Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso was part of Spain's victorious squad at the 2010 World Cup, but felt sore for a few days after the game after a shocking challenge
19:39, 10 Jun 2026
Nigel De Jong fouls Xabi Alonso during the 2010 World Cup final
Xabi Alonso was on the end of a crunching chest-high challenge from Nigel De Jong(Image: 2010 AFP)
The World Cup is almost here and whenever the most popular sporting event on the planet rolls around, there is always plenty of reminiscing about editions of the tournament that have gone before.
One of the most famous incidents of recent World Cups – if we can still call 2010 recent – was when former Liverpool player Xabi Alonso was on the end of a shocking challenge from then Manchester City midfielder Nigel De Jong. De Jong was widely condemned for the challenge – described as a kung-fu kick – which saw him fly through the air and plant his studs straight into Alonso's chest.
After the final, which Spain famously won thanks to Andres Iniesta's injury-time winner, Alonso described the challenge as "one of the worst tackles I have ever suffered."
A year later, De Jong spoke about the backlash he received as a result of the challenge, admitting that he should have been shown a straight red card during the biggest game of his career.
"At no time did I see Xabi Alonso because I was focused only on the ball," De Jong said. "Actually, when I think back about it, it was not good at all. Of course the referee (Howard Webb) should have shown a red card for the foul. That is obvious.
"I had the feeling that there were people who wanted to harm me. I've been public enemy No. 1 on many occasions. Honestly, people treated me like a war criminal. It was an unpleasant sensation."
Spain's players called for De Jong tobe sent off
Spain's players called for De Jong tobe sent off(Image: Allstar)
England's best referee at the time, Howard Webb, was in charge of the final and admitted afterward that he had made a mistake.
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Webb said: "I sensed very early on that the players were under a lot of pressure, they were very close to winning the ultimate prize for their country for the first time.
"We wanted to be that steadying hand but equally we wanted to do our job properly and if there was a clear red card we would do it.
"When I look back on the full two hours of that game, which of course I have done, there is not much I would change. One of the things I would change is the colour of the card for De Jong's tackle."