Biography
Who is Aliaksandr Hleb?
Early life and family
Aliaksandr Hleb grew up in Minsk, Belarus, where his mother worked on a construction site and his father drove petrol tankers. Before focusing entirely on football, he spent his youth swimming and doing gymnastics. His younger brother, Vyacheslav Hleb, also pursued a professional football career.
In 2003, Aliaksandr Hleb was involved in a car accident in Minsk that resulted in the death of a passenger from another vehicle. He was later cleared of any responsibility for the tragic crash.
Club career at Stuttgart and Arsenal
German club VfB Stuttgart signed Aliaksandr Hleb and his brother Vyacheslav in the year 2000. He established himself as the team playmaker and helped Stuttgart finish as runners-up in the Bundesliga during the 2002 to 2003 season, earning the title of Belarusian Footballer of the Year in 2002.
In June 2005, Aliaksandr Hleb moved to English club Arsenal on a four-year contract. Manager Arsène Wenger deployed him primarily on the right wing and in midfield positions. In May 2006, he became the first Belarusian footballer to play in a Champions League final, where Arsenal finished as runners-up.
Barcelona and later career
Aliaksandr Hleb joined Spanish giants FC Barcelona in July 2008 on a four-year contract. During his first season with the club, he won the treble, which included the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League, although he did not play in the final against Manchester United.
Following his spell at Barcelona, he spent time on loan at VfB Stuttgart, Birmingham City, and VfL Wolfsburg before his contract was cancelled by mutual consent. He later played for Krylia Sovetov Samara, BATE Borisov, Torku Konyaspor, Gençlerbirliği, and Isloch Minsk Raion before retiring.
International career
Aliaksandr Hleb represented Belarus at various youth levels before making his senior international debut in 2001 in a match against Wales. He scored his first senior international goal in April 2002 during a victory over Hungary.
In August 2007, national team manager Bernd Stange appointed Aliaksandr Hleb as team captain. He wore the captain's armband for the first time in a match against Israel. Over the course of his international career, he earned 80 caps and scored six goals for his country.
Birthday and age
Aliaksandr Hleb was born on May 1, 1981, which makes Aliaksandr 45 years old today. That birthday falls under the Taurus sign. Aliaksandr shares the date with 32 other famous people.
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