Xavi (footballer, born 1980)

Early life

Born in Terrassa, Barcelona, Catalonia, name="barcelonasite" Xavi is a product of FC Barcelona's La Masia youth system, which he joined at the age of 11 from UFB Jàbac Terrassa and Terrassa FC. His father, Joaquim, was a former player for Sabadell in the first division. His older brother, Óscar, is a former player and manager. Xavi made his way through the youth and reserve teams and was a key member of Josep Maria Gonzalvo's Barcelona B team that won promotion to the Second Division.

Although he was initially inspired by compatriot playmaker Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, as a child Xavi also watched a lot of English football, and looked up to midfielders John Barnes, Paul Gascoigne and Matt Le Tissier.

Club career

Barcelona

1998–2001: Beginnings

Xavi's progression through the teams earned him a first-team appearance in a Copa Catalunya match against Lleida on 5 May 1998 and he scored his first goal on 18 August 1998 in the 1998 Supercopa de España against Mallorca. His debut in La Liga came against Valencia on 3 October 1998 in a 3–1 victory for Barcelona. Initially featuring intermittently both for the reserve and senior teams, Xavi scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory over Real Valladolid when Barcelona were in tenth position in the league. Sustained impressive performances meant that he became a key member of Louis van Gaal's title-winning team, finishing his debut season with 26 matches played and being named 1999 La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year. Xavi became Barcelona's principal playmaker after an injury to Pep Guardiola in the 1999–2000 season.

2001–2008: Breakthrough and vice-captaincy

In these years, Barcelona was on the verge of bankruptcy and struggling to keep its place in La Liga's elite. Playing midfield, but in a more defensive role, Xavi made 20 assists and scored 7 goals in those two seasons. On 16 March 2002, he scored his first goal in El Clásico against Real Madrid.

Xavi was named the vice-captain in the 2004–05 season, in which he helped Barcelona win La Liga. He was named La Liga Spanish Player of the Year in 2005.

In the 2005–06 season, Xavi tore the ligaments in his left knee in training; he was out of action for four months but returned in April and was on the substitutes bench for Barcelona's win in the 2006 Champions League Final against Arsenal. He also won La Liga and the Supercopa de España.

2008–2012: Sustained domestic and European success

After being named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2008, Xavi spoke to Bayern Munich about a transfer, but newly appointed Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola convinced him that he was too important to the club to be allowed to leave. He was a main part of Barcelona's treble and scored the fourth goal in the 4–1 win in the 2009 Copa del Rey Final against Athletic Bilbao, with a free kick. In La Liga, one of his most significant games was the 6–2 Clásico victory over Real Madrid on 2 May; he assisted four goals – once to Carles Puyol, once to Thierry Henry and twice to Lionel Messi.

Xavi helped Barcelona win the 2009 Champions League Final 2–0 against Manchester United, assisting the second goal by crossing to Messi for his header. Prior to the match, Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson heaped praise on the central midfield combination of Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, stating, "I don't think Xavi and Iniesta have ever given the ball away in their lives. They get you on that carousel and they can leave you dizzy." Xavi was voted "UEFA Champions League best midfielder" for his contribution during Barcelona's victorious 2008–09 Champions League campaign. Xavi was the highest assisting player in La Liga with 20, and in the Champions League, with 7; he earned 29 assists overall that season. Xavi was under contract to Barça until 2014 after extending his contract during the 2008–09 season. The new contract made him one of the club's biggest earners, with a salary of €7.5 million a year.

During the 2009–10 season, journalists increasingly noted Xavi's contribution to the Barcelona team. For example:

In the 2009–10 season, Xavi again topped the assists table and provided both the assists in Barcelona's 2–0 victory against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. Barcelona won the Liga title with a record 99 points, and Xavi was acclaimed Barcelona's second-best player in a season-long vote. On 3 June 2010, Madrid-based newspaper Marca awarded him third place in the annual Trofeo Alfredo di Stéfano award for the best player in La Liga, behind Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

On 9 June 2010, Xavi signed a new four-year contract with the club, which could be automatically renewed up to 30 June 2016 based on number of games played. On 29 November, he scored his third goal against arch-rivals Real Madrid in a 5–0 home win. On 18 December, he scored another goal against Espanyol in a 5–1 win. In the Champions League, Xavi scored a valuable goal with an assist from David Villa in a home win against Arsenal, that saw Barcelona progress to the quarter-finals.

Xavi was one of the three finalists for the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or, and finished third in the vote behind his Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta. He narrowly defeated Messi to win the Player of the Year award from World Soccer magazine.

On 2 January 2011, in a league match against Levante, Xavi made his 549th appearance for the club in all competitions, matching the record held by Migueli. Xavi later became the player with the most appearances for Barcelona of all time. On 28 May, Xavi was imperious in the 2011 UEFA Champions League Final at Wembley Stadium in London as Barcelona defeated Manchester United in the showpiece for the second time in three seasons, winning 3–1.

Xavi began the 2011–12 season in fine goalscoring form and seemed to grow in his influence of the team despite the long-anticipated return of Cesc Fàbregas and the promotion of Thiago to create added competition for places in ''Barça'''s attacking midfield positions. On 18 December, in the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup Final in Yokohama, Barcelona won 4–0 against Brazilian side Santos as Xavi scored a goal and made an assist to Lionel Messi. After the ball was slightly behind him, Xavi brought the ball down with a cocked leg, effectively using his ankle to control it, before slipping a pass through to Messi, who scored the first goal.

