Xavi Hernandez - a legend of world football, a Spanish player who became one of the most influential and technically gifted players of his generation. He was born on January 25, 1980, in Terrassa, Spain, and displayed his football talent from a young age. Xavi became renowned for his outstanding passing skills and ball control. He possessed a unique ability to control the game on the field, distribute passes, and create attacks for his team.
He began his professional career in 1998, joining the youth team of Barcelona. Over time, he became an integral part of Barcelona's main squad and a product of the legendary La Masia academy. He spent 17 years at FC Barcelona, eventually becoming its captain and one of the main inspirations behind the "tiki-taka" style of play.
Xavi helped Barcelona win numerous domestic and international trophies, including 8 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League titles. He became the heart and soul of the team, and his on-field leadership was invaluable to Barcelona's success during that period. Xavi is also a key figure for the Spanish national team. With the national squad, he won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and the UEFA European Championship in 2008 and 2012.
His intellectual approach to the game and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates made him an irreplaceable player for the national team. After leaving Barcelona in 2015, Xavi moved to Qatari club Al-Sadd, where he continued to showcase his skills and leadership. He helped the team win several national titles and became a symbol of football development in Qatar.
In addition to his playing career, Xavi has shown an interest in coaching. He has completed coaching courses and expressed a desire to one day manage his former team, Barcelona. Xavi Hernandez is not only a player of exceptional class but also a symbol of virtuosity, game reading ability, and leadership on the field. His style and contribution to world football will be remembered by generations of fans.
Teenager Lamine Yamal helped Barcelona fight back to win a 4-3 thriller at Villarreal in the Spanish league on Sunday.
The 16-year-old forward set up Gavi Páez’s opening goal for Barcelona, hit the woodwork twice and played a key role in Robert Lewandowski’s winning goal as an entertaining game finished in the visitors’ favor.
“Lamine had another great game,” coach Xavi Hernández said. “He helped us a lot, created tons of chances, and provided two assists. I was scared when (I started playing) but we have complete faith in our young players and believe in our La Masia (training academy).”
After he caught Xavi’s eye while playing for the club’s youth sides, Yamal became the youngest player to appear for Barcelona in April when he was 15 years, 9 months, 16 days. Last weekend he became the youngest player to start for Barcelona in its win over Cadiz.
“Fortunately I don’t get too scared, I just go out there and play soccer, which I love to do,” Yamal said after his performance at Villarreal. “I am trying to make the most of the chances our coach gives me.”
Yamal delivered a cross for Gavi on Sunday to head home at the far post and kick off the scoring fest in the 12th minute. Frenkie de Jong then doubled the lead three minutes later.
Villarrreal roared back in style. Juan Foyth headed in a corner kick by Álex Baena in the 26th. Alexander Sorloth tapped in a squared pass from Alfonso Pedraza in the 40th, and Baena curled in a pass from Pedraza in the 50th to put the hosts in front 3-2.
But Yamal helped Barcelona dig in and get the win that kept them two points behind leader Real Madrid.
Yamal went close to scoring in the 57th when he hit the post.
After substitute Ferran Torres put in his own rebound to level the score,
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