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.
Second-placed Barcelona extended their unbeaten streak in LaLiga to nine games with a 1-0 home win over mid-table Las Palmas on Saturday, courtesy of a second-half header by winger Raphinha after the visitors were reduced to 10 men in the opening period.
Barcelona, who face Paris St Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals next month, have now won seven of their last nine LaLiga outings to move onto 67 points from 30 games.
They are five points behind Real Madrid and five above third-placed Girona, who host Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis respectively on Sunday.
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«The game turned good for us after the sending off of the goalkeeper (Alvaro Valles) and we deserved more goals to win comfortably, but today we had a summary of what our season is all about,» coach Xavi Hernandez told Movistar.
«We knew that Las Palmas defended with a very high defensive line, so I played with Lamine (Yamal) and Raphinha, who are good at creating space.»
The Barca manager was not on the bench as he was serving the first game of a two-match ban after being sent off during their 3-0 win at Atletico Madrid before the international break.
Xavi's side have now kept five consecutive clean sheets in LaLiga for the first time since they managed six between August and October 2022.
Raphinha Strikes
Barcelona forwards Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha were denied early goals for an offside in the build-up before the Brazilian found the net in the 59th minute, heading a superb cross by substitute Joao Felix into the top corner.
Las Palmas went down to 10 men after 24 minutes when Valles was sent off after rushing out and bringing down Raphinha.
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