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.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is the early favourite to win the FIFA Best Men's Coach award after a treble-winning season with the club.
WHAT HAPPENED? The nominations for The Best Men's Coach award have been unveiled with treble winner Pep Guardiola leading the shortlist. Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez, who won the league title in his first full season in charge of the club, is also nominated along with AC Milan manager Simone Inzaghi. Former Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti and Ange Postecoglou, who won a historic treble with Celtic last season and is now managing Tottenham, are also up for the award.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Guardiola made history last season by becoming the first man to win trebles with two different clubs after guiding Manchester City to success at home and abroad. The City boss was also in the running in 2022 but finished behind Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni who scooped top prize after winning the World Cup in Qatar.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
WHAT NEXT? Voting is now open with fans able to choose their favourite for The Best men's coach via FIFA's website.
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