'I don't consider...' - Xavi explains his contentment despite not winning a Ballon d'Or

Xavi has expressed his perspective on not winning the Ballon d'Or, acknowledging the fierce competition from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo throughout his illustrious career. He enjoyed an illustrious tenure at Barcelona, where he contributed to the club's golden era under Pep Guardiola.

During this remarkable period, the Catalan giants excelled in European football, benefiting from the talents of legendary players like Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Carles Puyol.

Xavi established a legendary midfield trio with Iniesta and Sergio Busquets. Despite his remarkable achievements on the pitch, Xavi never claimed the Ballon d'Or, a title that would have undoubtedly been his if Messi and Ronaldo had not been in the picture.

Xavi is satisfied with 'No Ballon d'Ors'

Messi consistently overshadowed him every year Xavi was in contention for this prestigious individual accolade.

He finished behind Ronaldo in two out of three years. Xavi does not view himself as a superior footballer to Messi or Ronaldo, who collectively have won 13 Ballon d'Or trophies.

He described himself as a playmaker who was not capable of single-handedly deciding the outcome of a match. He takes pride in having finished third in the Ballon d'Or voting three times, with his best finish occurring in 2009, 2010, and 2011, even though a Bronze Ball is not officially recognized.

"I don't consider myself a better footballer than Messi or Ronaldo, winners in those years, not at all. I was a playmaker, but I didn't have the ability to decide a match on my own. I'm proud to have finished third 3 times." Xavi said.

"It's a shame, I would love France Football to give me some to display in my museum! (Laughs.) That photo with my friends Andrés and Leo is historic, incredible. For me, it's the victory of a philosophy, a unique recognition of our style and our heritage." Xavi added.

Messi pipped Xavi in the Ballon d'Or rankings for three consecutive years from 2009 to 2011. Xavi made 505 appearances for the Catalans from 1998 to 2015. He scored 58 goals for Barcelona during this time.