# Mikel Alonso

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Mikel_Alonso
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Mikel_Alonso.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikel_Alonso
> Source revision: 1343306610
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

For the Spanish cyclist, see [Mikel Alonso (cyclist)](/source/Mikel_Alonso_(cyclist)).

**Mikel Alonso Olano** (ˈmikel aˈlons̺o oˈlano, ˈmikel aˈlonso oˈlano; born 17 May 1980) is a Spanish former professional [footballer](/source/Association_football) who played as a [midfielder](/source/Midfielder).

He spent most of his career at [Real Sociedad](/source/Real_Sociedad), making 110 appearances and scoring four goals over seven seasons. He totalled 132 games and three goals in [La Liga](/source/La_Liga) for that club and [Tenerife](/source/CD_Tenerife), while also recording 48 matches and four goals in the [Segunda División](/source/Segunda_Divisi%C3%B3n) for the latter and [Numancia](/source/CD_Numancia).

Additionally, Alonso had two brief spells in England, finishing his career at [Real Unión](/source/Real_Uni%C3%B3n).

## Club career

### Real Sociedad

A product of [Real Sociedad](/source/Real_Sociedad)'s youth ranks, as was younger brother [Xabi](/source/Xabi_Alonso), Alonso was born in [Tolosa](/source/Tolosa,_Spain), [Gipuzkoa](/source/Gipuzkoa),[2] and made his debut in [La Liga](/source/La_Liga) on 22 April 2001 against [Real Valladolid](/source/Real_Valladolid) (seven minutes played, 3–1 home win).[3] However, the presence of his sibling and [Mikel Aranburu](/source/Mikel_Aranburu) in central midfield meant that he was restricted to a supporting role, and he was then sent on loan to [Segunda División](/source/Segunda_Divisi%C3%B3n)'s [Numancia](/source/CD_Numancia) for [2003–04](/source/2003%E2%80%9304_Segunda_Divisi%C3%B3n)[4] but, while he was dedicated to the [Soria](/source/Soria) team's bid for promotion, he remained keen to establish himself at Real Sociedad, returning at the end of the season;[5] under the management of [José Mari Bakero](/source/Jos%C3%A9_Mari_Bakero), the player's importance to the team was demonstrated in the [2005–06 campaign](/source/2005%E2%80%9306_La_Liga), when he was their most used footballer at 37 games.

After his brother Xabi had already settled in England with [Liverpool](/source/Liverpool_F.C.) – having arrived during the summer of 2004 – Alonso also decided to move to the [Premier League](/source/Premier_League) and joined [Bolton Wanderers](/source/Bolton_Wanderers_F.C.), another team in [north-west England](/source/North_West_England), on a loan deal on 10 July 2007 with the option of a permanent deal at the end of [the season](/source/2007%E2%80%9308_Premier_League).[6] However, after coach [Sammy Lee](/source/Sammy_Lee_(footballer)) was dismissed he fell out of favour and, under [Gary Megson](/source/Gary_Megson), he only made two competitive appearances; subsequently, the Trotters opted to not extend his contract.[7]

Alonso went back to Spain for [2008–09](/source/2008%E2%80%9309_Segunda_Divisi%C3%B3n) but, upon his return to the [Basque Country](/source/Basque_Country_(autonomous_community)), discovered he was not a part of coach [Juan Manuel Lillo](/source/Juan_Manuel_Lillo)'s plans and was sent on trial to [Olympiacos](/source/Olympiacos_F.C.). This proved unsuccessful, however, and Real Sociedad exercised their right to buy the remainder of his contract, releasing him as a [free agent](/source/Free_agent).[8]

### Tenerife

Following his release from Real Sociedad, [Swansea City](/source/Swansea_City_A.F.C.) boss [Roberto Martínez](/source/Roberto_Mart%C3%ADnez) offered compatriot Alonso a chance to regain fitness.[9] After his brother highly recommended both coach and the player to arrange the deal, he accepted the offer and joined the squad in training.[10]

