Xabi Alonso has survived 16 seasons in European soccer’s top three leagues. By itself that rare blend of talent and longevity marks him as one of the top players of the modern era.
Yet that’s actually the least of his accomplishments. Because in that time Alonso has endured just one losing season while winning three league titles, two Champions League trophies, two European Championships and a World Cup.
You could fit all the players with a similar resume into a phone booth.
And, while Alonso says the winning never gets old, it doesn’t get any easier, either.