Not Pirlo or Gerrard, this is the name that made Xavi 'admit defeat'

Xavi Hernandez recently attracted attention by taking part in a fun challenge with fans, where he had to remain silent until he heard the name of a midfielder he considered better than himself.

In a viral video on social media, former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez was challenged by content creators Adrian Contreras and Unai Zaballa in a "Stay quiet" game. The task was simple: stay silent until hearing the name of a midfielder superior to him. With 767 matches, 25 major titles with Barcelona, plus two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup with Spain, Xavi is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in football history.

The list of names presented entertained viewers: from Arda Guler, Gavi, Eduardo Camavinga, Pablo Barrios to stars like Federico Valverde, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister. However, Xavi remained completely silent, showing no change in expression. Even when reporters mentioned Jude Bellingham, Florian Wirtz, Pedri, or Kevin De Bruyne, the Spanish legend's face stayed calm.

Only when Andrea Pirlo's name was mentioned did Xavi show a hint of contemplation, yet he still did not break the rules. Legendary names like Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, or Claude Makelele also did not move him. Everything changed when Zinedine Zidane was brought up — the moment Xavi made his first sound, demonstrating absolute respect for the French football icon.

Early in his career, Xavi often faced Zidane in El Clasico matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Those games left a deep impression on him, where Zidane's talent and presence always made a difference. Despite his special respect for Zidane, Xavi also revealed that coach Louis van Gaal once encouraged him by saying he was "better than Zidane" when he was a young player.

“Van Gaal taught me a lot,” Xavi shared. “He once told me: 'You are better than Zidane!' I just thanked him and told him not to exaggerate. I was fortunate to work with many great coaches. We were sometimes too harsh on Van Gaal — he was an excellent manager.”

Xavi’s humility and composed demeanor continue to earn admiration from fans, even after he has left the pitch. If given the chance to choose again, would Xavi change his opinion about Zidane or maintain the same reverence as before?