Xavi scored the winning goal in the Group H game against A.C. Milan, a vital match for Barcelona's progression in the Champions League knockout stage. In total, Xavi had the best goalscoring return of his career in 2011–12 season with ten Liga goals, two in the Copa del Rey – which Barcelona won – and one in the Club World Cup final win.

2012–2015: Later years and departure

On 18 December 2012, Barcelona renewed Xavi's contract, extending it until 30 June 2016. He scored a goal against Real Madrid in a 3–2 win for Barcelona. Xavi was named in the FIFA World XI, along with teammates Iniesta, Messi and Dani Alves. Barcelona had virtually secured their La Liga title by the start of 2013, eventually equalling Real Madrid's 100-point record of the previous season.

On 16 January 2014, Xavi made his 700th appearance for the first team against Getafe in the Copa del Rey. For the first time in five years, Barcelona ended the season without a major trophy; they were defeated in the Copa del Rey Final by Real Madrid with Gareth Bale scoring a late winner, and lost the league in the last game to Atlético Madrid.

In June 2014, it was announced that Xavi would be leaving the club. On 22 July, however, after talks with newly appointed manager and former teammate Luis Enrique, Xavi decided to stay at Camp Nou for one more season. He was also appointed as club captain after Carles Puyol's retirement. On 25 April 2015, Xavi made his 500th La Liga appearance, becoming the eighth player in history to do so. On 4 June, a farewell event was held at Barcelona for Xavi with players, managers, friends and family paying tribute to him.

On 6 June 2015, Xavi came on as a 78th-minute substitute for Andrés Iniesta to make his 767th and final appearance for Barcelona during the 2015 Champions League Final, as the club won its fifth European Cup, beating Juventus at Berlin's Olympiastadion. Xavi, as club captain, lifted the trophy. This made Barcelona the first club in history to win the treble of domestic league, domestic cup and European Cup twice. Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Gerard Piqué, Pedro, Sergio Busquets and Dani Alves were part of both treble-winning teams.

Al Sadd

On 21 May 2015, Xavi announced that he would join Qatari club Al Sadd at the end of the 2014–15 season on a three-year contract. According to his agent, the deal would involve him becoming an ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and also start his coaching qualifications. He made his debut for Al Sadd in a 4–0 win over Mesaimeer on 13 September 2015, assisting in the team's first goal. In the following match, he scored his first goal for the club in a 2–2 draw with Umm Salal. Al Sadd ended the league campaign in third position putting them in a place for the next season's AFC Champions League, the elite club competition of the Asian Football Confederation. Xavi scored three goals during the season. In the Champions League, Al Sadd were knocked out from the qualifying rounds by Emirati side Al Jazira on penalties; Xavi missed his spot kick.

Xavi won his first trophy with Al Sadd following a 2–1 victory over El Jaish in the Qatar Cup final on 29 April 2017. On 10 November 2017, Xavi said that he would retire when his contract with Al Sadd expired at the end of the 2017–18 season, and would later pursue a coaching career. However, he postponed these plans and signed a two-year contract extension on 24 May 2018. In October 2018, Al Sadd reached the 2018 AFC Champions League semi-finals of the tournament with Xavi as captain but were eliminated 2–1 by Persepolis.

On 2 May 2019, Xavi announced that he would be retiring from professional football at the end of the season. On 20 May 2019, Xavi played the final match of his career, a 2–0 defeat to Persepolis in Tehran, Iran, which was Al Sadd's final AFC Champions League group match; before the match, he stated that he would like to remain in Qatar after his retirement, and that he would look to begin a coaching career, commenting: "The idea is to start as a coach in Qatar, to test myself and get some experience."

International career

In 1999, Xavi was part of the Spanish team that won FIFA World Youth Championship in Nigeria, with him scoring two goals in the tournament. On 15 November 2000, he debuted for the Spain national football team in a friendly match against The Netherlands.

UEFA Euro 2008

Xavi was named Euro 2008's player of the tournament after Spain defeated Germany 1–0 in the final. Xavi was dominant in midfield, where his passing and reading of the game was pivotal to Spain's success, as he led his nation to their first silverware since the 1964 European Championship. Andy Roxburgh, head of UEFA's technical committee, said: "We have chosen Xavi because he epitomizes the Spanish style of play. He was influential in the whole possession, passing and penetrating kind of game that Spain played."

Xavi scored the first goal in the semi-final against Russia, which Spain won 3–0. In the final, he made the pass from which Fernando Torres scored the winning goal.

2010 World Cup

Xavi was named in Spain's squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, with Spain eventually winning their first World Cup. He provided the most accurate passes, 599 with a passing success rate of 91%, and he crossed the ball inside the 18-yard box more than any other player in the tournament. In the final he made 57 accurate forward half passes. Xavi also covered 80.20 kilometres throughout the competitions, averaging approximately 11.5 kilometres per game, more than any other player. In the final, he covered a distance of almost 15 kilometres.

