Secrets behind 16 years of marriage with football legend Xabi Alonso

Since July 11, 2009, Nagore Aranburu has been the unwavering support behind Xabi Alonso, balancing family, career, and a private life

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso may be a household name in football but much of his success on and off the pitch is attributed to the steadfast support of his wife, Nagore Aranburu. 

The couple, who have been married for 16 years, share a story of enduring love, mutual respect and a shared commitment to their family.

Nagore Aranburu, a native of the Basque region of Spain like her husband, met Alonso during his teenage years when he was playing for Real Sociedad. 

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From those early days in San Sebastián, the couple’s bond grew stronger as they navigated the highs and lows of Alonso’s illustrious football career. 

Whether it was his transfer to Liverpool, his time at Real Madrid, or his tenure with Bayern Munich, Nagore has been a constant presence in Alonso’s life, offering unwavering support.

As a woman of many talents, Nagore’s journey has been as dynamic as her husband’s. Her career began modestly as a receptionist and later transitioned into modeling, acting, and fashion design. 

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Despite her own professional endeavors, Nagore’s role as a wife and mother has been at the heart of her identity. Her relationship with Alonso is often described as a partnership rooted in balance and shared values.

The couple’s commitment to each other is evident in the way they have maintained their family life amid the demands of professional football.

 In an Instagram post, Nagore once wrote, “Desearía que todos los juegos fueran los viernes por la noche para poder tenerte los sábados y domingos conmigo (I wish all the games were on Friday nights so I could have you with me on Saturdays and Sundays),” expressing her wish for more time with Alonso during his playing days.

Nagore’s sharp sense of humor and charm have made her memorable to many, including Peter Crouch, Alonso’s former Liverpool teammate. 

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Recalling a humorous incident from their time at the club, Crouch shared, “On signing for Liverpool I stayed at the Hope Street Hotel. I told the lads in training, ‘honestly, she’s beautiful, I think I’ve got a shout here.’” 

Little did Crouch know that the stunning receptionist was already Alonso’s partner. “She was doing a bit of work to practice her language skills. He was nice about it. So was she. Carra less so,” he added with a laugh.

Xabi and Nagore tied the knot in 2009, marking the start of their 16-year marriage. Their wedding came just weeks before Alonso’s high-profile move from Liverpool to Real Madrid. Since then, the couple has built a life centered around their shared Basque heritage and strong family values. Together, they are proud parents to three children: Jontxe, born in 2008, Ane in 2010, and Emma in 2013. The family prioritizes privacy, keeping their children out of the limelight despite Alonso’s fame.

Beyond her roles as a wife and mother, Nagore has carved out a niche in the fashion world, showcasing her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.