In a heartfelt Instagram post, Nagore Aranburu, wife of former soccer star and coach Xabi Alonso, has spoken out for the first time since his abrupt departure from Real Madrid, expressing pride in his brief tenure and gratitude to the club’s fans. The 44-year-old Alonso, a legendary midfielder who played for Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich during his illustrious career, mutually parted ways with the Spanish giants on January 12, 2025, after just seven and a half months in charge. The announcement came on the heels of a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, capping a challenging period for the Basque coach. Aranburu’s message, shared on January 13, 2025, offers a personal glimpse into the family’s emotions amid the high-stakes world of professional soccer management, where expectations run sky-high and tenures can end swiftly.

Real Madrid’s official statement on Alonso’s exit was gracious, acknowledging his contributions both as a player and coach. “Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as coach of the first team,” the club posted. “Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all madridismo because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home. Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication throughout this time, and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.” The statement highlights Alonso’s deep ties to the club, where he won multiple titles as a player, including the Champions League in 2014.

Aranburu’s response, translated from Spanish, was posted alongside a photo of the family at the Bernabéu Stadium. “Today we bid farewell to the Bernabéu. Xabi, we are so proud of you and the work you have done every day, always from respect and commitment,” she wrote. “My children and I have accompanied Xabi and the club at all times with excitement and gratitude. Thanks to all the Madrid fans who have trusted us and who have brought us so much love. Your messages have meant a lot.” Alonso himself commented on the post with a heart emoji and “MZ,” a personal shorthand between the couple. The post quickly garnered thousands of likes and comments from fans, many expressing support and admiration for Alonso’s brief but impactful stint.

The couple’s relationship has long been a subject of interest among soccer fans, blending glamour with grounded family life. Aranburu, a former model and actress from San Sebastian, Spain, met Alonso in their hometown during his early career days. They married in 2009 after eight years of dating, and have three children: Jon (born 2008), Ane (born 2010), and Emma (born 2013). Their bond has endured the nomadic life of professional sports, with moves from Liverpool to Madrid, Munich, and back to Spain. Aranburu has often been seen supporting Alonso at matches, and the family maintains a low-profile presence on social media, focusing on personal milestones rather than controversy.

One lighthearted anecdote from their time in Liverpool resurfaced in the wake of Aranburu’s post, courtesy of former teammate Peter Crouch. In his Daily Mail column, Crouch recounted a humorous misunderstanding upon joining Liverpool in 2005. Staying at the Hope Street Hotel, he encountered Aranburu working reception to practice her English. “On reception was a girl so good-looking I couldn’t quite believe she was smiling at me all the time,” Crouch wrote. “I told the lads in training, ‘honestly, she’s beautiful, I think I’ve got a shout here.’ Jamie Carragher called a few other senior players over, ‘tell them again, Crouchie.’ So I did, ‘amazing. Dark-haired. Spanish-looking. I’m in there.’ It turned out she was Xabi Alonso’s partner.” The story, which Crouch has shared multiple times, underscores the close-knit nature of the Liverpool squad during Alonso’s tenure from 2004 to 2009, where he won the Champions League in 2005.

Alonso’s coaching career has been meteoric. After retiring as a player in 2017, he began with Real Madrid’s youth teams before taking over Bayer Leverkusen in 2022. There, he led the German club to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2024, earning widespread acclaim and links to top jobs, including Liverpool and Real Madrid. He succeeded Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid in June 2024, but his time was marked by inconsistent results. Despite a strong start, including a Champions League group stage qualification, domestic form faltered, with the Super Cup loss to Barcelona proving the final straw. Analysts point to squad injuries, tactical mismatches, and the immense pressure at the Bernabéu as contributing factors.

Aranburu’s statement breaks from her usual privacy, perhaps to counter speculation about the exit. Rumors in Spanish media suggested internal conflicts, including clashes with club president Florentino Pérez over transfer policy. Alonso, in his farewell message, thanked the club: “It has been an honor to lead this team. I’ll always cherish the memories.” Fans have speculated on his next move, with links to Bayern Munich or a return to Leverkusen, but Alonso has remained silent on future plans.

The family’s life in Madrid was a return to familiar territory. Alonso spent five years as a player there from 2009 to 2014, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. Aranburu, who accompanied him during that period, has spoken in past interviews about the challenges of relocating with young children but emphasized the excitement of new adventures. “We’ve always supported each other,” she said in a 2023 interview with Spanish magazine Hola. Their children, now teenagers, have grown up in the spotlight but maintain a normal life, attending international schools and pursuing interests like soccer and music.

Liverpool fans, in particular, hold Alonso in high regard. His time at Anfield included iconic moments like his 65-yard goal against Newcastle in 2006 and his role in the 2005 “Miracle of Istanbul” Champions League final. In 2024, as Leverkusen manager, Alonso returned to Liverpool for a Champions League match, receiving a hero’s welcome. During a pre-game run, he visited his old neighborhood, later sharing on CBS Sports: “It was good to see my old house, the old street, the old coffees [shops] where I used to go.” Jamie Carragher, now a pundit, joked about having “spies” watching him, a nod to their enduring friendship.

Aranburu’s post has been met with an outpouring of support. Real Madrid fans commented with messages like “Thank you for everything, Nagore—you’re part of the family.” Liverpool supporters added: “Once a Red, always a Red—come home, Xabi!” The sentiment reflects Alonso’s unique ability to bridge rivalries, having excelled at both clubs.

As Alonso contemplates his next step, the soccer world watches. At 44, he’s young for a top manager, with potential for a long career. Aranburu’s words underscore the personal side of professional setbacks: pride in effort, gratitude for support, and focus on family. In a sport often dominated by results, her message reminds fans of the human element.

The Alonsos’ story is one of enduring partnership. From San Sebastian roots to global stages, they’ve navigated fame with grace. As Nagore put it: “We’ve accompanied Xabi with excitement and gratitude.” Whatever comes next, their bond remains the constant.