Xavi's Biography

Like numerous Barcelona stars, for example, Andres Iniesta and Leo Messi, Xavi was a product of the Barcelona youth Academy, La Cantera.

Xavi has been with Barcelona since he was 11.

In the summer of 1998, Xavi made his debut for the Barcelona first team when he scored against Majorca in the Spanish Super Cup.

Xavi went on to play an important part in Barcelona's winning La Liga in the 1998-99 season.

It was the first of many trophies Xavi was to win with Barcelona including the Champions League in 2006 and 2009; and more La Liga titles in 2005, 2006, 2009, and 2010.

On the international front, Xavi was given his first cap for Spain when they played Holland on 15 November 2000.

Xavi won Euro 2008 with Spain and was named the Player of the Tournament.

He was also a crucial member of Spain's World Cup winning side in 2010.

Xavi completed 104 passes more than the next most prolific passer at the 2010 World Cup.

Along with his Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, Xavi was short-listed for the 2010 Fifa Ballon d'Or award. Messi eventually took the accolade.

In 2011, Xavi achieved a record number of appearances for Barcelona when he overtook Migueli's's 549 appearances for the Catalan club.

Xavi was also part of the Spanish squad which won Euro 2012.

In 2014 he announced his retirement from international football.

The following year he joined the Qatari club Al Sadd.