Xabier Alonso Olano

About Xabier Alonso Olano

Xabier Alonso Olano turned professional at Real Sociedad B in 1998, launching what would become a 19-year journey through 3 countries for the Spanish midfielder. The boots have been hung up: the final chapter came at FC Bayern Munich, closing in 2017.

Reading the grid stop by stop, the route runs: Real Sociedad B (1998–2000), then Eibar (loan) (2000–2001), then Real Sociedad (2001–2004), then Liverpool FC (2004–2009), then Real Madrid CF (2009–2014), then FC Bayern Munich (2014–2017). For trivia purposes, the order of those badges is everything.

Liverpool FC claims the biggest chapter: around 5 years, more than at any other club. The move abroad came in 2004, when Liverpool FC in England came calling. From start to finish the map lights up across Spain, England, Germany.

Written in the record books: 700 recorded appearances, 60 goals, 50 assists.

Beyond the numbers, there is color to this story. His father, Periko Alonso, was also a footballer and won the league with Real Sociedad and Barcelona. He played his last professional match in 2017 with Bayern Munich, retiring at 35 years old. He was part of the Spain team that won three consecutive international tournaments (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, Euro 2012).

Next time a grid ends at FC Bayern Munich, you will have an edge. Each of the 6 clubs listed below doubles as a clue, and knowing how Xabier's chapters connect separates a first-attempt guess from a near miss.