Xabi Alonso's playing career was a glittering tapestry woven with major trophies – World Cups, European Championships, and Champions League titles. Yet, his transition to management has been nothing short of meteoric, marked by an astonishing collection of silverware in a remarkably short span of time. Here is a detail all of Xabi Alonso's significant cup and league victories as a manager, highlighting the rapid nature of his success and underscoring what these triumphs signify for his burgeoning career, especially now at Real Madrid.
From orchestrating midfield masterclasses to leading teams from the dugout, Alonso has quickly proven that his innate winning mentality extends far beyond the pitch.
The Managerial Journey: Laying the Foundations
Before the dazzling lights of his major cup triumphs, Xabi Alonso meticulously laid the foundations of his managerial philosophy.
Real Madrid Youth (2018-2019): His coaching journey began where his senior playing career truly flourished – within the Real Madrid academy. Taking charge of the U12s, Alonso immediately demonstrated his leadership and tactical understanding, guiding them to a league title and a prestigious Torneo de Campeones victory. This early success hinted at the strategic mind that would later take the senior game by storm.
Real Sociedad B (2019-2022): Moving to his boyhood club, Alonso took the reins of Real Sociedad's reserve team (Sanse). Here, he delved into the intricacies of senior professional football. His crowning achievement during this period was securing promotion to the Segunda División in 2021. While not a traditional "cup," winning a highly competitive league and achieving promotion is a monumental feat that validated his coaching acumen in a challenging environment. He developed young talents and implemented a clear playing style that prepared them for higher levels.The Leverkusen Trophies: A Season of Unprecedented Dominance (2023/24)
It was at Bayer Leverkusen that Xabi Alonso truly announced himself on the global managerial stage, delivering a season for the ages that saw him collect three major trophies.
Bundesliga (2023/24): This was arguably his most spectacular triumph. Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title, emphatically ending Bayern Munich's unprecedented 11-year reign of dominance. What made this victory truly historic was that Leverkusen achieved it unbeaten throughout the entire league campaign. This astonishing feat, securing 90 points, showcased not just his tactical genius but also his ability to instill an unbreakable mentality in his squad, transforming a team that was battling relegation when he arrived into undisputed champions.
DFB-Pokal (German Cup) (2023/24): Just days after lifting the Bundesliga title, Alonso guided Leverkusen to victory in the DFB-Pokal, securing a memorable domestic double. His side defeated Kaiserslautern in the final, demonstrating their ability to navigate high-pressure knockout competitions. This cup win cemented their domestic dominance and underlined Alonso's prowess in managing the unique demands of cup runs.DFL-Supercup (German Super Cup) (2024): Completing his hat-trick of domestic silverware, Alonso's Leverkusen side also claimed the DFL-Supercup. This traditional curtain-raiser trophy, played just before the start of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season, served as an early indicator of their continued winning momentum and their insatiable desire for more silverware. Winning all three major domestic competitions is a testament to the comprehensive nature of his impact.
Notable Cup Runs and Near Misses: Almost Invincible
While his trophy cabinet at Leverkusen gleams, it's also important to acknowledge the remarkable cup runs that underscore his team's relentless pursuit of success, even if they didn't always culminate in a trophy.
UEFA Europa League (2023/24) Runner-Up: Incredibly, Leverkusen reached the Europa League final, maintaining their stunning 51-match unbeaten run across all competitions up to that point. Their only defeat of the entire season came in this final against Atalanta. While a bitter loss, reaching a major European final while simultaneously securing a domestic double is an extraordinary achievement that highlights their consistency and resilience on multiple fronts.
UEFA Europa League (2022/23) Semi-finalist: In his very first partial season after taking over, Alonso guided Leverkusen to the semi-finals of the Europa League. This immediate impact, transforming a struggling side into European contenders, was an early signal of his coaching capabilities.The Significance of His Managerial Trophy Cabinet
Xabi Alonso's rapid accumulation of major cup and league victories in such a short timeframe has profoundly impacted his standing in the football world:
Rapid Rise to Elite Status: Winning a domestic double, including an unbeaten league title, within his first full season at a top-flight club has propelled him from a promising young coach to one of the most highly sought-after managers globally.
Validation of Philosophy: These victories are irrefutable proof that his tactical approach – characterized by flexible formations, disciplined pressing, intelligent possession, and superb player development – translates directly into tangible, trophy-winning success.Impact on Real Madrid Tenure: His arrival at Real Madrid comes with undeniable credibility. He's not merely a club legend returning; he's a proven winner. This track record sets incredibly high expectations for his time at the Bernabéu, where winning is the only acceptable standard.
Reinforced Winning Mentality: His success as a manager perfectly mirrors the winning mentality that defined his playing career. He has demonstrated an acute understanding of how to build, motivate, and guide a team to conquer challenges and lift silverware.
Conclusion
Xabi Alonso's managerial trophy cabinet, already gleaming with a historic Bundesliga title, a DFB-Pokal, and a DFL-Supercup from his sensational spell at Bayer Leverkusen, serves as a powerful testament to his burgeoning genius on the touchline. His swift and profound impact in Germany has established him as an elite coach. Now, at the helm of Real Madrid, the expectation is that this winning habit will continue. His journey from an iconic midfielder to a managerial phenomenon promises an exciting new era for the Santiago Bernabéu, as he looks to add the most coveted trophies in world football to his already impressive collection.