{
  "id": 17371661,
  "title": "Xavi Hernandez reveals the real reason why Ronaldinho and Neymar failed to match Lionel Messi’s longevity at Barcelona",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/xavi-hernandez-reveals-the-real-reason-why-ronaldinho-and-neymar",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-31T08:51:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/xavi-hernandez-reveals-real-reason-085150233.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Netherlands manager Xavi has offered insight into the precipitous decline in form experienced by Ronaldinho after his 2005 Ballon d'Or victory at Barcelona. The legendary Spanish midfielder has stated that the Brazilian's sudden drop in performance was primarily due to a lack of motivation and hunger, rather than his infamous off-field lifestyle.\n\nXavi believes that Ronaldinho simply lost his competitive edge following the collection of both domestic and European triumphs during his time at Barcelona's Nou Camp. Having secured these major individual and team victories, the attacker reportedly felt he had accomplished everything, causing his drive and enthusiasm to wane.\n\nComparing Ronaldinho's mindset to that of his contemporary, Lionel Messi, Xavi highlighted the Argentine forward's relentless pursuit of excellence. Messi, who has spent nearly two decades operating at the peak of his sport, continues to surpass himself and maintain his dominance. Xavi noted that Messi's mentality differs from Ronaldinho's in that he always desired more, pushing himself to continually improve and evolve as a player.\n\nThe former midfielder also drew parallels between Ronaldinho and Neymar's career trajectories following their respective departures from Barcelona. Both players experienced a decline in performance after trading their shirts to Paris Saint-Germain, and Xavi attributed this to a similar issue of declining mentality.\n\nIn concluding his assessment, Xavi praised the unparalleled longevity of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two players who have managed to maintain their excellence on the pitch despite the natural decline in athletic ability. He stressed that players who do not recognize their own declining mentality will inevitably struggle to remain at the same level of performance, unlike Messi and Ronaldo, who have consistently proven their unwavering dedication and mental fortitude.",
  "summary": "Netherlands manager Xavi has opened up on Ronaldinho's drastic drop in form following his Ballon d'Or triumph at Barcelona. The legendary Spanish midfielder insisted the Brazilian's sudden decline was purely down to a lack of motivation and hunger, rather than his infamous off-pitch lifestyle.",
  "key_points": [
    "Xavi Hernandez attributes Ronaldinho's decline to lack of motivation.",
    "Messi's longevity contrasts with Ronaldinho's and Neymar's post-Barcelona careers.",
    "Xavi praises Messi and Ronaldo for unwavering dedication and mental fortitude."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}