Xisco (footballer, born 1986) explained

Xisco
Fullname:Francisco Jiménez Tejada[1]
Birth Date:26 June 1986
Birth Place:Santa Ponsa, Spain
Position:Striker
Youthyears2:2003–2004
Years1:2004–2006
Caps1:53
Goals1:39
Years2:2005–2008
Caps2:44
Goals2:12
Years3:2006–2007
Clubs3:→ Vecindario (loan)
Caps3:27
Goals3:13
Years4:2008–2013
Caps4:9
Goals4:1
Years5:2009–2010
Clubs5:→ Racing Santander (loan)
Caps5:23
Goals5:3
Years6:2011–2012
Clubs6:→ Deportivo La Coruña (loan)
Caps6:25
Goals6:5
Years7:2013–2016
Caps7:95
Goals7:30
Years8:2015
Clubs8:→ Mallorca (loan)
Caps8:16
Goals8:9
Years9:2016–2017
Caps9:13
Goals9:9
Years10:2017–2019
Caps10:61
Goals10:13
Years11:2019–2020
Caps11:23
Goals11:6
Years12:2021–2022
Caps12:42
Goals12:11
Years13:2023–2024
Caps13:19
Goals13:3
Totalcaps:450
Totalgoals:154
Nationalyears1:2007–2009
Nationalcaps1:11
Nationalgoals1:3

Francisco Jiménez Tejada (born 26 June 1986), known as Xisco, is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a striker.

After beginning his career with Deportivo, he signed in 2008 with Newcastle United, but could only make 11 official appearances for the club during his spell (one goal), also being loaned twice during his contract. He left the latter in January 2013 and returned to his country, going on to spend four seasons with Córdoba and winning promotion to La Liga in 2013–14.

Xisco participated with Spain at the 2009 European Under-21 Championship.

Club career

Deportivo

A product of Deportivo de La Coruña's youth ranks, Xisco was born in Santa Ponsa, Mallorca in the Balearic Islands,[2] and he made his La Liga debut on 16 April 2005 against Real Sociedad.[3] His first (and second) goal arrived also that season, in a 2–2 away draw to Real Zaragoza on 15 May.[4]

In 2007–08, after a season-long loan at Segunda División's UD Vecindario,[5] Xisco emerged as a top-flight striker, scoring five goals in two matches: a hat-trick in a 3–1 home win over Real Murcia CF on 30 March 2008,[6] adding two at Racing de Santander (same result) the following week.[7]

Newcastle United

On 1 September 2008, Xisco signed for Newcastle United for a reported initial fee of £5.7 million, although the fee could have eventually risen to £7 million subject to conditions.[8] He made his debut for the club in the 1–2 home defeat against Hull City on 13 September, scoring in the game;[9] however, he featured rarely during the season, being only seventh choice behind Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins, Mark Viduka, Peter Løvenkrands, Shola Ameobi and Andy Carroll.[10]

After only four months, Newcastle United attempted to sell Xisco, only to be blocked by FIFA who did not allow for a player to be registered for three clubs in one season.[11] In February 2009 he stated he had not made a mistake by moving, insisting he would eventually succeed.[12]

After Newcastle were relegated, Xisco stated that he was unsure whether to stay at the club,[13] and eventually was signed on loan by Racing Santander on 31 August 2009, in a season-long move. Two weeks later he made his debut for the Cantabrians during a 1–1 draw at Atlético Madrid, having come on as a substitute for Alexandre Geijo for the final twenty minutes – he was replaced by Toni Moral before the final whistle due to injury, however.[14] he netted his first goal for Racing on 3 January 2010, the second in a 2–0 win over CD Tenerife.[15] On 27 January, in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, he contributed to their 3–0 away defeat of CA Osasuna (5–1 on aggregate).[16]

Manager Chris Hughton said that Xisco remained in his first-team plans upon the player's return to the Magpies in July 2010,[17] with the latter stating he refused to give up on his future at the club.[18] He came off the bench on 22 August in an impressive 6–0 home win against Aston Villa, setting up Carroll for his hat-trick in the 90th minute.[19] After receiving a red card for an off-the-ball incident in a reserves game, he was suspended for three matches,[20] and failed to appear for the team in the following months finding himself behind Ameobi, Carroll, Løvenkrands and Nile Ranger.[10]

