Xabi Alonso's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 25, 2025

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Xabi Alonso.

Xabi Alonso is a Spanish football manager and former player, widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation. Known for his exceptional passing ability, he enjoyed a successful playing career. Currently, he is considered one of the most promising young managers in the sport. He most recently managed Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1961: Return to Segunda División

In 1961, Real Sociedad B's was last season in the Segunda División.

1963: Benfica's Unbeaten Streak Start

In 1963, Benfica started an unbeaten streak that lasted 48 games. This record was broken in May 2024 when Alonso guided his team to achieve a new European record of 49 competitive matches without defeat.

1965: Benfica's Unbeaten Streak End

In 1965 Benfica's unbeaten record of 48 games came to an end, it was later broken by Alonso's team in May 2024.

2002: Best League Performance Since 1981-82 Season

In 2002, Real Sociedad had their best league performance since the 1981-82 season, finishing second in La Liga. Xabi Alonso received the Best Spanish Player award by Spanish sports magazine Don Balón.

January 2008: 100th League Appearance

On January 12, 2008, Xabi Alonso made his 100th league appearance for Liverpool in a match against Middlesbrough.

2008: Euro 2008 Tournament Victory

In 2008, Xabi Alonso featured mainly as a substitute but captained Spain in the final group game against Greece, earning the man of the match award. Spain went on to win the tournament, and he featured in four of their six matches.

2008: Won Euro 2008

In 2008, Xabi Alonso won Euro 2008 with Spain.

2010: 2010 World Cup Victory

In 2010, Xabi Alonso started every game for Spain during the tournament, helping his side to lift their first World Cup trophy. He received a "Kung fu-style" kick to the chest from Nigel de Jong in the final.

September 2011: 100th Official Game for Real Madrid

On September 21, 2011, Xabi Alonso played his 100th official game for Real Madrid in a 0–0 draw against Racing de Santander.

June 2012: 100th Match for Spain and Euro 2012 Victory

On June 23, 2012, Xabi Alonso played his 100th match for Spain in the quarter-finals against France, scoring both goals in a 2–0 victory. Spain went on to win Euro 2012.

2012: Won Euro 2012 and 100th cap for Spain

In 2012, Xabi Alonso won Euro 2012 with Spain and on June 23, 2012, earned his 100th cap for Spain, scoring both goals in a victory against France.

September 2014: Record for Most Passes Completed

On September 27, 2014, in the match against 1. FC Köln, Xabi Alonso broke the record for most passes completed in a Bundesliga game, with 196.

February 2015: 100th Champions League Appearance and Red Card

On February 17, 2015, in his 100th Champions League appearance, Xabi Alonso was sent off for a second bookable offence in a 0–0 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk.

May 2021: Promotion to Segunda División

In May 2021, Xabi Alonso's second season at Sanse saw the club win promotion to the Segunda División, following a play-off win against Algeciras.

2023: DFB-Pokal Title Claimed

In 2023, Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen claimed the 2023–24 DFB-Pokal on 25 May, defeating 1. FC Kaiserslautern 1–0 in the final to complete a domestic double.

February 2024: Leverkusen Surpasses Bayern Munich's Unbeaten Record

In February 2024, Bayer Leverkusen set a new record for unbeaten games, surpassing Bayern Munich's 32-game record.

2024: Unprecedented Unbeaten Domestic Double

In 2024, Xabi Alonso completed an unprecedented unbeaten domestic double with Bayer Leverkusen, winning the club's first Bundesliga title and first DFB Pokal since 1993.