Xavi opens up about losing Ballon d'Or to Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo

The former Barcelona star finished third in the 2009, 2010, and 2011 Ballon d’Or rankings.

Xavi opened up about losing Ballon d’Or to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in his recent interview. The former Barcelona and Spain midfielder enjoyed an illustrious playing career.

After more than ten years, Xavi has finally made the decision to answer a question he has long shunned. The former Barcelona captain, who placed third in 2009, 2010, and 2011, was recently questioned if he thought he should have won a Ballon d’Or at that time in an interview with Diario AS. His response was simple.

“I don’t consider myself a better player than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the Ballon d’Or during those years, not at all,” Xavi said. “I’m proud of finishing third three times, even though there’s no official ‘Ballon de Bronce,’” he added with a smile. “It’s a shame. I’d love it if France Football gave me a few to display in my museum!”

After recognizing that he was trailing Messi and Ronaldo in the rankings, Xavi made it obvious about why they merited their Ballon d’Or honors over him:

“I was a playmaker, but I didn’t have the ability to decide a match on my own,” he admitted, reflecting on his role in those years.

That photo with my friends Andrés and Leo is historic: Xavi

Nevertheless, Xavi acknowledges that the 2010 Ballon d’Or ceremony, in which he, Messi, and Andrés Iniesta finished in the top three, was a memorable occasion.

“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 legacy,” he explained, speaking with pride about that moment in soccer history.

Xavi, who last managed Barcelona and led them to LaLiga is without a club right now and has been linked with many teams. He recently also confirmed that he will return to coaching after the end of the season.

“Yes. I want to win the Champions League, the Euro, the World Cup. I am open. Why not coach another La Liga team? I am looking for an exciting project. Why not also take charge of a national team?”.

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