FC Barcelona: The All-Time Best XI | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Xavi Hernandez i Creus is without a doubt the player that defines the current generation of FC Barcelona.

Pass first, pass second, trust your teammates always, and never be afraid to take risks.

Xavi was born to play football as his father, Joaquin, was a footballer for Sabadell FC. Xavi joined La Masia at the age of 11. Growing up, Xavi’s hero was Josep “Pep” Guardiola, and he tried to imitate his game.

After spending one year at Barcelona B, Xavi was called up to the first squad in 1998. He made his Liga debut in October of that year in a 3-1 victory against Valencia. A year later, Xavi was named the 1999 La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year.

Xavi took over the playmaking duties for Barcelona in the 1999-2000 season, replacing Pep Guardiola.

Xavi has been making plays ever since.

Xavi was named La Liga Spanish Player of the Year in 2005. While Xavi was already one of the world’s best midfielders, it wasn’t until 2008 and the return of Pep Guardiola—now as a manager—that Xavi’s game elevated to legendary status. With the tiki-taka in full gear, Xavi became—and still is—the orchestral conductor of the tiki-taka and the FC Barcelona offense. Xavi lead La Liga in assists in 2008-09 and once again in 2009-10.

But more importantly, Xavi won many titles.

Xavi has won six Ligas, two Copa del Reys, five Spanish Super Cups, three UEFA Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups.

Let’s not forget that he’s won two European Championships with Spain, and of course the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The only award that has eluded Xavi has been the Ballon d’Or—although many football fans believe he should have won that award a while ago.

Xavi is the best midfielder of our generation and will go down as the greatest midfielder in FC Barcelona history.