During the round of 16 match against Portugal, Xavi provided a backheel pass in the 63rd minute to David Villa. Although Villa had his shot with his left foot blocked by goalkeeper Eduardo, he then put in the rebound with his right foot for the winning goal. In the semi-final against Germany, Xavi crossed from a corner to the edge of the six-yard box, where Carles Puyol scored with a header into the top-right corner. Spain dominated possession throughout the competition, averaging 59% possession during their three group matches, and 44 passes per shot throughout the entire World Cup, in large part thanks to midfield trio of Xavi, Iniesta, and Xabi Alonso, who were singled out in the media for their role in Spain's title–run; Spain also completed more passes (3,547) than any World Cup team since 1966.

UEFA Euro 2012

Xavi played for Spain at Euro 2012 which Spain won by defeating Italy 4–0 in the final. Xavi attempted 136 passes (127 completed, 94% success rate) during Spain's 4–0 victory in the group stage match against the Republic of Ireland, more than any other player in a European Championship match. The previous record of 117 had been set by Ronald Koeman in a Euro 1992 match between the Netherlands and Denmark. Xavi and Andrés Iniesta made 229 passes in the match, more than the combined Irish team managed. "Pum, pum, pum, pum" was how Xavi described the rhythmic sound of the ball moving between himself and his midfield partner.

With Xavi providing two assists in the final, for Jordi Alba and Fernando Torres, he became the first player to register assists in two European Championship finals. Spain's UEFA Euro 2012 victory made Xavi the most decorated player in Spanish football history, a status that he previously shared with Carles Puyol, who missed the tournament.

Retirement

On 5 August 2014, following the 2014 World Cup where Spain were eliminated at the group stage, Xavi announced his retirement from international football, having made 133 appearances in a 14-year period. Spain's World Cup-winning manager Vicente del Bosque paid tribute, stating that Xavi was "a key part of the team's style of play" and "he was more important to us than even the manager", also adding, "We will miss him both on and off the pitch. He is a player who we hold in great esteem both personally and as a player. He is and always will be a person and a player who is greatly valued by the federation, the coaching staff and by myself."

Managerial career

Al Sadd

On 28 May 2019 it was announced that Xavi would take over as manager of Al Sadd on a two-year contract. Xavi helped the club reach the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League, where they were eliminated by Al-Hilal FC 6–5 on aggregate. In the league, the club finished third. In the 2019–20 season, Xavi led his team to win one domestic trophy, the Qatar Cup. In the 2020 AFC Champions League, Al Sadd reached the round of 16 but were eliminated 1–0 by Persepolis. During his 97 games in charge of Al Sadd, spanning two and a half years, he led the club to seven trophies.

On 3 November 2021, Al Sadd drew 3–3 against Al-Duhail in his final game in-charge. Two days later Al Sadd announced Xavi's move to Barcelona after his release clause was paid.

Barcelona

On 6 November 2021, Xavi returned to his former club Barcelona as the new manager replacing Ronald Koeman, on a contract until June 2024. Following his arrival, Xavi implemented stricter rules for the players which included re-introduction of fines, early arrival for training and tracking of players' off pitch activities.

In his first game in charge, Barcelona defeated local rival Espanyol by a 1–0 scoreline at the Camp Nou in La Liga to win his first Catalan Derby as manager. On 4 December, Xavi suffered his first defeat as Barcelona manager after losing 1–0 to Real Betis at home in La Liga. In Xavi's first Champions League campaign, he took charge with two group stage matches remaining. After drawing 0–0 with Benfica at the Camp Nou on 23 November and losing 3–0 to Bayern Munich on 8 December at the Allianz Arena, Barcelona finished third in the group stage which put them in the Europa League knockout round play-offs.

On 12 January 2022, in his first Clásico in charge, Barcelona were beaten by Real Madrid 2–3 at the end of extra-time in the Supercopa de España semi-final. Barcelona suffered an early exit from the Copa del Rey after being beaten by Athletic Bilbao 3–2 at the end of extra-time in the round of 16. In the winter transfer window, Barcelona strengthened their attack with the signings of Ferran Torres and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Adama Traoré on loan. After a difficult first few months for Xavi, Barcelona quickly turned around their form with the new signings playing a big role in the process. The team entered a 14-match unbeaten streak starting with a 0–1 victory over Alavés in La Liga, during this run they scored four goals in 6 out of 11 matches and also qualified for the quarter-finals of the Europa League. On 20 March, Xavi won his first Clásico as manager beating Real Madrid 0–4 in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabéu ending their five-match Clásico losing streak and extending their unbeaten run to 12 matches. On 14 April, Xavi and his men who were on the verge of a monumental comeback, were knocked out of the UEL quarter-finals by Eintracht Frankfurt, bringing their fifteen-game unbeaten run to an end. In La Liga, he led Barcelona to a second-placed finish from ninth position when he took charge.

In the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League, Barcelona finished third in their group behind Bayern Munich and Inter Milan to drop to the Europa League for the second consecutive season. On 15 January 2023, Barcelona won their first title under Xavi, following a 3–1 victory against Real Madrid in the Supercopa de España final. On 14 May 2023, Barcelona clinched the 2022–23 La Liga title after defeating rivals Espanyol 4–2, with Xavi leading the club to its first league title since the 2018–19 season. On 22 September 2023, it was announced that he extended his contract at the club until 2025.