However, Alonso would not remain in [Wales](/source/Wales) and, in late January 2009, moved to [Tenerife](/source/CD_Tenerife) after being contacted regarding a [season](/source/2008%E2%80%9309_Segunda_Divisi%C3%B3n)-long deal.[11] He accepted the offer and stated that he had "heard good things" about his new team. However, he remained a fan of his former club Real Sociedad, stating that, although both sides competed in the second tier, he hoped they gained promotion;[12] he contributed eleven matches in a return to the top flight after a seven-year absence.[13]

In the [2009–10 campaign](/source/2009%E2%80%9310_La_Liga), Alonso began as a starter, scoring with a rare header in the second matchday, a 1–0 home win against [Athletic Bilbao](/source/Athletic_Bilbao).[14] However, he appeared less regularly in the final stretch, as the [Canarians](/source/Canary_Islands) were eventually relegated back.[15][13]

### Charlton Athletic

In late June 2011, following [another Tenerife relegation](/source/2010%E2%80%9311_Segunda_Divisi%C3%B3n),[13] 31-year-old Alonso returned to England, joining [Football League One](/source/Football_League_One) club [Charlton Athletic](/source/Charlton_Athletic_F.C.).[16] He made his official debut on 5 October in the [Football League Trophy](/source/Football_League_Trophy) tie at [The Valley](/source/The_Valley_(London)) against [Brentford](/source/Brentford_F.C.), conceding a [penalty](/source/Penalty_kick_(association_football)) in an eventual 3–0 loss.[17]

Alonso was released at the end of [the season](/source/2011%E2%80%9312_Football_League_One), without making any appearances in any of the three major competitions.[18]

### Real Unión

On 14 July 2014, after nearly two years without a club, Alonso signed for [Real Unión](/source/Real_Uni%C3%B3n) in [Segunda División B](/source/Segunda_Divisi%C3%B3n_B).[19] Four years later, the 38-year-old announced his retirement.[20]

Subsequently, Alonso worked as manager at [Antiguoko](/source/Antiguoko) and [Real Sociedad B](/source/Real_Sociedad_B), acting as assistant to his brother at the latter.[21]

## International career

Alonso earned five [caps](/source/Cap_(sport)) for the [Basque Country regional team](/source/Basque_Country_national_football_team).[22][23][24][25][26]

## Personal life

The first son of [Periko Alonso](/source/Periko_Alonso), who played with Real Sociedad and [Barcelona](/source/FC_Barcelona), Alonso grew up surrounded by football: he and his younger brother, [Xabi](/source/Xabi_Alonso) – who also appeared for Real Sociedad before representing with individual and team success [Liverpool](/source/Liverpool_F.C.), [Real Madrid](/source/Real_Madrid_CF) and [Bayern Munich](/source/FC_Bayern_Munich) – would go training with their father when he was playing for [Sabadell](/source/CE_Sabadell_FC); all three were midfielders.[27]

Influenced by his father, Alonso followed his example and became a professional footballer in the [San Sebastián](/source/San_Sebasti%C3%A1n) side.[28]

## References

1. ["Mikel Alonso Olano"](https://www.realsociedad.eus/en/historical-file/player/240). Real Sociedad. Retrieved 14 April 2020.

1. ["La familia Alonso Oyarbide pregona las fiestas de Ágreda"](https://elmirondesoria.es/provincia/comarca-del-moncayo/la-familia-alonso-oyarbide-pregona-las-fiestas-de-agreda) [Alonso Oyarbide family the criers in Ágreda festivities] (in Spanish). *El Mirón de Soria*. 24 May 2018. Retrieved 19 May 2024.

1. Rodrigálvarez, Eduardo (23 April 2001). ["La Real disfruta de una tarde feliz"](https://elpais.com/diario/2001/04/23/deportes/987976825_850215.html) [Real enjoy happy afternoon] (in Spanish). *[El País](/source/El_Pa%C3%ADs)*. Retrieved 2 February 2016.

