Xavi Hernández: Legendary Midfielder and Manager

Mar 12, 2025

Xavi Hernndez Creus - Overview

Personal Information

  • Full name: Xavier Hernndez Creus
  • Date of birth: January 25, 1980
  • Place of birth: Terrassa, Spain
  • Height: 1.70m (5 ft 7 in)
  • Position: Midfielder

Early Life

  • Joined FC Barcelona's La Masia youth system at age 11.
  • Inspired by Pep Guardiola and English midfielders like John Barnes.
  • His father was a former footballer for Sabadell.

Club Career

Barcelona

  • Debuted in 1998 against Mallorca.
  • Played 767 official matches, second most after Messi.
  • Won 8 La Liga titles and 4 Champions League titles.
  • Became the principal playmaker after Pep Guardiola's injury in 1999.
  • Vice-captain in the 2004-05 season, helping win La Liga and the Supercopa de Espaa.

Al Sadd

  • Joined Al Sadd in 2015, winning 4 trophies.
  • Retired in 2019.

International Career

Spain

  • Capped 133 times for Spain, won FIFA World Cup 2010, UEFA Euro 2008, and UEFA Euro 2012.
  • Known for passing and vision.
  • Named Player of the Tournament at UEFA Euro 2008.
  • Retired from international football after the 2014 World Cup.

Managerial Career

Al Sadd

  • Managed Al Sadd from 2019-2021, winning 7 trophies.

Barcelona

  • Appointed manager in 2021.
  • Won 2022-23 La Liga and 2023 Supercopa de Espaa.

Playing Style

  • Widely regarded as one of the best midfielders.
  • Known for passing, vision, and positioning.
  • Signature move: 360-degree turn known as "la pelopina."

Honours and Awards

  • FIFA World Cup: 2010
  • UEFA European Championship: 2008, 2012
  • La Liga: 8 titles
  • UEFA Champions League: 4 titles
  • Multiple individual awards for his playmaking and midfield skills.