On 30 January 2011, Xisco returned to former club Deportivo on loan until the end of the season, being intermittently used and also suffering team relegation – he had been previously linked with a move to Real Zaragoza and a move back to Santander during the winter transfer window.[21] On 11 August, he returned to the Estadio Riazor again on loan.[22] [23]

Xisco featured sparingly during 2011–12, due to injuries.[24] On 27 May 2012, however, he scored arguably the most important goal of the campaign, helping Deportivo come from behind to win 2–1 at home against SD Huesca and seal promotion as champions with one round still remaining.[25]

In summer 2012, Xisco revealed he could leave Newcastle, but opted to stay eventually.[26] On 8 October 2012, he featured for the reserves for the first time since 2011, in a 2–1 win against Aston Villa's reserves,[27] scoring a hat-trick against Stoke City two weeks later for the same competition;[28] A month later, he was included in the first-team squad ahead of a UEFA Europa League match against Club Brugge KV.[29]

Xisco's contract was terminated with immediate effect on 31 January 2013.[30] He was named by the Newcastle Evening Chronicle as one of the club's worst strikers.[31]

Córdoba

After his release, Xisco returned to his country by joining second-division Córdoba CF[32] – upon arriving, he spoke of his hopes to revive his career whilst helping his team.[33] He made his debut for his new club on 9 March 2013, coming on as a substitute and scoring a goal in a 4–3 defeat at FC Barcelona B.[34]

Xisco appeared regularly for the Andalusians during the 2013–14 campaign, scoring ten goals as they returned to the Spanish top flight after a 42-year absence.[35] On 23 January 2015, after featuring sparingly, he was loaned to RCD Mallorca until June.[36]

Later years

On 21 July 2017, after a one-season spell at Thailand's Muangthong United FC, Xisco signed a two-year contract with Osasuna.[37] He scored five times in 2018–19, as the latter side returned to the top tier as champions.[38]

On 16 September 2019, the 33-year-old Xisco agreed to a deal at Peñarol until the end of the Clausura Tournament in Uruguay.[39] The following 15 January, he agreed to another year in Montevideo.[40]

Xisco returned to Spain and its second division on 1 February 2021, signing for AD Alcorcón as a free agent.[41] Two years later, having been training in Dubai to remain fit, he rejoined his first club CD Atlético Baleares after 20 years.[42]

On 29 January 2024, Xisco announced his retirement at 37.[43] Three months later, his last team confirmed their relegation to Segunda Federación.[44]

International career

Xisco made his Spain under-21 debut in a friendly with England on 6 February 2007, in which he had a shot hit the foot of the post.[45] He scored his first goal in the category against Georgia during the 2009 UEFA European Championship qualifiers,[46] adding to his tally by netting against Russia with a subtle finish also during that stage of the competition.[47]

Xisco added another goal on 15 October 2008, in a 3–1 extra time win against Switzerland, helping Spain qualify for the finals[48] where he did not score.

Honours

Deportivo

2011–12[25]

Muangthong United

2016[49]

2016

2017[50]