1. ["Breve enciclopedia numantina"](https://www.desdesoria.es/2013/05/29/breve-enciclopedia-numantina/) [Brief *numantina* encyclopedia] (in Spanish). *Desde Soria*. 29 May 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2019.

1. ["Mikel Alonso: "A la Real y a mí nos interesa que juegue cada Domingo""](http://www.noticias.info/archivo/2004/200401/20040116/20040116_17275.shtm) [Mikel Alonso: "Real and myself are interested in me playing every Sunday"] (in Spanish). Noticias. 16 January 2004. Retrieved 13 December 2008.

1. ["Alonso joins Bolton from Sociedad"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bolton_wanderers/6290040.stm). [BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport). 10 July 2007. Retrieved 10 July 2007.

1. O'Rourke, Pete (20 June 2011). ["Alonso set for English return"](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/6997986/alonso-set-for-english-return). [Sky Sports](/source/Sky_Sports). Retrieved 19 May 2024.

1. Lorenzo, J.L. (3 September 2008). ["El club presentará mañana el ERE con Alonso y Stevanovic"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090207092335/http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/web/gen/20080903/noticia_53530989163.html) [The club will present Alonso and Stefanovic tomorrow under ERE legislation] (in Spanish). *[Mundo Deportivo](/source/Mundo_Deportivo)*. Archived from [the original](http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/web/gen/20080903/noticia_53530989163.html) on 7 February 2009. Retrieved 4 November 2008.

1. Wathan, Chris (11 December 2008). ["Alonso enjoying his Swansea City stint"](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/football-news/2008/12/11/alonso-enjoying-his-swansea-city-stint-91466-22451036/). [Wales Online](/source/Media_Wales#WalesOnline). Retrieved 11 December 2008.

1. Wathan, Chris (14 December 2008). ["Alonso: My brother Xabi told me to link up with Swans"](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/swansea-city-fc/2008/12/14/alonso-my-brother-xabi-told-me-to-link-up-with-swans-91466-22470921/). Wales Online. Retrieved 15 December 2008.

1. ["El Tenerife confirma el fichaje de Mikel Alonso"](https://www.marca.com/2009/01/28/futbol/equipos/tenerife/1233166726.html) [Tenerife confirm Mikel Alonso's signing] (in Spanish). *[Marca](/source/Marca_(newspaper))*. 28 January 2009. Retrieved 28 January 2009.

1. ["Mikel Alonso: "Tenía varias opciones y Tenerife me pareció la más atractiva""](https://as.com/futbol/2009/01/29/mas_futbol/1233183629_850215.html) [Mikel Alonso: "I had several options and Tenerife seemed the most attractive one"] (in Spanish). *[Diario AS](/source/Diario_AS)*. 29 January 2009. Retrieved 19 May 2024.

1. ["Mikel Alonso: "La gente de Tenerife siempre tiene buenas palabras hacia mi""](https://radiomarcatenerife.com/?p=168780) [Mikel Alonso: "People in Tenerife always have good words to me"] (in Spanish). *Marca*. 11 December 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2024.

1. ["Athletic Bilbao lose 100% record"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121024220502/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275693&cc=5739). [ESPN Soccernet](/source/ESPN_FC). 23 September 2009. Archived from [the original](http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275693&cc=5739) on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 11 May 2011.

1. ["El Tenerife baja a Segunda (1–0)"](https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/noticia/valencia-tenerife-descenso-708785/0/) [Tenerife are relegated to *Segunda* (1–0)] (in Spanish). *[20 minutos](/source/20_minutos)*. 16 May 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2024.

1. ["Mikel makes three"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110623190619/http://www.cafc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10267~2379946%2C00.html). Charlton Athletic F.C. 21 June 2011. Archived from [the original](http://www.cafc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10267~2379946,00.html) on 23 June 2011. Retrieved 22 June 2011.

