Xavi Hernandez, one of the most heralded soccer players ever, is the midfielder for the La Liga soccer club in Barcellona. With fourteen years behind him as a professional player, he continues to be one of Europe’s most popular soccer starts today.
Born in Barcellona in 1980, Xavi first debuted into his hometown’s soccer programs in 1998, when he began his soccer training at the famed La Masia. This training facility for young soccer players is one of the top soccer clubs and training facilities in the region. It was here that Xavi quickly progressed through the club’s different teams to earn a spot on the team that won the Super Cup final in 1998; during the same year he also debuted in La Liga. In all, Xavi played 26 games during his season debut and also won the 1999 La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year.
The next several years, while slow, were very productive. He scored over forty-five points on his domestic league in Barcelona, and twenty-five for the various national teams that he played on. During the 2004-2005 season, he was named the team’s vice captain and contributed toward the success of his team’s winning the Spanish League and the Spanish Supercup. He was also named the 2005 La Liga Spanish Player of the Year.
Before the next season had even started, Xavi Hernandez suffered an injury that would bench him for four months. While in training camp, he tore the ligaments on his left knee. This setback, however, did not stop Xavi from coming back to the team to be a substitute player for the 2006 UEFA Champions League Final, which his team went on to win 2-1.
Over the next several years, Xavi continued to progress into the ranks of the world’s top elite soccer stars. He is not only an elite player, but he is also one of the most decorated soccer players ever. With his amazingly good passing, he is considered the second best passer in the world, outranked only by Leon Britton of Swansea City. He has played in two Olympics, has made over 107 appearances on Spain’s international team, and remains one of the cornerstones of Spain’s world-renowned champion team.
Xavi is well-known for his own style of playing and handling the ball. He combines his excellent passing skills with a superb awareness of where the open spaces are in relation to the field. Because of his amazing talent and ability, he is often able to control the entire course of the ball game itself.
Xavi‘s story should inspire young and experienced players alike with a passion to strive for the best and never give up. He has taught the world what true athletic excellence really means. In addition, he has earned great respect and admiration not only for himself but also for his team. The way that he plays for the team, assists with so many scoring drives, and displays the wonder of what the human body is capable of doing will continue to capture the hearts of many soccer fans around the globe.
