Xavi: Pedri and Vitinha are most like me; Yamal will be the best in the world

Xavi recently sat down for an in-depth interview with Indian podcast host Prakhar Gupta. In the rapid-fire Q&A segment of this exclusive interview, Xavi looked back on his football career, selected his all-time greatest XI, and provided updates on his personal documentary.

Xavi, the main interview is almost over. Shall we move on to the rapid-fire Q&A? I'll ask the questions, and you give quick answers, okay?

Fantastic, let's do it.

In the Dutch national team, who would you most look forward to coaching?

It's really hard to pick a single name. Truly hard to pick. For example, those young talented new stars, I believe we can give them tremendous support and help.

Who has the most potential?

There are so many talented youngsters with outstanding potential. Like Schreuders and so on. I can't just name one person, otherwise I'd offend too many. If I have to pick, Van Dijk is the linchpin, and then there's Frenkie de Jong, Gakpo, Gravenberch. We have so many top players, it's endless. I'm thrilled to work with them.

I believe this is a team with limitless potential, and they will realize it all.

This is an extremely strong team, and I can't wait to lead and develop them. Let's wait and see.

Xavi, what is the most beautiful memory of your football career?

The most beautiful memory... trophies are certainly wonderful, but it's not just about cold hardware. What moves me most now are the memories of when I walk down the street and fans come up to me, genuinely seeing me as a football legend and saying with respect, "Wow, Xavi, I'll never forget your masterful style of play on the field." I think this recognition, which transcends time, is more profound and precious than all the championship trophies.

Is there a specific match that you will never forget? Which one?

The 5-0 thrashing of Real Madrid. The 6-2 demolition of Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. And the two Champions League final victories against Man United. I think these are the most memorable moments of my football career.

Which team was the toughest, most challenging opponent you ever faced?

Oh, always Real Madrid.

Which year's Real Madrid?

I think it was Real Madrid in Mourinho's early years, and then the first Galácticos era Real Madrid. And before the Galácticos, the Real Madrid led by Raúl, Hierro, and Roberto Carlos was equally formidable. A super team, we really struggled against them.

Xavi, who was the trickiest, most difficult player to defend against that you've ever faced? You can name two or three.

Undoubtedly: Ronaldo, Zidane. And Beckham, Beckham's technique was simply unsolvable. Paul Scholes. Too many... I also remember Chelsea under Mourinho—Lampard, Drogba, Terry. Wow, what a tough and talented team! That was an extremely resilient and hard-to-beat defensive unit. We struggled against them. There were so many strong players.

If you had to pick an 11-man dream starting lineup, who would be in your all-time best eleven? It can be from throughout football history, or superstars you've played with or against in the past 20 years.

I definitely can't help but choose many Barcelona players. This is too hard to decide.

Goalkeeper: Casillas or Valdés

Right-back: Dani Alves, Cafu

Center-back: Puyol, Beckenbauer

Left-back: Maldini, Roberto Carlos

Defensive midfielder: Busquets, Pirlo

Left midfielder: Iniesta

Attacking midfielder: Zidane

Central midfielder: Paul Scholes, and now Vitinha

Number 10: Messi, Maradona

Center forward: Ronaldo, Suarez, Eto'o

Right winger: Yamal, or Cruyff

Mostly Barcelona legends.

Which active midfielder in today's football plays most like you did back then? Who embodies the Xavi style most?

I think it's Pedri at Barcelona and Vitinha at PSG. Yes, precisely these types of orchestrators who are good at controlling the overall rhythm and organizing the entire team. Mac Allister of Liverpool and the Argentina national team is also this type. They combine the vision of a number 6 with the playmaking ability of a number 8; they are a perfect hybrid of these two roles.

Aside from Messi, who is the greatest player in Barcelona's history?

Oh, that's so hard to choose. I'd have to start with Kubala, Johan Cruyff, then Ronaldinho, and later Suarez, Neymar, Eto'o. There are so many legends. If I had to pick one, I must choose Cruyff, because of the revolution he brought. He transcended being just a pure football player; his significance goes far beyond that.

Among the current young generation, who is destined to join the ranks of legends?

Young people now? Becoming a legend? I think it's already happening on the pitch—Lamine Yamal. He will become the best in the world. He has all the potential to reach the very top.

In your opinion, who is the greatest coach in football history?

First, I must again credit Cruyff. Cruyff, Guardiola. And Luis Enrique, his coaching performance now is also extremely impressive. In my experience, as a torchbearer of Barcelona's football philosophy, it is they who redefined the dimensions of this Sport: Guardiola, Cruyff, Van Gaal, Rijkaard, and later Enrique. They are all historical masters.

When people talk about Xavi 50 years from now, how do you most hope the world remembers you?

Someone who lived for football and was approachable. Football is my whole life and my lifelong passion. I hope the world can understand the real me in a more three-dimensional way. Because many people only know me through the aura of being a player or coach, and don't truly understand my nature as an ordinary person. I am actually a very easy-going person. This is not boasting; my family and upbringing instilled in me an inherent humility. That's all.

I've brought a few jerseys and would like you to sign them as a keepsake. But before that, are you currently working on a personal documentary? When will it be released?

Yes, it's in full swing. You know, I'm a very low-key person at heart, and even the thought of making a personal documentary made me a bit nervous. But now I've thought it through, and I'm ready. I think fans deserve to understand the real Xavi behind the scenes. It should be released soon. We're about to start filming now, and I think it's a great opportunity, as I've just taken charge of the Dutch national team. Yes, I've decided to go for it. This documentary will fully present my life trajectory, my family, and the people who accompanied me as I grew up. My brothers and my family are the most precious treasures in my life—my wife, daughter, and son. I think I am more open-minded and calm now than ever before. Filming will officially begin very soon, probably within the next few weeks.