1. ["Bees cruise into JPT last eight"](https://www.skysports.com/football/charlton-vs-brentford/250104). Sky Sports. 5 October 2011. Retrieved 26 October 2017.

1. ["Euell and Doherty head released list"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120718005554/http://www.cafc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10267~2767632,00.html). Charlton Athletic F.C. 10 May 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.cafc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10267~2767632,00.html) on 18 July 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2012.

1. ["'Silas' y Alonso se suman a la plantilla"](http://www.realunionclub.com/hnot014.aspx?244,Primer+equipo,%27Silas%27+y+Alonso+se+suman+a+la+plantilla) ['Silas' and Alonso added to roster] (in Spanish). Real Unión. 14 July 2014. Retrieved 6 October 2014.

1. ["Despedida a Mikel Alonso con todos los honores"](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/real-sociedad/20181207/453403915139/despedida-a-mikel-alonso-con-todos-los-honores.html) [Farewell to Mikel Alonso with full honours] (in Spanish). *Mundo Deportivo*. 7 December 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2019.

1. Badallo, Óscar (11 June 2021). ["Xabi Alonso ficha a su hermano Mikel para el filial de la Real"](https://www.marca.com/futbol/segunda-division/2021/06/11/60c32a2cca4741be028b4615.html) [Xabi Alonso signs his brother Mikel for Real's reserves] (in Spanish). *Marca*. Retrieved 19 May 2024.

1. ["0–1. Camerún, sin Etoo, acabó con una racha de Euskadi de 25 años"](https://www.periodistadigital.com/old/264530.shtml) [0–1. Cameroon, without Etoo, ended Basque Country's 25-year streak] (in Spanish). Periodista Digital. 28 December 2005. Retrieved 6 March 2018.

1. ["Basque XI 0–1 Wales"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/5000308.stm). BBC Sport. 21 May 2006. Retrieved 6 March 2018.

1. ["Catalunya y Euskadi igualan en una vistosa demostración"](https://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2006/10/08/futbol/1160334175.html) [Catalonia and Basque Country draw in flashy display] (in Spanish). *[El Mundo](/source/El_Mundo_(Spain))*. 8 October 2006. Retrieved 6 March 2018.

1. Sternberg, Alex (21 June 2007). ["La selección de Euskadi obtiene una vibrante victoria frente a Venezuela"](https://www.elcorreo.com/alava/20070621/deportes/athletic/ECD-venezuela-euskadi_200706210828.html) [Basque Country national team get exciting win against Venezuela] (in Spanish). *[El Correo](/source/El_Correo)*. Retrieved 4 September 2018.

1. Encinas, Mikel (26 December 2016). ["Para Prieto todo empezó contra Honduras"](http://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/real-sociedad/20161226/412911738452/para-prieto-todo-empezo-contra-honduras.html) [Everything started against Honduras for Prieto] (in Spanish). *Mundo Deportivo*. Retrieved 6 March 2018.

1. Caballero, Daniel (2 July 2018). ["Así son y así se llevan Mikel, Xabi y Jon Alonso, tres hermanos que dedicaron su vida al fútbol"](https://www.bekia.es/celebrities/noticias/hermanisimos-xabi-alonso-mikel-jon-alonso/) [These are Mikel, Xabi and Jon Alonso, three brothers who dedicated their lives to football, and this is how they get along] (in Spanish). Bekia. Retrieved 19 May 2024.

1. Balagué, Guillem (18 May 2008). ["Dads and lads: Periko and Xabi Alonso"](https://web.archive.org/web/20141015161650/http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/dads-and-lads-periko-and-xabi-alonso). Liverpool F.C. Archived from [the original](http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/dads-and-lads-periko-and-xabi-alonso) on 15 October 2014. Retrieved 12 October 2014.

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Mikel Alonso](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikel_Alonso) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikel_Alonso?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.