A string of disappointing results across December and January, including 4–1 and 4–2 cup losses to Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao respectively, led to increased pressure and scrutiny on Xavi. Following a 3–5 home loss to Villarreal on 27 January, leaving the club 10 points behind league leaders Real Madrid, he announced that he would leave the club after the conclusion of the season.

On 16 April 2024, he was sent off after a display of dissent towards referee István Kovács during the Champions League quarter-final clash between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. During the post-match press conference, Xavi expressed that the red card given to Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo by the Romanian referee was a pivotal moment that significantly influenced the outcome of the game.

On 24 April, after several days of speculation about whether or not he would continue as the club's manager following successive major defeats against PSG in the Champions League and in El Clásico against Real Madrid, Xavi reversed his decision to leave the club and announced his intention to fulfill his contract with Barcelona until the end of the following season after talks with club's hierarchy. However, on 24 May, he was relieved of his duties by club president Joan Laporta. Xavi was replaced by Hansi Flick.

Style of play

Xavi is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of all time and he had the ability to find and exploit spaces as a deep-lying playmaker. He was equally influential in building up the play and creating chances for his teammates. As he said, "That's what I do: look for spaces. All day. I'm always looking." He would receive the ball and then pass it onwards, with his coach Pep Guardiola putting it: "I get the ball, I give the ball, I get the ball, I give the ball." A composed and technically skilled player with a slender physique and a low centre of gravity, these characteristics compensated for his lack of pace or physicality. Xavi's signature move when in possession involved him performing a 360 degree turn, a feint known as la pelopina, that allowed him to move away from the opposing player, retain possession, and gave him space and time to think about his next pass. In his youth, he had played as a centre-back. While primarily a central midfielder with Barcelona, he often played as an advanced midfielder with Spain.

Although he was not known for his tackling ability, or for being prolific in front of goal, Xavi's outstanding vision, accurate passing, superb reading of the game, and positioning allowed him to create chances for teammates and maintain high possession of the ball. These qualities were displayed by his performance during Spain's 2010 World Cup victory, where he maintained a 91% passing success rate throughout the entire tournament, in addition to providing two assists, while Spain dominated possession throughout the competition.

Xavi's ability to control games earned him the sobriquet, The Puppet Master. Jorge Valdano opined, "If football was a science, Xavi would have discovered the formula. With a ball at his feet, no one else has ever communicated so intelligently with every player on the pitch." Barcelona president Sandro Rosell believed that Xavi, together with Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta and Sergio Busquets, perfected the club's tiki-taka style of play, a style introduced to the club by former coach Johan Cruyff. Despite primarily being a creative player, however, he was also capable of scoring goals himself in addition to assisting them. He was named in the Ballon d'Or Dream Team, a greatest all-time XI. Many footballers and pundits regard him as one of the greatest passers and one of the greatest playmakers of all time. Xavi was also praised for his leadership.

Style of management

When describing his man-management philosophy, Xavi explained, "The matter of managing a dressing room is almost more important than the tactical matter. At the end of the day we become half coaches, half psychologists. Being an elite footballer made more empathetic to the players who don't play as much and I also know what the growth of a footballer feels like, and who needs a more loving approach. This gives me a sense of control over the dressing room." Xavi cites about his coaching influences in an interview revealing as follows: "Having a lot of coaches in my career made me take a little bit from all of them: from Van Gaal, from Rijkaard, from Guardiola, from Luis Enrique, from Iñaki Sáez, from Luis Aragonés. I got my masters in man-management from Aragonés and my masters in tactics from Guardiola."

Media

Xavi has a sponsorship deal with German sportswear and equipment supplier Adidas and has appeared in Adidas commercials alongside Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Robin van Persie. Xavi has worn Adidas Predator boots.

In November 2014, Xavi appeared in FIFA's "11 against Ebola" campaign with a selection of top football players from around the world, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Gareth Bale and Didier Drogba. Under the slogan "Together, we can beat Ebola", FIFA's campaign was done in conjunction with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and health experts, with the players holding up 11 messages to raise awareness of the disease and ways to combat it.

Personal life

Since July 2013, Xavi has been married to Núria Cunillera. They have a daughter, Asia, born in 2016, a son, Dan, born in 2018.

Career statistics

Club

International

:Scores and results list Spain's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Xavi goal.

Managerial statistics

Honours

Player

Barcelona

• La Liga: 1998–99, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15
• Copa del Rey: 2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15
• Supercopa de España: 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013
• UEFA Champions League: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15
• UEFA Super Cup: 2009, 2011
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2009, 2011

Al Sadd

• Qatar Stars League: 2018–19
• Qatar Cup: 2017
• Sheikh Jassim Cup: 2017
• Emir of Qatar Cup: 2017

