff member, only to discover she was Xabi Alonso’s partner, much to his teammates’ amusement.
Nagore and their three children have been steadfast companions throughout Xabi’s journey from San Sebastián to Liverpool, Madrid, Munich, and back to the Basque Country, where he embarked on his coaching career with Sociedad.
Choosing Leverkusen over rumored links to Liverpool and Bayern, Alonso is set to guide the team in the upcoming Champions League season.
His linguistic skills in English trace back to a sojourn in Kells, County Meath, Ireland, at the age of 16.
Recalling his time in Ireland, Alonso reminisced about his stay with the O’Brien family and his introduction to Gaelic football at Kells Celtic, an experience he found exhilarating yet physically demanding.
While in Meath, Alonso attended a GAA match and developed a fondness for the local team.
Before making his mark in Sociedad’s first team, Alonso contemplated pursuing an engineering degree and even considered a career in economics.
Known for his elegant midfield prowess, which still shines on the Leverkusen training grounds, Alonso exudes sophistication both on and off the field.
His collaboration with Adidas and Porsche Design earned him the moniker ‘James Bond’ in the Spanish media, as he showcased his affinity for vintage cars.
At 42, Alonso possesses a Mercedes 190 SL convertible valued at up to £165,000, complemented by a collection of exquisite watches from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Franck Muller, Audemars Piguet, and Panerai.
Among his prized possessions is an IWC Ingenieur – a £10,500 gift from Nagore on their wedding day, symbolizing their deep connection and special moments shared.
Alonso, averse to tattoos and piercings, prefers a minimalist approach to accessories, as he values the sentimental significance of each watch he owns.
While he shuns body art, glimpses of Alonso skiing and surfing on Instagram hint at a more adventurous side to his persona.
In the wake of Leverkusen’s historic triumph, Alonso stands out as a prominent figure in the realm of football.