Xavi Hernandez reading Naruto unites anime and football fans yet again

Modified Dec 31, 2024 12:17 GMT

Xavi Hernandez reading Naruto unites anime and football fans yet again — Xavi Hernandez reads Naruto manga to his children (Imaga via Instagram/@xavi, Shueisha)

On Monday, December 30, 2024, a video circulating online showed FC Barcelona and Spain Football Legend Xavi Hernandez reading Naruto manga to his children. From the looks of it, the family was on vacation during which, the former football player picked up a manga to read along with his children.

Naruto, written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto, is a Japanese manga series that was serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine from September 1999 to November 2014. While its anime adaptation has already finished airing, the global phenomenon is still making waves to this day.

Xavi Hernandez seen reading Naruto to his children

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On Tuesday, December 30, 2024, a video started circulating online that showed Spanish Football Legend Xavi Hernandez spending some time with his children. While it is tough to find out who posted the video, it seems like it was recorded by Xavi's wife Núria Cunillera.

The video shows the FC Barcelona Legend reading the first volume of Naruto manga to his children. From the looks of it, he had only begun reading the series as he could be heard reading an exchange between the protagonist and his teacher Iruka Umino that takes place in the first chapter.

Naruto and Iruka as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

That said, Xavi Hernandez did not just read the manga but also chose to add sound effects to emulate the sound of Naruto eating Ichiraku ramen. Needless to say, his children were very amused and were seemingly having a good time reading the Shonen series.

Fans' reaction to Xavi Hernandez reading the manga

Most fans were left elated after learning that the FC Barcelona Football Legend was reading the manga. They already loved Xavi Hernandez but started liking him even more, labeling him as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) midfielder.

Naruto Uzumaki as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Other fans were more amused by the way Xavi read the manga. While most people only read the dialogues, the Football Legend went beyond and added sound effects for a more immersive experience for his children.

"Didn't know it was possible to like Xavi more and then I saw this. LEGENDARY!," one fan said.

"why’s he making the noises," another fan added.

"Teaching reading the manga instead of watching the anime? That’s is some good parenting right there, I respect that." other fan said.

Lastly, some fans loved the fact that Xavi Hernandez was teaching his children to read manga instead of watching anime. They believe that it was good parenting by the Football Legend to have his children get directly accustomed to reading manga.