Few midfielders in football history have left an imprint as profound as Xavi Hernández. The Spanish maestro, known for his unrivaled vision, precision passing, and footballing intelligence, recently opened up about finishing behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Ballon d’Or nominations.
Despite never winning the coveted award, Xavi’s legacy remains unshaken, and his reflections provide deep insight into what made him one of the best midfielders of all time.
Xavi was nominated for the Ballon d’Or multiple times, securing third place on three occasions—2009, 2010, and 2011. However, he has no regrets about not claiming the top spot, acknowledging that Messi and Ronaldo were simply on another level.
“I don’t consider myself a better footballer than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, winners of the Ballon d’Or in those years, not at all. I was a playmaker, but I didn’t have the ability to decide a match on my own.”
These words reflect Xavi’s humility and understanding of the game. Unlike Messi and Ronaldo, whose dazzling dribbles and breathtaking goals often stole the spotlight, Xavi’s brilliance lay in orchestrating play, controlling tempo, and elevating his teammates.
He may not have been the one to score the last-minute wonder goals, but he was the brain behind some of football’s most intricate and beautiful movements.
One of Xavi’s proudest achievements is being part of a footballing philosophy that changed the sport forever. He played a central role in the golden era of both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, where tiki-taka—a style based on quick, short passing and fluid movement—became the most dominant tactical approach in the world.
His partnership with Andrés Iniesta and Lionel Messi was the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Barcelona side, which won multiple La Liga and Champions League titles.
That dominance was reflected in the 2010 Ballon d’Or, when the final three nominees were all products of La Masia—Messi, Iniesta, and Xavi himself.
“That photo with my friends Andrés and Leo is historic, incredible. For me, it’s the victory of a philosophy, a unique recognition of our style and our heritage.”
For Xavi, standing on the podium with his closest footballing allies was a testament to the success of the philosophy they embodied. That moment was more than an individual accolade—it was a celebration of a style of play that defined an era.
Had Messi and Ronaldo not been part of the same generation, Xavi and Iniesta would have had a much stronger claim to the Ballon d’Or. Many argue that the 2010 award, in particular, should have gone to a Spanish player, given that Spain had just won the FIFA World Cup with Xavi and Iniesta pulling the strings in midfield.
However, Messi’s dominance meant that the award stayed in his hands, even though Xavi had been the architect of Barcelona’s and Spain’s success. While some might see that as an injustice, Xavi himself never dwelled on what could have been. Instead, he embraced his role in one of the greatest footballing dynasties ever.
Although Xavi never won the Ballon d’Or, his influence on football has extended far beyond his playing days.
As a manager, he has carried the tiki-taka philosophy into his coaching career at Barcelona, where he aims to restore the club’s identity and dominance. His emphasis on possession-based football, pressing, and youth development remains a hallmark of his tactical approach.
For aspiring midfielders, Xavi serves as the ultimate blueprint. His ability to dictate play, anticipate movements, and control matches through intelligence rather than raw athleticism makes him an icon for generations to come.
While the Ballon d’Or remains the pinnacle of individual footballing honors, Xavi Hernández’s legacy is far greater than any trophy. His name will forever be associated with a footballing philosophy that mesmerized the world and set a benchmark for excellence.
Finishing third three times may not have officially earned him a “Bronze Ball,” but in the hearts of football purists, Xavi will always be remembered as a true champion of the game.
