Wikipedia

Andrés Iniesta

For the Spanish Olympic wrestler, see Andrés Iniesta (wrestler).
Not to be confused with Andrés Iniestra.

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Iniesta and the second or maternal family name is Luján.

Andrés Iniesta Luján (Spanish pronunciation: [anˈdɾes iˈnjesta luˈxan]; born 11 May 1984) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time,[4][5][6] he was lauded for his balance, ball control and agility in close spaces, combined with his skill, composure, and flair on the ball. Iniesta spent most of his career at Barcelona, where he played a major role in the club's success along with his midfield partners Xavi and Sergio Busquets.

Andrés Iniesta
Iniesta lining up for Spain in 2017
Personal information
Full name Andrés Iniesta Luján[1]
Date of birth (1984-05-11) 11 May 1984 (age 40)[1]
Place of birth Fuentealbilla, Spain
Height 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)[2][3]
Position(s) Midfielder
Youth career
1994–1996 Albacete
1996–2001 Barcelona
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2000–2003 Barcelona B 49 (5)
2002–2018 Barcelona 442 (35)
2018–2023 Vissel Kobe 114 (21)
2023–2024 Emirates 20 (5)
Total 625 (66)
International career
2000 Spain U15 2 (0)
2000–2001 Spain U16 7 (1)
2001 Spain U17 4 (0)
2001–2002 Spain U19 7 (1)
2003 Spain U20 7 (3)
2003–2006 Spain U21 18 (6)
2004 Catalonia 1 (0)
2006–2018 Spain 131 (13)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  Spain
FIFA World Cup
Winner 2010 South Africa Team
UEFA European Championship
Winner 2008 Austria–Switzerland Team
Winner 2012 Poland–Ukraine Team
UEFA U-19 Championship
Winner 2002 Norway
UEFA U-17 Championship
Winner 2001 England
FIFA Confederations Cup
Runner-up 2013 Brazil
FIFA U-20 World Cup
Runner-up 2003 United Arab Emirates
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Iniesta started his professional career through La Masia, the Barcelona youth academy, after an early migration from his birthplace, and impressed from an early age. He made his first-team debut aged 18 in 2002. He began playing regularly during the 2004–05 season and remained in the team until 2018. Iniesta was an integral part of the Barcelona sides that won two historic trebles in 2009 and 2015, and his 35 trophies, which include nine La Ligas and four UEFA Champions League titles, make him the most decorated Spanish footballer of all time.[7] After 22 years at Barcelona, Iniesta signed for J1 League club Vissel Kobe in 2018. After leaving the club in 2023, he signed for UAE Pro League club Emirates, eventually retiring in October 2024.

Iniesta played for Spain at the Under-16, Under-19 and Under-21 levels before making his international debut in 2006. He helped Spain win UEFA Euro 2008, playing every game and being selected in the Team of the Tournament. Iniesta was also a key member of the victorious Spanish team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup; he scored the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands, for which he was named the Man of the Match, and was selected to the tournament's All-Star Team. His performances in 2010 for both club and country saw him being runner-up to Lionel Messi for the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or. At UEFA Euro 2012, Iniesta led Spain to their second consecutive continental crown, again being chosen as the Man of the Match of the final against Italy, and was named the Player of the Tournament.

Iniesta was named in the FIFA FIFPro World XI nine times and was chosen in the UEFA Team of the Year on six occasions. He was named in the All-time UEFA Euro XI. He won the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award in 2012 and was named the IFFHS World's Best Playmaker in 2012 and 2013. Besides his runner-up position in 2010, he also achieved third place in the 2012 Ballon d'Or.

Club career

edit

FC Barcelona

edit

Early career

edit

Iniesta comes from Fuentealbilla, a small village in the province of Albacete, Castile–La Mancha, where he mostly played futsal due to the lack of football pitches in the village.[8] At the age of 12, while playing for Albacete Balompié in a junior seven-a-side tournament in Albacete, he attracted the attention of scouts from clubs around Spain.[9] His parents knew Barcelona's youth team coach, Enrique Orizaola, and he persuaded them to consider sending Iniesta to the Barcelona youth academy. Iniesta traveled there with his parents and visited La Masia, the farmhouse where the club houses its young players; the trip convinced them to enroll Iniesta in the Barcelona youth ranks.[10]

"Receive, pass, offer, receive, pass, offer."

