Spain and Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta retires officially from football at the age of 40. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Iniesta’s career was defined by his incredible midfield partnerships with Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets, both for the Spanish national team and Barcelona.
Iniesta earned 131 international caps for Spain, playing a crucial role in their victories, including scoring the iconic winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final. He also helped Spain win back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
At an emotional event in Barcelona, Iniesta confirmed his plans to transition into coaching, stating, “My time on the pitch has come to an end, but football remains my life and will continue to be.” Reflecting on his journey, he added, “These tears are not of sadness but of pride and emotion. They are the tears of a boy from a small town, Fuentealbilla, who dreamt of becoming a footballer—and made it happen through hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.”
Iniesta spent the majority of his 22-year career at Barcelona, having graduated from the club’s famed La Masia academy. He made his senior debut in 2002 and went on to secure 29 major trophies, including nine La Liga titles and four Champions League titles. Among his memorable moments was his spectacular injury-time equalizer against Chelsea in the 2009 Champions League semifinal, helping Barcelona reach the final, where they defeated Manchester United.
In 2018, Iniesta moved to Japan to join Vissel Kobe, later transferring to UAE Pro League side Emirates in 2023. He narrowly missed out on the Ballon d’Or in 2010 and was named in the FIFA FIFPro World 11 for nine consecutive years between 2009 and 2017.
Iniesta has openly discussed his struggles, particularly the depression he faced following the death of his close friend and Espanyol player, Dani Jarque, in 2009. In a BBC Sport column, Iniesta reflected on that period, stating, “Those months were dark, but they culminated in something magical—scoring the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup final. It’s a reminder that even in the hardest times, something beautiful can follow.”
Following the announcement of his retirement, tributes poured in from around the world. Lionel Messi, Iniesta’s former Barcelona teammate, posted on social media: “One of the most magical teammates and someone I truly enjoyed playing with. Andrés Iniesta, we will miss you, and so will the ball. Wishing you the best in whatever comes next, you are a phenomenon.”
Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague called Iniesta “the greatest player in Spanish football history,” emphasizing that while Iniesta is remembered for his goals in the World Cup final and the Chelsea semifinal, his true brilliance lay in his playmaking. “He did magical things in the hardest parts of the pitch. He was so much more than just a goalscorer,” Balague noted.
Mina Rzouki, a European football journalist, credited Iniesta with redefining what it means to be a great player. “He wasn’t the fastest or tallest, but his speed of thought and decision-making were extraordinary. He could navigate tight spaces like no one else.”
French football journalist Julien Laurens echoed this sentiment, praising Iniesta’s ball control and dribbling, calling him “a joy to watch” and someone whose performances will be remembered forever.
As Andrés Iniesta steps off the pitch for the last time, he leaves behind an unmatched legacy of skill, humility, and leadership. Football fans across the globe will undoubtedly cherish the memories he created and eagerly await his next chapter in the world of coaching.
