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.