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 coach Xavi Hernandez said on Saturday goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and winger Raphinha are fit again after injury to help the team's ailing title defence.
The champions are third in LaLiga and trail leaders Real Madrid by eight points, with Los Blancos facing second-place Girona on Saturday.
Barcelona host Granada on Sunday and will have the chance to make up ground on at least one of the top two.
Ter Stegen last played for Barcelona in November because of a back injury, with Inaki Pena filling in for him.
In that time Barcelona suffered heavy defeats by Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final and were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Athletic Bilbao.
"(Ter Stegen) is a key player for us, one of the captains and leaders of the squad," Xavi told a news conference.
"I'm very happy with Inaki, he showed he's a goalkeeper who can be trusted (but) very happy for Marc – he's so key for us and the squad."
Xavi also said Raphinha was ready to play after a hamstring problem which has kept him out for a few weeks.
"Rapha will be available tomorrow, he's recovered well," said Xavi.
"We've seen him train and he's in the same dynamic as he was before his injury."
Xavi said the clash between Madrid and Girona was a chance for his team to keep the pressure on in the title race.
"What we need to do is win tomorrow and even more so knowing that one of the two, or both of them, will drop points," said the coach.
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