One of the smartest, most captivating young midfielders in the game, Cesc Fábregas has proved his worth repeatedly on the Premier League and UEFA Champions League stage with Arsenal FC, both as a playmaker and goalscorer, and was a significant figure in Spain's UEFA EURO 2008 triumph.
• Signed by Arsenal from FC Barcelona's academy in September 2003, he became the London club's youngest first-team player (at 16 years 177 days) and goalscorer (16 years 212 days).
• Was player of the tournament and top scorer at 2003 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Finland, where Spain finished runners-up to Brazil.
• Won FA Cup in 2004/05; became team's midfield linchpin following sale of Patrick Vieira and, with majestic individual performances against Real Madrid CF and Vieira's new employers Juventus, helped Gunners to 2006 UEFA Champions League final against Barça, which they lost 2-1 in Paris.
• In Spain's squad at 2006 FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO 2008, beginning both on the bench; started final of latter after decisive penalty in quarter-final shoot-out against Italy. Also selected for UEFA's All-Star Squad.
• Injured for much of 2008/09 – shortly after assuming Arsenal captaincy – but in exhilarating form in first half of 2009/10, scoring ten goals before Christmas and another four in his next three games.
Did you know?
Fábregas became the youngest player to appear for Spain at a World Cup when he faced Ukraine in Leipzig aged 19 years, 41 days.
Fábregas became the youngest player to appear for Spain at a World Cup when he faced Ukraine in Leipzig aged 19 years, 41 days.
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