Barcelona’s Xavi Joins Messi As One of Europe’s Greatest Footballers

Thursday, 26th November 2009

Barcelona have many reasons to smile. After an absolutely magnificent season, where they won all the major trophies up for grabs, two of their key players are now expected to be on the podium to receive recognition as Europe’s best footballers. Reports in Catalan daily Sport, claim Xavi Hernandez will be third in this year’s Ballon d’Or (European Player Of The Year) voting, behind likely winner and team-mate Lionel Messi.

Although Barcelona has been home to numerous Ballon d’Or winners in Johan Cruyff, Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho to name a few, Xavi’s inclusion in the top three will be historic, as he is the first ever Catalan-born player to be considered for such recognition.

Xavi, who many regard as the focal point of the Barcelona attack, is playing his 12th season for the Catalan giants. He was named the best player of the tournament when Spain won the European Championships in 2008, and can now add another feather in his cap, with a third place finish in this year’s Ballon d’Or voting.

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