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 manager Xavi Hernandez has backed a radical shake up of the football calendar, and in the process confirmed that FIFA were considering it as an option.
After a fresh batch of injuries that has laid low a number of stars during the latest international break, many managers have spoken out about the demands on players, and the increasing number of games. Barcelona themselves suffered with the injury of Gavi, out for the rest of the season, although Xavi declared that he had no issue with Spain manager Luis de la Fuente and his use of the 19-year-old.
Asked about his thoughts on a potential solution, Xavi revealed that he would divide the calendar entirely between club and international football.
“More than a small solution, which I think FIFA is considering, spending 8 or 9 months at the club and then the players go to the national team. And then in two or three months there will be qualification for the European Championship and the European Championship will follow.”
“It is not easy for players like Araujo to have made 13-hour trips, the players going to Latin America, Africa, Asia. It would be a good solution that FIFA is considering.”
Certainly changing football in that manner would reduce the travel time and air miles for players, something that impacts particularly non-European players. Equally, the shift of time zones and climate can be dramatic.
On the other hand, Africa holds its continental tournament in January, as the heat can be dangerous for the countries near the equator during their summer. Given the number of changes and agreements such a change would require, it could be some time before it comes in.
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