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 face a crucial UEFA Champions League quarter final first leg at Paris Saint-Germain on April 10.
La Blaugrana are aiming to end the season with a trophy after seeing their La Liga title challenge falter since the start of 2024.
The Catalans are facing a key battle in the French capital with Xavi Hernandez set for a string of key calls over returning injured stars.
Alongside late calls on who to include in his starting XI, Xavi also has seven players who are within one yellow card of incurring a suspension.
UEFA wipe away all yellow cards after the quarter final stage but Barcelona look certain to be without at least one player for the return leg.
Ferran Torres and Sergi Roberto are the lowest risk, as both are set to start on the bench, but quintet Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Frenkie de Jong, Lamine Yamal and Joao Felix could all start.
Araujo is a particular concern due to his importance at the heart of Xavis defence.
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