New Delhi: Andres Iniesta’s retirement from football brings to an end one of the most illustrious careers the game has ever seen. Over more than two decades, Iniesta embodied the essence of elegance on the pitch, winning every possible major title with both Barcelona and Spain. From his early days at La Masia, where he joined as a 12-year-old, to his final moments as a professional at 40, Iniesta consistently displayed a level of skill, vision, and humility that earned him respect from teammates, opponents, and fans alike.
As a Barcelona player, he became part of a golden generation that dominated European football, most notably under Pep Guardiola. His famous goal against Chelsea in the 2009 Champions League semi-final remains a moment etched in Barca folklore, while his World Cup-winning strike for Spain in 2010 secured his legacy on the international stage.
After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta continued his career in Japan with Vissel Kobe and later played in the UAE, always maintaining his high standards. Now, as he steps away from the field, Iniesta leaves behind not only a trophy-laden career but also a lasting legacy as one of football’s true gentlemen.
A career built on excellence
El Juego Continúa ❤️⚽️ 8️⃣🔟2️⃣4️⃣ pic.twitter.com/YLrDOfxVCB
— Andrés Iniesta (@andresiniesta8) October 7, 2024
Iniesta’s journey began at La Masia, Barcelona’s famed youth academy, which he joined at just 12 years old. From that moment, it became clear that this boy from Fuentealbilla was special. Making his first-team debut at 18 under coach Louis van Gaal in 2002, it didn’t take long for Iniesta to establish himself as a key player for the Catalan giants.
His technical ability, vision, and composure on the ball set him apart, and alongside fellow midfield maestro Xavi, he helped Barcelona become the powerhouse they are today.
In the Barcelona shirt, Iniesta played 674 matches, won 32 trophies, and scored one of the club’s most memorable goals—his famous last-minute strike against Chelsea in the 2009 Champions League semi-final, sending Barça to the final.
It wasn’t just the numbers, though. It was the way Iniesta played the game: with simplicity, grace, and always with the team in mind. He became the face of Barcelona’s tiki-taka style, alongside Xavi and Sergio Busquets, which dominated football during Pep Guardiola’s reign.
Trophies and achievements
🚨 Andrés Iniesta officially confirms his retirement from professional football.
🏆 World Cup
🏆 2x Euro
🏆 4x Champions League
🏆 9x LaLiga
🏆 3x Club World Cup
🏆 3x Super Cup
🏆 6x Copa del Rey
🏆 7x SuperCopa
🏆 1x Japanese Champion
🏆 1x Japanese Cup
🏆 1x Japanese… pic.twitter.com/AJBFEzrHQ5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 7, 2024
Iniesta’s trophy cabinet is as full as any footballer’s could be. At Barcelona, he won nine La Liga titles, six Copa del Reys, and four Champions League trophies, among others. His role in the 2009 and 2015 Barcelona treble-winning campaigns was pivotal. Those years were when Barcelona reached their peak, with Iniesta as the heartbeat of the team. It wasn’t just about winning—it was about the way they played, with a style and grace that few teams could match.
But his success wasn’t limited to club football. Iniesta was also a key part of Spain’s golden generation, helping La Roja win two European Championships (2008 and 2012) and, most memorably, the 2010 World Cup.
It was Iniesta who scored the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands, forever etching his name into football history. That goal in Johannesburg remains one of the defining moments of his career, one that brought joy to an entire nation.
A leader through example
Unlike some players who lead through loud words or visible leadership, Iniesta’s leadership was quieter but no less effective. He led by example, often letting his football speak for itself. His calmness under pressure, his ability to find space in the tightest areas, and his humility off the pitch earned him admiration from fans and teammates alike.
Lionel Messi once described him as “one of the most magical teammates”, while Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente praised him for being an example of what a professional athlete should be. Iniesta was a player who always seemed more focused on the team than his personal accolades, a modest genius in every sense.
Life after Barcelona
Andres Iniesta (R) of Barcelona celebrates with his teammate Lionel Messi (L) (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta wasn’t done with football just yet. He moved to Japan to play for Vissel Kobe, where he continued to impress with his vision and technical ability. During his five years in Japan, he added more silverware to his collection, winning a Japanese league title, a Japanese Cup, and a Japanese Super Cup.
His final stop came in the UAE, where he played one season with Emirates Club before finally hanging up his boots. Now, with his playing career behind him, Iniesta has set his sights on coaching, having begun the process of earning his diploma. He’s expressed a desire to return to Barcelona in a different role, hoping to contribute to the club in the future.
A lasting legacy
It’s not just the trophies or records that define Andrés Iniesta’s career—it’s his influence on the game. He helped define an era at both Barcelona and Spain, showing the world that football could be played beautifully while still being successful. His passing, movement, and football intelligence set a standard for midfielders worldwide. And while his playing days are over, his legacy will live on for generations to come.
Barcelona summed it up perfectly in their farewell message: “Iniesta, your football will live on forever.” Indeed, his football will be remembered not just for the moments of brilliance but for the joy it brought to millions around the world. Iniesta leaves the sport as one of the all-time greats, a player who will be spoken of with reverence for years to come.
After over two decades in football, Andres Iniesta retires as one of the most iconic midfielders in the game’s history. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
