Full Name: Xavier Hernández Creus
Date of Birth: 25 January 1980
Place of Birth: Terrassa, Spain
Height: 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Former Team: Barcelona [Retired]
Xavi Hernandez, born on January 25, 1980, in Terrassa, Barcelona, to parents Joaquim Creus and Maria Mercè Creus, stands as a legendary figure in football. He shone more prominently as a player but has shown promising signs in his relatively short managerial career.
His illustrious playing career, marked by numerous achievements and accolades, has left a mark on the sport. From his early days at Barcelona to his recent endeavours as a manager, Xavi's influence and commitment to the beautiful game continue to resonate.
Xavi is widely regarded as one of the all-time great midfielders and was integral to Barca’s dominance in modern times. He could effortlessly command the central areas of the pitch, and his abilities in this area and phenomenal vision and passing ability earned him the nickname “The Puppet Master”.
Along with Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets, this group of players mastered the tiki-taka style of play and this team was widely considered to be one of the best to ever play the game.
Early Life, Family and Youth Career
Xavi, born in Terrassa, Barcelona, became part of FC Barcelona's La Masia youth system at the age of 11, progressing through various youth and reserve teams. His football upbringing was deeply rooted in his family, with his father Joaquim Creus, his mother Maria Mercè Creus, and elder brother Óscar all contributing to his development.
Xavi played a crucial role in Barcelona B's promotion under the management of Josep Maria Gonzalvo. While initially inspired by Pep Guardiola, he also admired English football and midfielders such as Paul Scholes and Paul Gascoigne.
Breaking into the Barcelona Senior Team
Xavi's early breakthroughs at Barcelona included his debut in a Copa Catalunya match in 1998 and scoring his first goal in the 1998 Supercopa de España. He gradually became a key player in the first team, contributing to their title-winning campaign under Louis van Gaal and earning the 1999 La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year award as well as Xavi playing the role of Barcelona's principal playmaker in the 1999–2000 season due to an injury to Pep Guardiola.
Midfield Mastery Amid Barca Challenges
During the challenging period when Barcelona faced financial difficulties, Xavi played a pivotal role in midfield, contributing with 20 assists and 7 goals over two seasons. In the 2004–05 season, he was appointed vice-captain, helping Barcelona secure La Liga and the 2004 Supercopa de España, while earning the La Liga Spanish Player of the Year award in 2005.
Symphony of Trophies During Golden Era
Xavi's trophy-laden era with Barcelona showcased his brilliance, marked by winning the Player of the Tournament at Euro 2008. Instrumental in Barcelona's treble, he played a pivotal role in key victories, including a 6–2 Clásico triumph over Real Madrid in 2009.
Xavi's exceptional passing and midfield prowess earned him accolades, such as the UEFA Champions League best midfielder, and he consistently topped assist tables.
Ranking top as Barcelona's best midfielder of all time, Xavi's influence extended to the 2011 UEFA Champions League Final, where Barcelona defeated Manchester United 3–1 at Wembley Stadium. Throughout his career, Xavi's impact, highlighted by goals and assists, solidified his status as one of football's greatest midfielders.
From Barcelona Glory to Al Sadd Triumph
In May 2015, Xavi revealed his decision to join Qatari club Al Sadd on a three-year contract, incorporating roles as a player, ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and the initiation of coaching qualifications.
His tenure with Al Sadd included notable moments, such as scoring goals, achieving third place in the league, and winning the Qatar Cup in 2017. Ultimately, he officially announced his retirement from professional football in May 2019, expressing his desire to pursue a coaching career in Qatar.
Below are The 10 Interesting Xavi Hernandez Facts From Childhood
1. He Was An Ambassador For the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup
Xavi Hernandez served as an ambassador for the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup, showcasing his dedication to the global football community. Beyond his on-field prowess, Xavi's involvement in promoting and supporting the prestigious tournament reflects his commitment to advancing the sport on a global stage.