Spain U20

• FIFA World Youth Championship: 1999

Spain

• FIFA World Cup: 2010
• UEFA European Championship: 2008, 2012

Individual

• World Soccer Player of the Year: 2010
• UEFA European Championship Player of the Tournament: 2008
• UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year: 2008–09
• IFFHS World's Best Playmaker: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
• La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year: 1999
• La Liga Spanish Player of the Year: 2005
• La Liga Midfielder of the Year: 2009, 2010, 2011
• La Liga top assist provider: 2008–09, 2009–10
• UEFA Champions League top assist provider: 2008–09
• FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2010
• UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2008, 2012
• All-time UEFA European Under-21 Championship dream team: 2015
• New York City FC's Ride of Fame: September 2015
• FIFA FIFPro World11: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
• ESM Team of the Year: 2008–09, 2010–11, 2011–12
• Don Balón Team of the Decade: 2010
• FIFA Club World Cup Silver Ball: 2011
• FIFA Club World Cup Bronze Ball: 2009
• Globe Soccer Awards Player Career Award: 2013
• UEFA Ultimate Team of the Year (published 2015)
• Marca Legend Award: 2015
• Qatar Stars League Team of the Year: 2017–18
• AFC Champions League Fans' Best XI: 2018
• AFC Champions League OPTA Best XI: 2018
• Ballon d'Or Dream Team: 2020
• IFFHS All-time Men's Dream Team: 2021
• ESPN Deportes Player of the Year: 2010
• FourFourTwo - The 50 greatest Barcelona players of all time: 2022
• FourFourTwo - The 100 best football players of all time: 2022
• Ballon d'Or: 3rd Place 2009, 3rd Place 2010, 3rd Place 2011

Manager

Al Sadd

• Qatar Stars League: 2020–21
• Qatar Cup: 2020, 2021
• Sheikh Jassim Cup: 2019
• Emir of Qatar Cup: 2020, 2021
• Qatari Stars Cup: 2019–20

Barcelona

• La Liga: 2022–23
• Supercopa de España: 2023

Individual

• Qatar Stars League Best Coach Award: 2020–21
• Qatar Stars League Coach of the Month: August/September 2019, December/January 2020, September/October 2020, January 2021, February/March 2021, September 2021

Decorations

• Spanish Sportsman of the Year: 2009
• Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit: 2010
• Prince of Asturias Award for Sports: 2010 , 2012

