AFCON 2025
Barcelona legend, Xavi Hernández has opened up about never claiming the Ballon d’Or during his illustrious playing career, acknowledging the extraordinary achievements of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who dominated the award during his prime years.
Xavi, a central figure in Barcelona’s golden era under Pep Guardiola, played a pivotal role in one of football’s most iconic teams, featuring stars such as Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Carles Puyol.
Despite winning numerous team accolades, including multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles, individual recognition at the Ballon d’Or level eluded him.
The Spanish midfielder finished third in the Ballon d’Or rankings in 2009, 2010, and 2011, years when Messi and Ronaldo were at the peak of their powers.
Speaking to Diario AS, Xavi said: “I don’t consider myself a better footballer than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, not at all. They were worthy winners of the Ballon d’Or in those years. I was a playmaker, but I didn’t have the ability to decide matches on my own the way they did.”
While he never stood atop the podium, Xavi remains proud of his achievements and the era he helped define:
“I’m proud to have finished third three times, even if there’s no official Bronze Ball. I’d love it if France Football gave me one for my museum! (laughs). That photo with Andrés and Leo is historic—it represents the triumph of our philosophy, our style, and our legacy.”
Though he never lifted football’s most prestigious individual honor, Xavi’s legacy as one of the game’s greatest midfielders remains unquestioned.
