Xabi Alonso is a professional Spanish footballer who plays as deep-lying playmaker and defensive midfielder. In 2012, he received an annual salary of $6 million.

He began his professional football career with the Real Sociedad. After his short on-loan stint with SD Eibar, he reunited with Real Sociedad where John Toshack, the former manager of Sociedad appointed him as the team captain. He led the team to a second-place finish in the 2002–03 season.

In August 2004, he agreed to move to Liverpool for a transfer fee of $14 million. In his first season with the Liverpool, he helped the team in winning the UEFA Champions League. Prior to the start of the 2009–10 season, Alonso moved to Real Madrid in a deal worth $40 million approximately.

Xabi Alonso was also a part of the Spanish national football team, which won the 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012, and Euro 2008. He was also a part of the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2004 Spanish squads.

Xabier Alonso Olano was born on November 25, 1981 in Tolosa, Spain. He is currently married to Nagore Aramburu, with whom he has two children named Ane and Jontxu.