—Iniesta on La Masia education of ball retention, passing and using space[11]

Iniesta says he "cried rivers" the day he left for La Masia and struggled being separated from his parents;[12] he was very shy and kept to himself while there.[13] He captained the Barcelona Under-15 team to victory in the Nike Premier Cup of 1999, scoring the winning goal in the last minute of the final, and was named player of the tournament. Just after Iniesta arrived at the club, then-captain Pep Guardiola famously told fellow midfielder Xavi: "You're going to retire me. This lad [Iniesta] is going to retire us all."[14]

2004–2008

edit
 
Iniesta with Barcelona in 2006

Iniesta joined the first team during the tenure of Radomir Antić. On 29 October 2002, he made his first team debut in a 1–0 away win against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League group stage. In the 2004–05 season, he featured in 37 out of 38 league games—more than any other player—although 25 of these were substitute appearances. He scored twice as Barcelona won La Liga.[15] An injury to Xavi at the start of the 2005–06 season allowed Iniesta more regular starts in the centre of midfield, and he continued to improve and develop.[16] He played in 11 UEFA Champions League games, including a half-time appearance in the 2006 final, to replace Edmílson.[17] His contribution to the team was praised by manager Frank Rijkaard as Barcelona won a league and Champions League double.[18]

The 2006–07 season saw Iniesta's profile continue to rise and he earned plaudits for his willingness to play in any position for his team. In the pre-season, he lifted the Joan Gamper Trophy as the captain of the team after a 4–0 victory over German side Bayern Munich. Iniesta played for the first time as a left wing-forward for Barça in two Champions League matches against Levski Sofia, finding the net twice. In the first knockout stage of the same competition, he played in central midfield against Liverpool. Despite being moved around the pitch by manager Rijkaard, the 2006–07 season remains Iniesta's highest scoring thus far.

With the departure of Ludovic Giuly ahead of the 2007–08 campaign, Iniesta was able to switch his number 24 shirt for his preferred number 8.[19] Despite rumours of a possible transfer before the season,[20] he extended his contract to 2014 on 25 January 2008,[21] with his buy-out clause being raised to €150 million.[22] Don Balón, a member of European Sports Magazines, named Iniesta one of the most consistent performers in the previous two seasons of La Liga; he placed fifth in 2006–07 and fourth in 2007–08.[23][24] He also placed ninth in the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year voting, gaining 37 total points.[25]

2008–09

edit
 
Iniesta during the 2008 Joan Gamper Trophy

At the start of the 2008–09 season, in September 2008, Iniesta was elected the fourth-choice captain behind, in order of preference, Carles Puyol, Xavi and Víctor Valdés; all four were products of the Barcelona youth system.[26] His performances throughout the season were highly lauded, and he received standing ovations both in Barcelona at the Camp Nou, as well as from rival supporters in away matches.[27] A leg injury sustained in mid-November 2008 left Iniesta sidelined until 3 January; initially expected to return to action in six weeks, he did not want to come back until he was 100 percent. Upon his return to action on 3 January, as a 65th-minute substitute against Mallorca, he scored a crucial goal after just ten minutes on the pitch and completed a Barcelona comeback in front of the Camp Nou.[28] 3 days later, he captained Barcelona for the first time in an official match, a 3–1 victory against Atlético Madrid at the Vicente Calderón in the round-of-16 first leg of the Copa del Rey.

Iniesta sustained another injury during a home match against Málaga, but returned to action for the first leg Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich on 8 April, which Barcelona won 4–0.[29] He scored a vital equaliser in the final minute of stoppage time during the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea, with a curling strike with the outside of his right foot 25 yards from goal, securing the tie on away goals as the match finished 1–1 at Stamford Bridge.[30] In the season review, Un Any Al Paradis, Iniesta wrote, "I connected with that shot with the outside, not the inside or the tip of my boot, but right from my heart, with all my might."[31]

"I knew I would play injured and do more damage. For 17 days, all I thought about was the final in Rome and winning, even knowing that I would do more damage. I'd repeat it, for sure. I love this club and my profession and I wanted to win. If we had lost the final that would have been a total disaster."

