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’s Spanish Supercopa final against Real Madrid will have special significance for defender Sergi Roberto.
La Blaugrana won the competition in 2023 as Xavi Hernandez sealed his first title as Barcelona manager on route to eventually winning La Liga.
Former captain Sergio Busquets lifted both trophies in his final year in Catalonia before moving on to Inter Miami last summer.
Busquets’ exit saw a change in the captain’s role, with Roberto taking over the lead position, as part of the club captaincy group.
He is unlikely to start the final against Real Madrid, with Xavi keeping him in reserve on the bench, but the 31-year-old will be on duty, if Barcelona retain their trophy in Riyadh this weekend.
“I want to win the title. It would be especially exciting to lifting the trophy as captain”, as per quotes from Marca.
Roberto came on as a late substitute in the 2023 final. and Xavi will potentially utilise him again, particularly if Barcelona are leading Real Madrid, as a game closing option for the Catalans.
Read on football-espana.net