One of Barcelona’s greatest-ever players has reportedly found himself at the center of a surprising and controversial dispute with the club he helped define.

According to reports from Spain, legendary midfielder and former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández recently sought permission to participate in two matches for the Barça Legends team. However, his request was allegedly rejected, sparking speculation about an ongoing rift between the club icon and Barcelona’s current leadership.

The unexpected development has stunned many supporters, especially given Xavi’s status as one of the most decorated figures in the club’s history. During his playing career, he made more than 750 appearances for Barcelona, winning numerous domestic and international titles while helping shape one of football’s most successful eras.

Reports suggest the decision may be linked to political tensions within the club rather than sporting considerations.

According to sources cited in Spain, Xavi’s relationship with Barcelona president Joan Laporta has deteriorated following disagreements that emerged during recent presidential election campaigns and the turbulent final months of Xavi’s tenure as first-team coach.

The situation reportedly became so strained that Xavi was informed he would not be included in recent Barça Legends activities. Some reports even claim he was given the impression that his presence was not currently desired within the project.

If true, the news represents a remarkable twist considering the midfielder’s enormous contribution to Barcelona’s identity and success over the past two decades.

The Barça Legends team was created to celebrate the club’s history by bringing together former stars for exhibition matches around the world. The squad regularly features iconic former players who continue representing the club long after retirement.

For many fans, the idea of Xavi being absent from such events is difficult to understand.

The reported exclusion has generated significant discussion across Spanish media and social platforms, with supporters questioning how one of Barcelona’s most recognizable figures could be left out of a team specifically designed to honor club legends.

Some fans believe the decision reflects lingering tensions from Xavi’s departure as head coach earlier this year. Others argue that any disagreements between club officials and former players should not interfere with celebrations of Barcelona’s history.

Despite the controversy, Barcelona has attempted to downplay the situation.

Club representatives reportedly insist that the issue is temporary and does not represent a permanent breakdown in relations. Sources close to the club suggest there is confidence that the disagreement will eventually be resolved and that Xavi could once again participate in future Barça Legends events.

However, the reports indicate that Xavi himself was deeply disappointed by the decision. Having spent most of his professional life representing Barcelona, being denied the opportunity to wear the club’s colors again—even in an exhibition setting—is said to have left a bitter taste.

Neither Xavi nor Joan Laporta has publicly addressed the latest claims in detail.

For now, the story remains another chapter in the increasingly complicated relationship between two of the most influential figures in modern Barcelona history.

Whether this disagreement is merely a temporary misunderstanding or evidence of a deeper divide remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: seeing Xavi sidelined from a team of Barcelona legends is a scenario few supporters ever imagined.