2. He Has a Wife, Nuria Cunillera, They Keep Their Privacy
Xavi married his partner, fashion journalist Nuria Cunillera, in 2013 at a ceremony that was attended by the majority of his Barca teammates. There is not too much information about the couple as it appears they both prefer to keep their personal lives out of the spotlight and away from the media. The couple had been dating since Spain’s victory in Euro 2012.
3. He Had the Most Accurate Passes in the 2010 World Cup
Xavi Hernandez, a pivotal figure for Barcelona and a linchpin in Spain's success, showcased exceptional precision on the field. His remarkable talent was particularly evident in the 2010 World Cup, where he held the record for the most accurate passes. With unparalleled accuracy and strategic finesse, Xavi played a crucial role in Spain's journey to victory.
4. He's The First Player To Assist in Two Euro Finals
Xavi was the pass master, registering dozens of assists for club and country over the years. At Euro 2008, he provided the crucial assist for the only goal scored by Torres in the final, leading Spain to victory over Germany. Making history four years later, Xavi became the first player to record assists in two separate Euro finals. In a stylish display, he set up two goals in a convincing 4-0 victory over Italy, further showcasing his exceptional playmaking abilities.
5. He Won FIFA Ballon d’Or of The Year 3rd Place 3 times
Xavi achieved the noteworthy feat of securing 3rd place in the FIFA Ballon d'Or of the Year three times (in 2009, 2010, and 2011). Despite his undeniable brilliance as one of the premier players globally, finishing in third place repeatedly, particularly with teammate Messi consistently winning the top spot, might have been somewhat frustrating for Xavi. His excellence in orchestrating plays from the central midfield, rather than scoring goals, occasionally led to his overshadowing by Messi's goal-scoring prowess.
6. He Won 4 Consecutive IFFHS World’s Best Playmaker Award
Each year, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics presents an award to the player they consider the best playmaker globally, and Xavi astonishingly earned this accolade four times.
Exceptionally, he achieved this feat in four consecutive years (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011), showcasing his unparalleled dominance during that period. The award, instituted in 2006, has seen Xavi's midfield partner Iniesta as the only other player to secure more than one honour (2012, 2013).
7. He holds the record for the most trophies won by a Spanish player
When Spain clinched the Euro 2012 title, Xavi secured his 23rd trophy in total, surpassing Paco Gento's record of 22 trophies as the highest number by any Spanish player. Xavi played pivotal roles for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team, leaving his impact as a legendary and loyal servant.
His contribution led to significant success for both teams, characterised by an entertaining brand of football. In his final season at the Camp Nou before joining Al Sadd, Xavi added three more trophies to his illustrious career. Xavi's major honours throughout his career are listed here.
8. He Lifted 25 Trophies in His 17 Seasons At Barcelona
Barcelona have won a staggering amount in modern times, and Xavi has been integral to all of this. Messi may get most of the plaudits, but Xavi’s abilities in the middle of the park are immensely valuable and it has been a full team effort to lift so many trophies.
Xavi’s haul, which he can add another 2 to at the end of the season, includes 8 La Liga titles, 2 Copa Del Rey’s, and 3 Champions League titles plus plenty more.
9. He Registered 238 Assists Across His Career
Xavi tallied an impressive 238 assists in his professional career. With 186 assists for Barcelona and 24 for the Spanish national team, his influence extended seamlessly from club football to international competitions. A key figure in the famed tiki-taka style, Xavi's enduring impact also resonated during his stint with Qatari side Al Sadd.
10. He Had Only Two Red Cards in 20 Seasons
Xavi's astounding career at Barcelona was characterized by his exceptional playmaking and discipline on the field. Over 20 seasons and 785 official matches with the club, the former midfield maestro received just two red cards. This exceptional display of sportsmanship underscores not only his technical prowess but also his ability to navigate the rigours of the game with poise and control.
Xavi Hernandez, a football maestro and Barcelona legend, profoundly influences the sport, both as a coach and a former player. His legacy extends beyond the pitch, reflecting excellence, leadership, and a commitment to success.
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