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 will visit the Diego Armando Maradona stadium to face Napoli in the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday and coach Xavi Hernandez, who lifted Europe's top competition trophy in 2015, has announced his 23-man squad list for Tuesday's action.
Joao Felix, who returned to training with his teammates on Monday after suffering a sprained ankle, will be available to help his team in a crucial match but is unlikely to play as a starter. Moreover, Joao Cancelo, who missed the last La Liga game against Celta, has also been called up by the Spanish coach.
Meanwhile, Xavi's squad list continues to be marked by the inclusion of several academy players such as Marc Casado, Fermin Lopez, Cubarsi, Marc Guiu and Hector Fort.
Goalkeepers: Ter Stegen, Inaki Pena and Astralaga
Defenders: Araujo, Cancelo, Inigo Martinez, Christensen, Kounde, Cubarsi and Fort
Midfielders: Pedri, Fermin Lopez, Romeu, De Jong, Sergi Roberto, Gundogan and Marc Casado
Forwards: Lewandowski, Raphinha, Vitor Roque, Lamine Yamal, Joao Felix and Marc Guiu
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