Xabi Alonso has an exciting comeback

The Donosti Cup 2023 witnessed the return to his roots of Xabi Alonso, current Bayer Leverkusen coach. The Tolosa native, known for his outstanding career in soccer, returned to the tournament in which he participated in his youth. "Among other memories, my first televised match was in the Donosti Cup," recalled the Bayer Leverkusen coach, referring to a final offered by ETB between the Parla academy and Antiguoko KE, his team at the time when he was 12 years old.

Years later, at the age of 41, Xabi returned to the tournament, this time to coach his son Jon's team, Zuatzu KE. It just so happened that this team also included Gabi, Mikel Arteta's son. The coincidence becomes even more special when we remember that Mikel also competed in the Donosti Cup, being Xabi's teammate. In the Donosti Cup 2023, in a nice coincidence, the sons of these two soccer stars had the opportunity to play together in the tournament, on the same stage that saw their fathers grow up.

"I always like to be able to be close to the Donosti Cup. I have very good memories of the year in which I participated. I am fond of it", confessed Xabi Alonso.

Those who know him best said that Xabi moved all his agenda to be able to train his son for the first time in the Donosti Cup.

Xabi Alonso's return to the Donosti Cup was an honor and a testament to the lasting impact of the Donosti Cup on the lives of those who have been part of it.