West Liberty Soccer player set for second trip to FC Barcelona's ...

18 Mar 2024

KWQC-TV6

MUSCATINE, Iowa {KWQC} – A West Liberty soccer player returned from Barcelona and was asked to return to continue training with FC Barcelona’s Development Camp.

10-year-old Xavi Hernandez has continued to be a standout for his Pearl City Soccer Club in Muscatine and Chicago’s FC Barcelona Academy.

In November, FC Barcelona scouted him, and they flew him and his family out to Barcelona for him to train at their development camp.

“Just the growth that we saw, he just gave us the assurance that he does have a very good potential to go very far, at the age that he is,” said Diana Hernandez, Xavi’s mom.

Xavi is named after the Barcelona legend and current coach, but seeing everything in person, Xavi says that it was a dream come true.

“It was good,” said Xavi. “It’s with my whole team, it’s like a family to me. They support me, and we support them; we support all, every single player.”

Xavi instantly caught the attention of his coaches and trainers with his swift moves and finish with his left foot. FC Barcelona has seen that before….in a player like Lionel Messi, who Xavi idols his game after.

“Seeing him excel over there was very different than seeing him here,” said Diana. “The fact that the feedback that we’re getting, shows us and helps us, gives us the idea that we’re heading down the right path for him and hopefully giving him a future in soccer.”

One of Xavi’s favorite memories was visiting Camp Nou and of course seeing….

“Xavi {Hernandez},” said Xavi. “We got close seats and got to see the game. We were in the corner with a flag, and we got to touch the grass, and see the players train.”

With Xavi’s crazy schedule and his family adjusting to his training schedule, Xavi and his family appreciates the encouragement from the community.

“We’re very thankful that he’s supported by his family members,” said Diana. “Even the school community, his teachers, they have all been marvelous in working with us.”

“My whole family supports me,” said Xavi. “The people at school are asking, ‘are you going to go to Spain, how long are you going to stay there?’ It’s funny because I always have to tell them just in case they know I’m leaving.”

Xavi and his family are flying back to Barcelona next week. The 10-year-old will be playing in the upcoming FC Barcelona’s Development World Cup. He will be playing against kids 12 and younger. Xavi is expected to start.