In football, the result is an impostor. You can do things really, really well but not win. There's something greater than the result, more lasting - a legacy.
Interpretation
Success in football isn't solely defined by winning; itβs about leaving a lasting legacy.
This quote from Xavi emphasizes that in football, like in many areas of life, achieving a result or winning is not the only measure of success. The more important aspect is the impact and legacy left behind, which can be felt long after the games have ended. It suggests that true accomplishment lies in the quality of one's contributions and the values upheld throughout one's journey, rather than merely tallying wins.
In practice
Mentioning this quote during a sports seminar to emphasize the importance of character and influence over winning.
In the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen β the most complete β is Scholes. I have spoken with Xabi Alonso about this many times. Scholes is a spectacular player who has everything. He can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesnβt give possession away. If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more.
In futsal, you see whether a player is really talented. You notice the small details in quality, class and tactical understanding.
In England, footballers are respected more, the game is more noble, there's less cheating. Every Spaniard who goes loves it - and comes back a better player. If I had ever left, it would have been to England.
I spend the entire 90 minutes looking for space on the pitch. I'm always between the opposition's two holding midfielders and thinking, 'The defence is here, so I get the ball and I go there to where the space is.'
For one true measure of a nation is its success in fulfilling the promise of a better life for each of its members. Let this be the measure of our nation.
Why hit a conservative shot? When you miss it, you are in just as much trouble as when you miss a bold one.
Yes, Roger Hunt misses a few, but he gets in the right place to miss them.
Results? Why, man, I have gotten lots of results! If I find 10,000 ways something won't work, I haven't failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is often a step forward.
A woman who wants to go places needs to bring her own ladder.
The truth is that I don't have a favourite goal. I remember important goals more than I do favourite goals, like goals in the Champions League where I had the opportunity to have scored in both finals I have played in. Finals in the World Cup or Copa del Rey are the ones that have stayed with me for longer or that I remember more.
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