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.
From La Masia graduate to Barcelona coach, Xavi has participated in so many fierce duels against Real Madrid over the years.
Back in late January, Xavi Hernandez announced that he will part ways with Barcelona at the end of the season. His decision makes the upcoming El Clasico between the Catalan side and Real Madrid extra special, as the game at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, April 21st, will be his last rivalry match in charge of Los Blaugrana. The former academy graduate and Barcelona captain returned to coach the team a few years after hanging up his boots. Now, he has the opportunity to bid farewell to his boyhood club by leading them to a victory away at their fierce rivals and keeping their slim title hopes alive.
From La Masia graduate to Barcelona’s captain
Xavi joined the FC Barcelona academy in 1991 and climbed through the ranks before making his debut with the first team at the age of 18 under Louis van Gaal. The young midfielder celebrated his first LALIGA EA SPORTS trophy in 1998-99, when he started in 16 of the 17 league games he participated in. However, the next five seasons saw Barcelona struggle to compete for the domestic title, finishing fourth, fourth and sixth in 2000/01, 2001/02 and 2002/03, respectively.
Frank Rijkaard took charge of the team in 2003-04, when Barcelona finished second, before a slow start in the next campaign saw them trail Real Madrid by as many as 18 points on Matchday 18. With a historic comeback in the second half of the season, Los Blaugrana miraculously overtook Los Blancos and finished second behind champions Valencia. Most importantly, Barcelona’s comeback sent a message to all contenders that the Catalans were back and should be considered again as legitimate
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