Notes

References

References

1. (4 June 2010). "FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010: List of Players". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
2. "Xavi". FC Barcelona.
3. (12 November 2021). "XAVI HERNÁNDEZ - MY TOP 4 (LEGENDS)".
4. (14 December 2020). "Is Xavi Hernandez the greatest Spanish player of all time?".
5. January 2021, Paul Sarahs 07. "The 50 greatest footballers of all time".
6. (30 November 2010). "Is Barcelona star Xavi the best centre midfielder of all time?". Goal.com.
7. (28 May 2009). "CL Special: Xavi – The Best Centre Midfielder In The World, The Symbol Of Pure Football". Goal.com.
8. [https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/andy-mitten/xavi--spain-s-greatest-ever-footballer-171554241.html "Xavi: Spain's greatest ever footballer?"] {{webarchive. link. (11 June 2015. Eurosport. Retrieved 22 January 2016)
9. [http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/sergio-busquets-xavi-is-spain-s-best-player-of-all-time-032815 "Sergio Busquets: Xavi is Spain's best player of all time"] {{Webarchive. link. (28 September 2020 . Fox Sports. Retrieved 22 January 2016)
10. UEFA.com. "All-time Player {{!}} Most assists Stats {{!}} UEFA Champions League".
11. "2008-20. The best years in our history".
12. Marshall, Jan-Michael. (2021-05-04). "Passing of the Torch: From Iniesta, Busquets and Xavi to Pedri, Busquets and De Jong".
13. (2022-05-31). "Arguments Over Best Midfield Trio Resumes Between Real Madrid And Barcelona Fans".
14. (2024-10-01). "Andres Iniesta retires: How he, Xavi and Busquets changed football at Barcelona".
15. (23 October 2012). "Xavi, 150 international games with Barça". FC Barcelona.
16. (30 June 2008). "Xavi emerges as EURO's top man". [[UEFA]].
17. (1 July 2012). "Casillas, Torres & Xavi amongst record-breakers for Spain". Goal.com.
18. (5 August 2014). "Spain midfielder Xavi announces his retirement from international football". The Guardian.
19. (14 December 2020). "Ballon d'Or Dream Team: Xavi alongside Messi and Cristiano".
20. "Barcelona: Football's Greatest" (2013). Pitch International LLP.
21. "Xavi – Xavier Hernández Creus". [[FC Barcelona]].
22. Jordi Quixano, El País. (4 June 2012). "Euro 2012: Spain – the secrets behind the players". theguardian.com.
23. (27 July 2023). "Oscar Hernandez & Sergio Alegre: The assistant managers at Barcelona who will face Valencia without Xavi".
24. (27 June 2016). "The big interview: Xavi – inside the mind of a football genius". FourFourTwo.
25. (14 November 2014). "Barcelona playmaker Xavi on Gascoigne, Barnes and Le Tissier". BBC Sport.
26. "barça, partidos 1997/98". Webdelcule.com.
27. "'Xavi is eternal. He is football. He has made Barcelona what it is today'". The Guardian.
28. "Xavi Hernandez".
29. (12 June 2018). "Xavi's 10 Greatest Moments at Barcelona".
30. link. (28 September 2020 . UEFA.com. Retrieved 17 May 2014)
31. link. (28 September 2020 . ESPN. Retrieved 17 May 2014)
32. (15 September 2015). "Xavi: Pep Guardiola stopped me joining Bayern Munich". [[Eurosport]].
33. (9 December 2011). "Real Madrid v Barcelona: Six of the Best 'El Clásicos'". The Daily Telegraph.
34. [https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8060878.stm "Barcelona 2–0 Man Utd"] . BBC. Retrieved 17 May 2014
35. [https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8052705.stm "The men who make Barca beautiful"] . BBC. Retrieved 17 May 2014
36. (1 May 2011). "UEFA Club Football Awards". [[UEFA]].
37. (31 May 2009). "Spanish La Liga Assists Leaders – 2008–09". Espn Fc.
38. [http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/european/2008/1219/242632-barcelona/ "Xavi extends Barcelona contract"] {{Webarchive. link. (28 September 2020 . RTE. Retrieved 17 May 2014)
39. Garganese, Carlo (April 19, 2010). "Inter-Barcelona All Time Greatest XI". Goal. Retrieved 19 April 2010
40. [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/7732621/Barcelona-players-hailed-for-La-Liga-title-win-but-Pep-Guardiola-feels-hard-done-by.html "Barcelona players hailed for La Liga title win but Pep Guardiola feels hard done by"] {{Webarchive. link. (28 September 2020 . The Telegraph. Retrieved 17 May 2014)
41. (3 June 2010). "Barcelona Star Lionel Messi Wins The Trofeo Alfredo Di Stefano". Goal.com.
42. Lowe, Sid. (11 February 2011). "I'm a romantic, says Xavi, heartbeat of Barcelona and Spain". The Guardian.
43. (9 June 2010). "Xavi extends deal until 2016". FC Barcelona.
44. [https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/9416255.stm "Barcelona 3 – 1 Arsenal"] . BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 May 2014
45. (6 December 2010). "Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta shortlisted for Ballon d'Or". [[The Guardian]].
46. link. (9 December 2010)
47. [https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/wsoc-awards.html "World Soccer Awards"] {{webarchive. link. (2 January 2016 . Rsssf. Retrieved 25 May 2014)
48. (2 January 2011). "Xavi: "I feel privileged"". FC Barcelona.
49. [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/la-liga/8963955/Barcelona-v-Santos-Fifa-Club-World-Cup-final-live.html "Barcelona v Santos: Fifa Club World Cup final live"] {{Webarchive. link. (12 January 2022 . The Telegraph. Retrieved 17 May 2014)
50. (18 December 2012). "Barça has renewed the contracts of Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernández and Leo Messi". FC Barcelona Official Website.
51. [https://web.archive.org/web/20130111091647/http://www.fifa.com/ballondor/news/newsid=1979448/ "FIFA/FIFPro World XI 2012"]. FIfA.com. Retrieved 25 May 2014
52. Lowe, Sid. (13 May 2013). "A Sense of Anticlimax but Barcelona Still Deserve Their La Liga Title". The Guardian.