—Iniesta on the victorious 2009 UEFA Champions League Final[32]

Iniesta's goal against Chelsea sent Barcelona through to the final in Rome against defending champions Manchester United. Prior to the final, United manager Alex Ferguson identified Iniesta as Barça's biggest threat: "He's fantastic. He makes the team work. The way he finds passes, his movement and ability to create space is incredible. He's so important for Barcelona."[12] Despite a thigh injury, Iniesta played and was influential in the game, providing the assist for the first goal scored by Samuel Eto'o as his team went on to win 2–0.[33] In his analysis, David Pleat wrote, "In the end the midfield artistry of Iniesta and Xavi, helped by [Lionel] Messi, was the critical factor."[34] After the game, United striker Wayne Rooney described Iniesta as the best player in the world.[35]

Iniesta received plaudits for his performances that season; Don Balón rated him as the league's most consistent performer.[36] Later that year, he placed fifth for the 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year award, with 134 votes,[37] and fourth for the Ballon d'Or, receiving 149 points.[38] Barcelona extended his contract by one year, until 2015, and raised his buy-out clause to €200 million.[39]

2009–2012

edit

Barcelona won a second successive league title in the 2009–10 season, securing a record 99 points. Individually, however, Iniesta endured a campaign largely disrupted by recurring injuries. He missed pre-season fitness training due to the thigh tear suffered in the 2009 Champions League final.[40] Despite featuring in almost as many matches as the previous season, he did so mostly as a substitute, starting only 20 games throughout.[41] His season came to a premature end in April after he aggravated a previous calf injury during training.[42]

 
Iniesta playing against Rubin Kazan in the UEFA Champions League, October 2009

A contributing factor of Iniesta's fractured season were the episodes of psychological instability he suffered privately following the death of his close friend Daniel Jarque, a fellow footballer, in August 2009. Even when physically fit, he was often unable to complete training sessions or exert himself. After seeking psychological help, including from psychologist Inma Puig,[43] he experienced catharsis when he scored Spain's match-winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, which he dedicated to Jarque by revealing the message "Dani Jarque, always with us" written on his undershirt.[44] "I did it because I felt it deeply," Iniesta said at the time. "It showed that what is more important than rivalry, your team or your colours is to be human and a good person. I am delighted because it was the most important moment in my career."[45] Regarding the recurrent injuries that plagued his season, he said, "It was hard, but I will start with more desire than ever."[45]

Iniesta scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season during the opening league fixture against Racing de Santander, lobbing the ball into the net from a distance of 30 yards.[46] Throughout the campaign, he received standing ovations from opposition fans, including at El Sardinero and the Vicente Calderón Stadium, in appreciation of his World Cup-winning goal.[47] Another standing ovation came on the home pitch of Espanyol in the Derbi barceloní, with the crowd acknowledging his friendship with Daniel Jarque, Espanyol's captain at the time of his death.[48] Iniesta was one of the three finalists for the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or alongside Xavi and Messi, placing as runner-up behind the Argentine.[49]

Iniesta started the 2011–12 season by scoring the opening goal in the second leg of the Supercopa de España against rivals Real Madrid. Barcelona went on to win the match 3–2 and the cup 5–4 on aggregate. One of his best goals followed in October against Viktoria Plzeň in the Champions League group stage after an interchange of passes with Messi. Iniesta played a record 51 matches unbeaten in La Liga, concluding with Barcelona's 2–0 defeat of Mallorca on 24 March.[50] In the Champions League, he ended a goal drought by scoring a vital goal against Milan in the quarter-finals. From there, he went on to score in the semi-final against Chelsea to make the scoreline 2–0, but the match ended 2–2, eliminating his team 3–2 on aggregate. Towards the end of the year, on 25 November, Iniesta was named man of the match after scoring one goal and providing three assists in a 4–0 win over Levante.[51] His performances earned him third place in the voting of the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or.[52]

2013–2018

edit
 
Iniesta lifting the 2015 UEFA Super Cup trophy

Iniesta signed a new contract with Barcelona in December 2013, keeping him at the club until 2018.[53] As vice-captain, he regularly captained Barça throughout the club's second treble-winning campaign of the 2014–15 season, and became captain after Carles Puyol's retirement and Xavi's departure. Iniesta scored three times during the team's Copa del Rey campaign,[54] and was man of the match in the 2015 UEFA Champions League Final, having assisted Ivan Rakitić's opening goal in the 3–1 defeat of Italian champions Juventus at Berlin's Olympiastadion.[55] Their European victory made Barcelona the first club in history to win the treble of domestic league, domestic cup and European Cup twice;[56] Iniesta was among the seven players to have been a part of both treble-winning teams.[56]

During the first Clásico of the 2015–16 season, on 21 November, Iniesta became only the third Barcelona player, after Diego Maradona in 1983 and Ronaldinho in 2005, to receive applause from Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabéu.[57] His man-of-the-match performance included a goal and an assist, contributing to a resounding 4–0 victory.[58]

