Xabi Alonso has returned to the Spanish capital to take on one of the greatest challenges of his career: managing Real Madrid. Although he knows the city perfectly from his time as a player, he's now doing so from a different perspective. He has new routines, a different home, and a schedule shaped by the daily demands of leading the most decorated club in the world.
In this context, taking care of his image isn't a whim, but rather another part of his role as a public figure. Every appearance, every press conference, and every meeting with fans adds to the perception people have of him.
After settling in, there was one detail left: finding a trusted barber who matched his style and standards. There, without knowing it, Fede Valverde was about to give him the solution.
The bond that changed everything
The story was woven almost by chance. Alejandro Oliva, owner of La Barbería de Oliva, was in Cádiz with friends when he received a message from an unknown number. When he replied, he realized that on the other end was none other than Xabi Alonso himself.
The reason was simple but significant: Fede Valverde, a regular client and personal friend of the barber, had recommended his work to the coach. The Uruguayan's trust was enough for Alonso to take the step and get in touch with him.
Oliva remembers that moment with emotion: "He wrote to me from his personal number and I got nervous. It's not something that happens every day," he confessed in an interview for ElDesmarque Madrugada.
A different meeting
The first appointment between the barber and the coach was anything but cold. Alejandro describes Xabi Alonso as a very approachable person, someone who knows how to make people feel comfortable from the very first minute. Interestingly, they didn't talk about soccer. "We chatted a lot, but about everything except soccer. Imagine, he's dealing with that from eight in the morning until late," he said with a laugh.
Oliva had already worked with international figures, including players from Real Madrid and PSG during the 2025 Club World Cup, but having the coach in his chair was special. That mix of professionalism and approachability left a mark.
A client here to stay
The result of the haircut was a complete success. Alonso was so satisfied that he made it clear it wouldn't be the last time. "He told me to put him on my list and that as long as he's in Madrid, I'll be the one to cut his hair," the barber proudly recounts.
Now, Oliva doesn't hide that he'd love to expand his client list with other players from the team, such as Kylian Mbappé or Dean Huijsen.
Thanks to Valverde, Xabi Alonso has found a place to take care of his image and unwind from the pressure with a relaxed chat. In his new stage in Madrid, this gesture shows that sometimes, big changes start with the simplest details.