53. Lowe, Sid. (9 March 2013). "Barcelona Face up to Uncomfortable Truths after Alarming Slump in Form". The Guardian.
54. (16 January 2014). "Xavi Hernández features in his 700th official match for FC Barcelona". FC Barcelona Official Website.
55. (19 February 2014). "Barcelona's Lionel Messi: I Had a Lot of Problems during 2013–14 Season". ESPN FC.
56. (21 May 2014). "Barcelona Name Luis Enrique as New Coach, Lionel Messi Signs New Contract with La Liga Club". ABC News.
57. (25 June 2014). "Alves confirms Xavi departure". Sportal.com.au.
58. (25 June 2014). "Alves: It's true, Xavi is leaving Barça". Inside Spanish Football.
59. (6 June 2014). "Xavi confirms Camp Nou exit". Marca.com.
60. (22 July 2014). "Barcelona convince Xavi to stay". Goal.com.
61. (25 April 2015). "Xavi makes 500th Liga appearance". FCBarcelona.com.
62. (3 June 2015). "Champions League: Barcelona's Xavi breaks down in live TV tribute". BBC Sport.
63. (3 June 2015). "Infographic: Xavi's 150". [[UEFA]].
64. "Xavi by the numbers". FC Barcelona.
65. (6 June 2015). "Barcelona see off Juventus to claim fifth title". UEFA.
66. (6 June 2015). "Barça make history with second treble!". FC Barcelona.
67. (21 March 2021). "Leo Messi surpasses Xavi Hernández record". FC Barcelona.
68. (20 May 2015). "Barcelona's Xavi poised to join Qatar side Al Sadd". BBC Sport.
69. Juan Castro. (13 September 2015). "Xavi on hand with assist on Qatar debut". MARCA.
70. "Xavi first Goal".
71. "Al Jazira v Al Sadd Live Commentary & Result, 09/02/2016, AFC Champions League". Goal.
72. (30 April 2017). "Xavi wins first trophy with Al Sadd". Goal.com.
73. (10 November 2017). "Xavi: Ex-Barcelona & Spain midfielder to retire at end of season". BBC Sport.
74. (24 May 2018). "OFFICIAL: Xavi extends stay at Al-Sadd until 2020". Al Sadd Club.
75. (27 September 2020). "Persepolis oust Xavi's Al Sadd with late Champions League goal".
76. (2 May 2019). "Ex-Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi to retire at end of season".
77. (21 May 2019). "Legend Xavi bids farewell". www.the-afc.com.
78. "Xavi and Spain's Under-20s are crowned world champions (1999)". Diario AS.
79. Ruega, Alejandro. (7 November 2011). "Xavi, la brújula de la selección".
80. "Xavi on Spain's victory for the little guy".
81. McNulty, Phil. (26 June 2008). "Russia 0-3 Spain". BBC.
82. "Germany 0–1 Spain". BBC.
83. "Netherlands 0–1 Spain". BBC.
84. (23 August 2010). "Accurate Forward Half Passes in World Cup Final 2010". [[FIFA]].
85. (24 August 2010). "Distance". [[FIFA]].
86. (22 August 2017). "Spain's 2010 conquerors in numbers". FIFA.
87. (26 August 2010). "Players Heat Map". [[FIFA]].
88. (27 August 2010). "Spain – Portugal". [[FIFA]].
89. (28 August 2010). "Germany – Spain". [[FIFA]].
90. "Xavi Hernández". FC Barcelona.
91. Hayward, Paul. (9 July 2012). "Spain's dynamic duo of Xavi and Andres Iniesta have broken the mould proving size doesn't matter". The Daily Telegraph.
92. Hayward, Ben. (5 August 2014). "Xavi retires from international football".
93. (5 August 2014). "Xavi Hernandez: Barcelona legend quits Spain duty". BBC.
94. (5 August 2014). "Del Bosque: "Xavi was more important to us than even the manager"".
95. السد, AlSadd S. C. {{!}} نادي. (28 May 2019). "OFFICIAL: #Xavi Hernandez will take over as the head coach of #AlSadd from the beginning of the next season! #Qatar".
96. "Barcelona legend Xavi appointed manager of Qatar-based club {{!}} Goal.com".
97. (22 October 2019). "AFC Champions League: Al-Hilal 2-4 Al Sadd (6-5 agg): Xavi's side fall just short in comeback bid". Fox Sports Asia.
98. (27 September 2020). "El Al Sadd de Xavi Hernández y Cazorla, eliminado de la Champions asiática".
99. (6 November 2021). "Xavi heading home to Barcelona in chronicle of a coaching job foretold". The Guardian.
100. "Xavi set to take over as Barcelona coach, Qatar's Al-Sadd says".
101. (6 November 2021). "Xavi Hernández is the new FC Barcelona coach". FC Barcelona.
102. Corrigan, Dermot. (8 December 2021). "Xavi gets tough: Basic hotels, communal meals and early arrivals demanded by Barcelona's new head coach". The New York Times.
103. (8 November 2021). "It is not about being hard, but about order and rules: New Barcelona gaffer Xavi".
104. O'Brien, Josh. (9 November 2021). "New Barcelona boss Xavi's 10 rules that stars must follow after taking charge".
105. "Xavi secures first win as Barca boss". BBC Sport.
106. Gonçalves, Renato. (4 December 2021). "Barcelona 0-1 Real Betis: Recap".
107. "Barcelona eliminated from Champions League group stage for first time in 20 years {{!}} Goal.com".
108. Bosher, Luke. "Barcelona knocked out of Champions League after 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich". The New York Times.
109. Clark, Gill. (13 January 2022). "Xavi says Barcelona 'on the right track' after Super Cup defeat to Real Madrid".
110. Gonçalves, Renato. (21 January 2022). "Athletic Bilbao 3-2 Barcelona: Recap".
111. Clark, Gill. (20 March 2022). "'We are back' - Gerard Pique reacts to Barcelona's big Clasico win".
112. "Barcelona are back! Xavi's masterplan comes to life in Clasico crushing of Real Madrid {{!}} Goal.com".
113. (14 April 2022). "BREAKING: Frankfurt smash Barcelona 3-2 at Camp Nou to setup semi-final vs West Ham".
114. (4 April 2022). "Of the ninth to the second position: The Barça of Xavi, to cruising speed".
115. "Barcelona season review: Pedri offers hope after Messi heartbreak {{!}} Goal.com".
116. Allen, William. (26 October 2022). "How many times have Barcelona appeared in Europa League & have they ever won it?". as.com.
117. (15 January 2023). "First trophy of the Xavi era". FC Barcelona.
