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 revealed why Lamine Yamal was substituted in the second half of Wednesday's Champions League match against Porto.
WHAT HAPPENED? Lamine Yamal began the match against Porto, making history along the way by becoming the youngest player ever to start in the Champions League. Officially, he played 80 minutes, but he left the pitch in the 71st minute and did not return. Yamal needed to use the toilet during the second half and took advantage of a lull in play to leave go off. Xavi, who subsequently verified that the 16-year-old was unwell, eventually replaced him with Marcos Alonso.
WHAT THEY SAID: «Lamine Yamal was unwell. He had an illness, he had been telling me for a while. I took advantage of a break to tell him to be quick and go to the toilet, but in the end, they told me that he wouldn't be able to get back on the pitch,» he told reporters after the match.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Robert Lewandowski and Ronald Araujo also sustained knocks during the game. According to Xavi, Lewandowski received a «very strong blow» when he was taken off in the first half and replaced by eventual match-winner Ferran Torres. Araujo appeared to be in pain at the finish, but Xavi said the defender was only suffering from cramp.
IN TWO PHOTOS:
WHAT NEXT? Barcelona will return to action on Sunday, October 8 when they travel to Granada in La Liga.
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