Osasuna

Notes and References

  1. News: Francisco Jiménez Tejada, "XISCO". El Mundo. es. 24 October 2019.
  2. Web site: Exiliados: Xisco Jimenez. In exile: Xisco Jimenez. Blog Mallorquinista. es. 9 April 2009. 9 April 2009.
  3. News: La Real desborda al Deportivo. Real all over Deportivo. El País. Soto. Víctor. es. 17 April 2005. 21 May 2018.
  4. News: Zaragoza y Deportivo dicen adiós a Europa. Zaragoza and Deportivo say goodbye to Europe. Mundo Deportivo. García-Planas. Yaca. es. 16 May 2005. 9 January 2013.
  5. News: Los deportivistas Xisco y Carril, presentados como refuerzos del Vecindario. Deportivo men Xisco and Carril, presented as Vecindario additions. Canarias7. es. 19 July 2006. 28 September 2022.
  6. Web site: Deportivo La Coruña 3–1 Murcia. ESPN Soccernet. 30 March 2008. 9 August 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20080405040622/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=226385&cc=5739. 5 April 2008.
  7. Web site: Racing Santander 1–3 Deportivo La Coruña. ESPN Soccernet. 6 April 2008. 9 August 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20080408175248/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=226434&cc=5739. 8 April 2008.
  8. Web site: Magpies agree Xisco deal. Sky Sports. 1 September 2008. 1 September 2008.
  9. Web site: Newcastle 1–2 Hull. BBC Sport. Fletcher. Paul. 13 September 2008. 7 November 2009.
  10. Web site: The relevance of Xisco: four strange years at Newcastle. In Bed With Maradona. Feltz. Matt. 12 June 2012. 24 October 2019.
  11. News: NUFC's bid to sell Xisco may be hit by FIFA rules. Evening Chronicle. Ryder. Lee. 6 January 2009. 6 April 2013.
  12. Web site: Coloccini and Xisco have no Newcastle regrets. Goal. 18 February 2009. 6 April 2013.
  13. Web site: Xisco unsure of Toon future. Sky Sports. 17 June 2009. 28 September 2022.
  14. Web site: Atletico remain winless. ESPN Soccernet. 12 September 2009. 9 August 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20121026133248/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/275891?cc=5739. 26 October 2012.
  15. Web site: Second-half blitz secures Racing points. ESPN Soccernet. 3 January 2010. 9 August 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20121026133306/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/275728?cc=5739. 26 October 2012.
  16. Web site: Osasuna-Racing, (0–3): Adiós a la Copa del Rey. Osasuna-Racing, (0–3): Farewell to the King's Cup. EITB. Beldarrain. Andoni. es. 28 January 2010. 21 May 2018.
  17. News: Xisco back in contention for Newcastle United. Evening Chronicle. Ryder. Lee. 13 July 2010. 6 April 2013.
  18. News: Xisco pledges to fight for his future at NUFC. Evening Chronicle. Ryder. Lee. 27 July 2010. 6 April 2013.
  19. Web site: Carroll treble in Magpies romp. ESPN Soccernet. 12 September 2010. 9 August 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20121026133302/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/292954?cc=5739. 26 October 2012.
  20. Web site: Newcastle United forward Xisco hit with three match ban. Goal. 4 September 2010. 6 April 2013.
  21. Web site: Zaragoza and Racing interested in Newcastle outcast Xisco. Goal. 6 January 2011. 6 April 2013.
  22. Web site: Xisco departs for Depor. Newcastle United F.C.. 11 August 2011. 12 August 2011.
  23. Web site: Xisco loaned out yet again. Setanta Sports. 12 August 2011. 14 August 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120117003304/http://www.setanta.com/ien/Articles/2011/08/12/Xisco-loaned-out-yet-again/gnid-104256/. 17 January 2012.
  24. News: Xisco:"El objetivo es ascender, espero que no defraudemos". Xisco:"The goal is to promote, I hope we don't let people down". Marca. es. 29 December 2011. 24 October 2019.
  25. News: Xisco firma el retorno del Dépor a Primera división un año después. Xisco seals Dépor return to Primera one year after. Marca. García. Gregorio. es. 27 May 2012. 28 May 2012.
  26. News: Xisco lifts lid on his Newcastle United nightmare. Evening Chronicle. Ryder. Lee. 23 October 2012. 6 April 2013.