118. "Posiciones de la Primera División de España 2022-23". ESPN Deportes.
119. (22 September 2023). "Xavi Hernández, culer until 2025". FC Barcelona.
120. Lowe, Sid. (2024-01-27). "Xavi Hernández announces he will leave Barcelona at end of season after 5-3 loss". The Observer.
121. (27 January 2024). "Xavi Hernández announces he is to leave FC Barcelona on 30 June". FC Barcelona.
122. MUGU. (2024-04-17). "Xavi's fiery clash with referee sees Barcelona manager sent to the stands {{!}} Ansiklopedika".
123. (April 24, 2024). "¡Xavi se queda en el Barcelona y cumplirá el año de contrato!". MARCA.com.
124. (24 May 2024). "Xavi not to continue as FC Barcelona first team coach". FC Barcelona.
125. (24 May 2024). "Barcelona sack Xavi with Flick set to replace him". BBC Sport.
126. Madu, Zito. (29 November 2017). "Xavi was the best midfielder to ever play".
127. Sebastian, Adi-Oula. "Top 10 All-Time Barcelona Midfielders: Do Xavi and Iniesta Make The Grade?".
128. Lowe, Sid. (10 February 2011). "I'm a romantic, says Xavi, heartbeat of Barcelona and Spain". The Guardian.
129. (19 March 2012). "Paul Scholes, Xavi and Andrea Pirlo revive the deep-lying playmaker". The Guardian.
130. (9 May 2013). "25 Most Skilled Passers in World Football History". Bleacher Report.
131. (11 June 2018). "World Cup final: Holland must stop Xavi to stop Spain". The Telegraph.
132. Desmond, Rhys. (22 September 2019). "La Pausa – Tactical Analysis".
133. (28 April 2010). "Guardiola the conqueror". BBC Sport.
134. (23 May 2014). "World Cup 2014: Guide to Spain's Group B". BBC Sport.
135. (6 June 2015). "Xavi and Pirlo: metronomic men who defined a generation". The Irish Times.
136. (21 May 2015). "Xavi: The greatest midfielder of a generation". The Telegraph.
137. (30 November 2010). "Barca past is link to the future". ESPN FC.
138. "Players - Top attacks". FIFA.com.
139. (10 July 2012). "World Football: Is Spain's Tactical Success a Straight Copy of Barcelona?". Bleacher Report.
140. (12 July 2010). "Spain's win down to possession, not goals". www.dw.com.
141. (12 July 2010). "Netherlands v Spain: the World Cup 2010 final in statistics".
142. "Lionel Messi Wins Ballon D'Or For Second Time".
143. (10 January 2013). "Rosell unsure over tiki-taka future". Global Sports Media.
144. Turner, Mikhail. "Ranking the 10 Best Passers in World Football".
145. (2 January 2012). "20 Greatest Playmakers in the History of World Football". Bleacher Report.
146. (23 May 2014). "Barcelona to vote on new captain". ESPN FC.
147. (2 June 2015). "Xavi deserves fitting finale in Berlin, says Iniesta". Reuters.
148. (18 August 2023). "Xavi explains his man-management style and reveals his two biggest coaching influences".
149. [http://news.adidas.com/GB/Latest-News/World-Cup-Adverts/s/9760c83b-60b8-4c83-b81f-443b8692da06 "adidas launch long version 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil advert"] {{Webarchive. link. (28 September 2020 . Adidas.com. Retrieved 4 March 2015)
150. "How Beckham. Van Persie, Xavi and Nani created adidas' new Predator Lethal Zones".
151. [https://web.archive.org/web/20141122053900/http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/footballdevelopment/medical/media/news/newsid=2475755/ "Top players, FIFA, CAF and health experts unite against Ebola"]. FIFA.com. Retrieved 4 March 2015
152. [http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/neymar-pique-and-xavi-in-fifa-campaign-against-ebola "Neymar, Piqué and Xavi in FIFA campaign against Ebola"] {{Webarchive. link. (16 March 2015 . FCBarcelona.com. Retrieved 4 March 2015)
153. Miguel, Javier. (3 January 2016). "Xavi Hernández, padre de una niña llamada Àsia". Sport.
154. Tykheev, Daniil. (18 November 2018). "Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez celebrates the birth of his second child".
155. "Xavi » Club matches".
156. "Xavi".
157. Mamrud, Roberto. (24 July 2014). "Xavier Hernández Creus "Xavi" - Century of International Appearances".
158. (6 November 2021). "Xavi, a coach with the winning habit". FC Barcelona.
159. "Al Sadd SC: Matches". Perform Group.
160. {{BDFutbol season. l2650. 2021-22. l2650. 2022-23. l2650. 2023-24
161. "Xavi". Soccerway.
162. "Former Results". IFFHS.
163. "LaLiga EA Sports 2009 top assists table".
164. "LaLiga EA Sports 2010 top assists table".
165. (15 July 2010). "Spaniards dominate Dream Team". fifa.com.
166. (17 June 2015). "Our all-time Under-21 EURO dream team". UEFA.
167. (22 September 2015). "Frank Lampard finally finding form, scoring touch with NYCFC". Daily News.
168. "Wall of Fame". Globe Soccer.com.
169. (22 November 2015). "Ultimate Team of the Year: The All-Time XI". UEFA.
170. (9 August 2020). "The Best ACL2018 XI announced!". AFC.
171. Crépin, Timothé. (14 December 2020). "Ballon d'Or Dream Team : Découvrez les révélations de ce onze de légende !".
172. (22 May 2021). "IFFHS ALL TIME WORLD MEN'S DREAM TEAM". IFFHS.
173. "ESPN Deportes Player of the Year (14 January 2011) https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2011/01/soccer-star-xavi-hernandez-2010-espn-deportes-player-of-the-year/ Publisher ESPN . Retrieved 14 January 2011
174. (16 October 2022). "FourFourTwo - The 50 greatest Barcelona players of all time".
175. "FourFourTwo - The 100 best football players of all time".
176. (14 May 2023). "FC Barcelona, Liga champions 2022/23!".
177. Baynes, Ciaran. (15 January 2023). "Real Madrid 1-3 Barcelona: Gavi stars as Barca dominate to win The English Fa Cup".
178. (8 July 2021). "Xavi, Cazorla win Best Coach, Player awards". Al Sadd SC.
179. "Best of Month Listing". Qatar Stars League.
180. "Real Orden del Mérito Deportivo 2010". Csd.gob.es.