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.
LaLiga leaders Real Madrid host Athletic Bilbao on Sunday as the Spanish top flight ramps up for an exciting end to the season.
Madrid have a firm grip on the title race after shaking free of Catalan minnows Girona before the international break, but Ernesto Valverde's high-flying Athletic will be tricky opposition at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Basque side, in the Copa del Rey final, are fighting to secure a top-four finish and a return to Champions League football next season.
Athletic are fourth, a point clear of Diego Simeone's Atletico in fifth, who face Villarreal on Monday.
Madrid have a comfortable eight-point lead on champions Barcelona with nine matches remaining and if they can beat Athletic will be confident of holding on to claim a third title in five seasons.
The Catalans have found form in recent weeks after coach Xavi Hernandez said he would walk away at the end of the season, and face Las Palmas at home on Saturday.
Barcelona are unbeaten in 10 matches and thumped Atletico 3-0 at the Metropolitano stadium in their last outing, showing Madrid they would not relinquish their crown without a fight.
'A MOMENT TO DREAM'
"All the players are giving their best and are at their best level," warned Xavi before the international break.
"Now we're at our best moment of the season, it's a moment to dream."
He added: "An eight-point advantage is a lot (but) we have a direct clash against them and we will try to do it."
Real Madrid are close to recovering defender Eder Militao from injury although he is unlikely to face Athletic.
Top goalscorer Jude Bellingham is set to return to the side after a two-match suspension, although he and Fede Valverde returned from international duty with minor fitness concerns.
Despite Madrid's
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