Overview of Xabi Alonso's career as a player and coach. Are the rumors about his move to Liverpool as manager true? Latest news from January 2026: contacts with agents, pressure on Arne Slot, and prospects.
Xabi Alonso's Career: Is It True That the Spaniard Is Joining Liverpool?
Xabi Alonso remains one of the most prominent figures in modern football. From a brilliant playing career to a successful coaching start, the Spaniard has always attracted interest from top clubs. All sports livescore platforms currently highlight the intense speculation surrounding his future. In January 2026, rumors about his potential return to Liverpool as manager gained momentum. Is there any truth to them? Let us examine Alonso's path and the latest developments.
Early Career: From Basque Country to Anfield
Xabi Alonso started his professional career at Real Sociedad in 1999. He was born in Tolosa, Spain, on November 25, 1981. He immediately made a name for himself as a crucial player as a defensive midfielder by displaying superb vision, accurate passing, and game management. The top clubs in Europe were interested in Alonso after Sociedad finished second in La Liga in the 2002–03 season.In 2004, he moved to Liverpool for £10.5 million. This proved a turning point. Under Rafael Benítez, Alonso helped the Reds win the 2005 Champions League. In the final against Milan (3-3, 3-2 on penalties), he scored a goal and converted his penalty, becoming a hero of the Istanbul miracle. Over five seasons at Liverpool (2004–2009), Alonso played 210 matches, scored 19 goals, and provided 20 assists. He also won the FA Cup (2006) and UEFA Super Cup (2005). Fans loved him for his elegance and leadership.
Peak Years: Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Spain National Team
In 2009, Alonso joined Real Madrid for €30 million. Under José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, he became part of the Galácticos. At Real (2009–2014), he won the Champions League (2014), La Liga (2012), two Copa del Rey titles, and the UEFA Super Cup. Statistics: 236 matches, 6 goals, 32 assists.From 2014 to 2017, Alonso played for Bayern Munich, adding three Bundesliga titles, the German Cup, and the Super Cup. Overall as a player: over 700 matches, 40 goals, and numerous trophies.
For Spain (2003–2014), Alonso earned 114 caps and scored 16 goals. He won Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012, part of the golden generation alongside Iniesta, Xavi, and Casillas.
Coaching Career: From Academy to Elite Level
Alonso retired in 2017 and immediately moved into coaching. He started with Real Madrid's U-14 team, then led Real Sociedad B (2019–2022), promoting it to the Segunda División.In October 2022, he became head coach of Bayer Leverkusen. In 2023/24, Bayer won the Bundesliga unbeaten (34 matches without defeat), the German Cup, and reached the Europa League final. Alonso turned an average side into champions using a 3-4-2-1 formation with high pressing.
In 2025, he joined Real Madrid, but the spell proved unsuccessful. Due to poor results, Alonso resigned by mutual consent in January 2026. This did not damage his reputation, as clubs continue to pursue him. All sports livescore platforms tracked his team's struggles closely during that period.
Is It True That Alonso Is Joining Liverpool?
In January 2026, rumors of Alonso's return to Liverpool as manager intensified. Arne Slot, who replaced Jürgen Klopp in 2024, faced pressure due to inconsistent results. After a 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth on 24 January 2026, Liverpool contacted Alonso's representatives. Sources indicate the Spaniard clearly wants to return to Anfield, and the contacts were positive.Fans dream of this move. Alonso knows the club, has a winning record, and employs a style similar to Klopp's.
However, as of 27 January 2026, no official confirmation exists. Alonso is taking a break after Real Madrid, but Liverpool may consider a change for the 2026/27 season. If Slot fails to turn things around, Alonso remains the top candidate.
