Xabi Alonso came within a single university course of completing a degree in economics while starting his professional football career, according to an interview in the Bayer Leverkusen magazine Werkelf.
While giving his early steps in elite sport, Alonso chose not to leave his academic training behind because he did not take it for granted that he would become a professional player.
Speaking in an interview with the Bayer Leverkusen magazine, Werkelf, the coach reflected on that period and stated: Estudiaba y de paso miraba cómo de lejos podía llegar en el fútbol.
He initially began his academic path with Industrial Technical Engineering before switching to Business Studies, and ultimately pursued Economics while playing for Real Sociedad.
Alonso maintained his demanding study routine alongside training and matches until he received the opportunity to sign for Liverpool at 22 years of age. Reflecting on how close he came to finishing his higher education, he explained: Me faltó sólo un curso para terminar Económicas.
The manager admitted that he never considered his future in football guaranteed and kept an alternative plan ready in case sport did not work out.
Explaining his mindset at the time, he stated: Sin el fichaje habría seguido el mismo camino de mis amigos y habría buscado un trabajo en la economía. Era el plan para el caso de que no tuviera éxito en el fútbol y no tenía problema con ello.
Alonso’s sporting career eventually surpassed expectations as he went on to play for Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, securing major titles at club level as well as a World Cup and a European Championship with the Spanish national team. Following his playing days, he transitioned into coaching and emerged as one of the most recognized managers in European football.
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