Xavi Hernández

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Lore & Background

Xavi's international journey began with youth success, winning the FIFA World Youth Championship in 1999 and an Olympic silver medal at the 2000 Olympics. He made his senior debut in 2000 and went on to earn 133 caps. His defining moment came at UEFA Euro 2008, where he was named Player of the Tournament as Spain ended a 44-year trophy drought. At the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Xavi was central to Spain's possession-based game, helping them lift the trophy for the first time. He then helped Spain defend their European crown at Euro 2012, providing two assists in the final — a first in European Championship history. Xavi was named in the UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament in both 2008 and 2012. He retired from international football after the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

In Their Own Story

In the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands at Soccer City in Johannesburg, Xavi was the heartbeat of Spain's midfield. He completed more passes than any other player on the pitch, maintaining the rhythm that allowed Spain to control the game. His composure under pressure was critical as the match went to extra time. When Andrés Iniesta scored the winner in the 116th minute, it was Xavi who had played the pass that started the move. That victory secured Spain's first-ever World Cup title, capping a four-year period where Xavi had been named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2008 and then delivered two assists in the Euro 2012 final — the first player ever to assist in two separate European finals.

Reader's Guide

Xavi's international career spanned from his senior debut in 2000 to his retirement after the 2014 World Cup. He earned 133 caps for Spain. His first major tournament success came at Euro 2008, where he was named Player of the Tournament. At the 2010 World Cup, he was instrumental in Spain's title win. At Euro 2012, he became the first player to make assists in two separate European finals, setting up both goals in the 4-0 victory over Italy. He was named in the UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament in both 2008 and 2012. Xavi also won the FIFA World Youth Championship in 1999 and an Olympic silver medal in 2000 before his senior career took off.

Did You Know?

• Xavi made his senior Spain debut in 2000 and earned 133 caps before retiring after the 2014 World Cup.
• He was named Player of the Tournament at UEFA Euro 2008.
• Xavi became the first player to make assists in two separate European finals, doing so in the Euro 2012 final.
• He won the FIFA World Youth Championship in 1999 and an Olympic silver medal in 2000.
• Xavi was named in the UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament in both 2008 and 2012.