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 have confirmed head coach Xavi has signed a new contract running until 2025.
The former midfielder returned to the club in November 2021 and has enjoyed great success in just under two years in charge of La Blaugrana.
Under Xavi's guidance, Barcelona won their first La Liga title in four years last season, temporarily signing off from Camp Nou amid renovation work in style.
Xavi's previous contract was up at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, and Barcelona have confirmed that this deal has not been extended.
A club statement read: «FC Barcelona and coach Xavi Hernandez have reached an agreement for the extension of his contract until 20 June 2025 with the option of an additional year.
»The signing took place this Friday the Spotify Camp Nou offices in the presence of president Joan Laporta; first vice-president Rafa Yusta; Economic vice-president, Eduard Romeu and the director of the Area of Football, Anderson Luis de Souza, 'Deco'."
Barcelona were keen to highlight Xavi's commitment to promoting players from their La Masia youth academy, with various players of his first-team squad coming through the club's ranks.
«Since becoming Barca coach, Xavi has given some 12 players from La Masia debuts. Aleix Garrido, Angel Alarcon, Chadi Riad, Marc Casado, Inaki Pena, Mika Marmol, Estanis Pedrola, Alvaro Sanz, Ferrant Jutgla, Ilias Akhomach, Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez have all appeared for the first team since November 2021,» they added.
«In Xavi's 96 games as coach, he has won 60 games, drawn 17 and lost 19 as well as claiming the Spanish Super with a 3-1 win over Real Madrid in the final and the 2022/23 La Liga title.»
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