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.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said on Friday that teenage stars Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi could go on to 'define an era' of world football.
Yamal dazzled against Brazil in a friendly for Spain on Tuesday while Cubarsi made his debut for La Roja last week against Colombia and also featured against the five-time World Cup winners.
Both have become key pillars in a revived Barcelona side back in the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in four years and still holding some faint hopes of defending their LaLiga title.
Yamal, 16, is Spain's youngest ever player and goalscorer, with 17-year-old Cubarsi the youngest ever defender to play for his country.
"They have to maintain their level – Barca is the highest rung of world football," Xavi told a news conference ahead of Saturday's clash with Las Palmas in LaLiga.
"Many have arrived (at elite level), but maintaining it is very difficult, but they can, they have everything, the mentality, the capacity, I think we're looking at two players who can define an era at the club, and even in world football."
Xavi said winger Yamal was 'very calm' and mature for his age, despite exploding into the limelight.
'A HAPPY KID'
"On a mental level I see him as a happy kid, a joker, he's enjoying it more and more, I see he is happy," added Xavi.
Barcelona, second, are eight points behind leaders Real Madrid in the top flight, but can cut the gap to five before Los Blancos face Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
After this weekend, Barcelona's next match will be Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on April 10 in the French capital.
"I'm more worried about (Las Palmas) than the game against PSG, which is a fair few days away," continued Xavi.
"We're focussed on tomorrow, it's vital to gain
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