Francesc ‘Cesc’ Fabregas could finish as one of the top players at this summer’s World Cup in South Africa – provided he’s fit to play.
Born on 4 May 1987, Fabregas became the youngest player to represent Spain at a World Cup in 2006, aged just 19 years and 47 days. Two years later, the talented midfielder played a pivotal role in helping Spain win the European Championship, their first major trophy in 44 years since winning the same tournament in 1964.
The young talent scored his first international goal against Russia at the group stage, and impressed in the quarter-final by booting home the winning penalty in a shootout with Italy.
In meeting Russia once more, this time in the semi-final, he set up two of the goals in a 3-0 victory. But his greatest honour to date was making the starting 11 for the final against Germany, helping Spain to a 1-0 victory. All of these performances earned him a well-deserved place in the team of the tournament.
In his career to date, Fabregas has gained 47 international match caps for his country and scored five goals, but it is his creativity and his ability to set up goals for others that help make him such an invaluable and integral player to the squad.
Born in the Catalonia region of Spain, Fabregas got an early introduction to the beautiful game when his grandfather took him to see Barcelona play when he was only nine months old. Barca – as they are known by their legions of fans – became his childhood heroes, and he fulfilled his dreams by spending his early professional years with the club before moving to Arsenal in 2003.
Wearing the number 4 jersey, he is currently captain of Arsenal and one of the most exciting young players to watch in England’s Premier League. Over the years the Spaniard has built up a reputation as a playmaker with precision passing, noted for his strong ability in set pieces and scoring goals.
Currently sidelined with a hairline crack of his fibula, Fabregas still hopes to be ready for Spain’s World Cup opener on 16 June against Switzerland. Ironically, the injury happened in a Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona when he was tackled by fellow compatriot Carles Puyol. But Fabregas showed his amazing spirit by taking and scoring the subsequent penalty.
Beyond the World Cup, strong rumours are circulating that Fabregas may return to the Nou Camp to join his favourite team. He has never denied his desire to one day return to Barcelona, and with his childhood hero Pep Gaurdiola in charge, that link is now even stronger.
