20 years ago: the day of Xavi's Barca debut

Although his premiere came in the Spanish Supercup, Xavi's official debut took place months before in the Catalonia version. Not only was he part of the starting XI but he played the full 90 minutes alongside his partner-in-crime Carles Puyol.

Barcelona won that semi-final match against Lleida with Jofre scoring the two important goals to secure victory.  

In the technical area for 'Los Cules': Louis Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, then the Dutchman's deputy. However, for that particular match, it was the Portuguese who led the line after being given the honour by his senior.

Xavi was just 18 years and two months old when he made his grand entrance in Barcelona's 2-1 defeat to Mallorca in the Spanish Supercup, scoring their only goal and his first.

Since then, the midfielder's story is well documented. He would go on to become a legend for the Catalan outfit and vital for the Spanish national team, lifting 25 trophies during his time at the Camp Nou.

Xavi is still active in football, teaching lessons on touch and possession to children in Qatar and he must look back on his debut, 20 years ago, with a heart full of pride.