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 boss Xavi Hernandez on Wednesday reversed his decision to step down at the end of the season and agreed to stay in charge of the La Liga giants for the 2024-25 campaign, a club spokesperson confirmed to Reuters. Xavi spent most of the day in meetings with Barca officials and agreed to honour the last year of his contract, with a series of unspecified conditions set by the club, sources said.
Xavi is set to speak to the media on Sunday, prior to their La Liga game against Valencia and club president Joan Laporta is expected to hold a press conference on Thursday to talk about the decision.
«Xavi will continue and is very excited, there is unanimity in the club's board that he should continue,» club vice-president Rafa Yuste told reporters outside Laporta's home in Barcelona later on Wednesday.
Xavi played for Barcelona for 17 years, making 767 appearances and winning 25 trophies, including four Champions League titles and eight La Liga crowns. But despite being a club great and winning La Liga last term, Barca's stuttering form this season put him under pressure.
When he first announced his decision to step down in January, Xavi said that he felt «liberated», adding that the pressure and demands of the job meant that he could not enjoy himself at his boyhood club.
Also read: PL: Erling Haaland to miss Brighton game but Guardiola says injury not serious
Xavi said then that his decision was «for the good of the team» and that the players would «be freed up» moving forward. His words were heavily criticised by pundits, but seemed to have a positive impact, with Barca going unbeaten in their next 13 competitive games.
Yet two defeats in their last two games have left them facing a trophyless season. A 3-2 La Liga
Read on wionews.com