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.
STREAM BARCELONA VS MALLORCA FOR FREE
Barcelona have a chance to put some pressure on their La Liga title rivals as they host Mallorca on March 8.
The clash has been brought forward by La Liga, with Barcelona facing a midweek UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Napoli, and the Catalans will be aiming to capitalise.
A 0-0 draw at Athletic Club last weekend meant Xavi Hernandez missed the chance to seize on Real Madrid's draw at Valencia and they remain on the edge of the title race.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch it worldwide, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
WATCH: Barcelona vs Mallorca LIVE in the US on ESPN+
This La Liga clash takes place at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona, Spain and kicks off on Friday, March 8 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories:
Here's how to watch this La Liga match across selected areas of the world's major regions:
TSN+
FOR THE LOVE OF SOCCER
STREAM THE BEAUTIFUL GAME ALL SEASON LONG
In the USA, the game is available on ESPN+, with Spanish language options on ESPN Deportes, and streaming on Fubo with the latter currently offering a FREE trial.
In Canada, the game is available on TSN. Australian fans can stream every La Liga match live and on-demand on Optus Sport and in the UK this match is on Viaplay Sports 1 and streaming on La Liga TV.
Barcelona transfer news: January 2024 signings, sales amidst heavy injury list
Xavi will be forced into changes ahead of this game with Ronald Araujo serving a one-game suspension as Inigo Martinez prepares to fill in. Midfield duo Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are out, after being forced off injured in in Bilbao, and will
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