Xavi (footballer, born 1980)

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Xavi Hernández Creus

Xavier Hernández Creus, commonly known as Xavi Hernández or simply Xavi, is a Spanish professional football manager and former player who played as a midfielder. He was born on 25 January 1980, in Terrassa, Barcelona, Catalonia.

Xavi joined La Masia, Barcelona's youth academy, at the age of 11 and made his first team debut against Mallorca in August 1998, aged 18. Throughout his career, he played for FC Barcelona until 2015 and then Al Sadd SC until 2019. He announced his retirement through social media on an unspecified date.

Xavi is considered one of the greatest players in Spanish football history, known for his technical quality as well as his pass quality. Designated the best passer of the Spanish Championship two years in a row in 2009 and 2010, he also held the record of club appearances before Lionel Messi exceeded him on 15 March 2021. In the national selection, he is the third most selected player behind Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos.

Xavi's success with both his clubs and the Spanish national team is unparalleled. He won numerous trophies, including eight Spanish Championships, six Spanish Super Cups, three King's Cups, four Champions Leagues, two European Super Cups, two Club World Cups, two European Championships, and one World Cup. His performance was often rewarded, as he was named third in the Ballon d'Or three times in 2009, 2010, and 2011.

Xavi also received several prestigious awards beyond his football career. In 2012, he won the Prince of Asturias Award. Additionally, he was nominated for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award in 2011.

As a coach, Xavi led FC Barcelona to their first La Liga title since 2009-10 in the 2023 season. Born into a football-loving family, with his father Joaquim being a former player for Sabadell and his brother Óscar also playing professionally, Xavi's passion for the sport was evident from an early age.

Xavi made his international debut at the age of 20 and went on to win numerous titles with both La Roja and FC Barcelona. His performances earned him recognition not only in football but also beyond it, as he became a celebrated figure in Spanish sports history.