  27. News: Forgotten striker Xisco comes in from the cold at Newcastle. Shields Gazette. Starforth. Miles. 8 October 2012. 22 October 2012.
  28. Web site: Xisco scores hat trick in reserves match. SB Nation. L. Bishop. Robert. 23 October 2012. 10 September 2020.
  29. Web site: Xisco has been named in the Newcastle squad to face Club Bruges. Sky Sports. 8 November 2012. 28 September 2022.
  30. Web site: Xisco leaves United. Newcastle United F.C.. 31 January 2013. 31 January 2013.
  31. News: Newcastle United's Worst XI: Worst strikers. Evening Chronicle. Ryder. Lee. 8 June 2012. 6 April 2013.
  32. Web site: Xisco leaves Newcastle United to join Cordoba. BBC Sport. 31 January 2013. 31 March 2013.
  33. News: Xisco: "Espero hacer goles que ayuden al equipo a ascender". Xisco: "I hope to score goals to help the team to climb". Marca. es. 4 February 2013. 6 April 2013.
  34. News: El Córdoba despierta tarde. Córdoba wake up late. Marca. es. 9 March 2013. 1 April 2013.
  35. News: Córdoba CF El reencuentro con el excapitán Xisco Jiménez. Córdoba CF Reuniting with former captain Xisco Jiménez. ABC. Gómez Postigo. Javier. es. 11 October 2018. 23 April 2019.
  36. Web site: Xisco, cedido al RCD Mallorca. Xisco, loaned to RCD Mallorca. Córdoba CF. es. 23 January 2015. 24 January 2015. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20150126053457/http://www.cordobacf.com/-/xisco-cedido-al-rcd-mallorca. 26 January 2015.
  37. Web site: Xisco, nuevo jugador del Club Atlético Osasuna. Xisco, new player of Club Atlético Osasuna. CA Osasuna. es. 21 July 2017. 22 July 2017.
  38. News: Los goles del Osasuna campeón. The goals of champions Osasuna. Marca. Sanzol. Pablo. es. 18 June 2019. 11 November 2019.
  39. News: Xisco ficha por Peñarol. Xisco signs for Peñarol. Diario de Sevilla. Anfitti. Federico. es. 16 September 2019. 11 November 2019.
  40. News: El español Xisco Jiménez renueva con Peñarol hasta final de temporada. Spaniard Xisco Jiménez renews with Peñarol until the end of the season. Marca. es. 15 January 2020. 16 March 2020.
  41. Web site: Xisco Jiménez es nuevo jugador de la AD Alcorcón. Xisco Jiménez is the new player of AD Alcorcón. AD Alcorcón. es. 1 February 2021. 2 February 2021.
  42. Web site: Xisco Jiménez regresa al At.Baleares 20 años después. Xisco Jiménez returns to At.Baleares 20 years later. Cadena COPE. Jiménez. Jordi. es. 24 January 2023. 23 March 2023.
  43. News: Xisco Jiménez deja el Atlético Baleares y el fútbol. Xisco Jiménez leaves Atlético Baleares and football. Última Hora. Jaume. Tolo. es. 29 January 2024. 14 August 2024.
  44. News: El Atlético Baleares consuma su bochornoso descenso. Atlético Baleares confirm their embarrassing relegation. Diario de Mallorca. Ferragut Massanet. Pau. es. 21 April 2024. 14 August 2024.
  45. Web site: England 2–2 Spain. Soccer Spain. 7 February 2007. 7 September 2008.
  46. Web site: Spain double up on Georgia. UEFA. Turner. Lucy. 11 September 2007. 7 September 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20071122120532/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round%3D15084/match%3D300311/report%3Drp.html. 22 November 2007.
  47. Web site: Slick Spain shatter Russia hopes. UEFA. Mamykin. Dmitry. 20 August 2008. 7 September 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20080904133738/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round%3D15084/match%3D300307/report%3Drp.html. 4 September 2008.
  48. Web site: Crónica del España-Suiza, 3–1. Spain-Switzerland match report, 3–1. Europa Press. es. 15 October 2008. 10 April 2018.
  49. News: Xisco, un campeón en medio del luto. Xisco, champion amidst mourning. El Día de Córdoba. Cano. Rafael. es. 24 October 2016. 26 January 2024.
  50. News: El excordobesista Xisco, campeón de la Supercopa de Tailandia. Former Córdoba man Xisco, champion of Thailand Supercup. ABC. Gómez. Javier. es. 25 January 2017. 26 January 2024.
  51. Web site: Arrasate: "Le dábamos mucha importancia a ser campeones". Arrasate: "We were quite focused on being champions". Onda Cero. es. 31 May 2019. 20 June 2019.

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