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.
After being dumped out of the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez lashed out angrily at the referee's performance on Tuesday night.
The Catalan side went into the second leg of their UCL quarter-final with a one-goal advantage after emerging 3-2 victors from the first leg.
The match started as well as they would have hoped, with Raphinha opening the scoring in the 12th minute at the Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys.
The tide, however, turned against them when defender Ronald Araujo was given his marching orders by Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs for a challenge on Bradley Barcola in the 29th minute.
PSG would then find their way back into the tie courtesy of goals from former Barca star Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha, before a double from Kylian Mbappe sent the LALIGA giants crashing out of the competition.
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According to Xavi, the red card changed the complexion of the game, and the decision to show it was a "disaster".
"We are annoyed," Xavi said per ESPN. "The red card marked the tie. We were well organised 11 vs. 11. It completely changed everything.
"For me, it's too much to send [Araujo] off there.
"The referee was really bad. I told him, he was a disaster. He killed the tie.
"I don't like speaking about referees but it has to be said. I don't understand it.
"It's not good going down to 10 players and from that point on, it's another game. For as much as we speak [about the match], the red card marks everything.
"... It's just a shame that the hard work of an entire season ends because of one refereeing decision. I would have liked it to be 11 vs. 11 for the whole game. It's an unnecessary red."
Les Parisiens
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