He signed a lifetime contract with Barcelona on 6 October 2017, effectively keeping him with the club for the remainder of his career.[59] He played the 650th game of his career for Barcelona against Levante on 7 January 2018, he was replaced by André Gomes after 76 minutes as the game ended 3–0 in favour of Barcelona.[60]

Despite signing a lifetime contract, on 27 April 2018, Iniesta announced he would be leaving Barcelona by the end of the season.[61] He made his 674th and final appearance for Barcelona on 20 May, in the final league match of the season, a 1–0 home victory over Real Sociedad, as Barcelona celebrated the victory of their 25th league and 30th Copa del Rey title; he came off in the 81st minute for Paco Alcácer.[62]

Vissel Kobe

edit
 
Iniesta with Vissel Kobe in 2018

On 24 May 2018, Japanese club Vissel Kobe announced the signing of Iniesta on a three-year deal.[63] He made his debut on 22 July, coming on as a second-half substitute for Kazuma Watanabe in a 0–3 defeat against Shonan Bellmare.[64] On 11 August 2018, Iniesta scored his first goal in the J1 League in a 2–1 win over Jubilo Iwata.[65]

On 21 December 2019, he scored the opening goal in a 3–1 win over Shimizu S-Pulse in the semi-final of the 2019 Emperor's Cup.[66] On 1 January 2020, he won his first trophy in Japan, starting in Vissel Kobe's 2–0 victory over Kashima Antlers in the final of the 2019 Emperor's Cup.[67] A month later, he also won the 2020 Japanese Super Cup.[68] On 7 December 2020, Iniesta suffered a tear of the rectus femoris muscle during a 2–0 win in the round of 16 of the 2020 AFC Champions League against Shanghai SIPG, in which he also scored the first goal of the game.[69] He had a successful surgery in Barcelona a few days later.[70]

On 11 May 2021, Iniesta signed a contract extension with Vissel Kobe, keeping him at the club for another two seasons.[71] On 11 November 2021, he was named J.League Monthly MVP after scoring three league goals in October.[72] He was named in the 2021 J.League Best XI on 6 December 2021.[73]

On 14 May 2022, Iniesta scored a goal and guided Vissel Kobe to its first league win of the 2022 season in a 4–0 victory over Sagan Tosu.[74]

On 25 May 2023, Vissel Kobe said Iniesta would leave the club midway through the current J.League season, on 1 July.[75] Iniesta had played significantly less for the club in his final season.[76] He stated he did not want to retire as yet, and wished to play for a club where he could get regular playing time.[77][76]

Emirates and retirement

edit

On 7 August 2023, Iniesta arrived in the United Arab Emirates to join the UAE Pro League club Emirates.[78] He signed a one-year contract with an option to extend until 2025.[79] He made his debut on 19 August 2023 against Al Wasl, coming off the bench in the second half, in a match ended with a 0–1 defeat as the Emirates failed to create a single shot on target.[80] On 25 August 2023, he would score his first UAE Pro League goal, a penalty in injury time against Ajman in a match that ended as a 4–4 draw.[81] His first season with Emirates concluded in the 13th place and relegation to the Division 1.[82]

On 7 October 2024, Iniesta officially announced his retirement from professional football.[83]

International career

edit

2001–2008

edit

Iniesta burst on to the international scene in 2001, helping Spain win the UEFA European Under-16 Championship. After representing his country at the 2001 FIFA U-17 World Championship held in Trinidad and Tobago,[84] he was in the squad that claimed the UEFA European Under-19 Championship the following year. From then, he became a regular choice for youth coach Juan Santisteban. In 2003, he was part of the side that reached the FIFA World Youth Championship final in the United Arab Emirates, and was named in the FIFA all-star team.[85] During his spell with the Spain U21 side, Iniesta was named captain on several occasions.

Iniesta was called up to represent the senior Spain squad at the 2006 FIFA World Cup on 15 May 2006, much to the surprise of many. He debuted at half-time in a friendly match against Russia on 27 May.[86] His first goal followed in another friendly match against England on 7 February 2007. His long-range effort, hitting the underside of the crossbar on the way in, gave Spain the lead on 63 minutes.[87] Iniesta played a pivotal part in Spain's qualification for UEFA Euro 2008 by scoring goals against Sweden and by assisting the strikers.

2008–2012

edit
 
Iniesta with Spain at UEFA Euro 2008

Iniesta was selected in Spain's squad for UEFA Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland. Though a stomach ailment somewhat hampered his performances in the group stages, he still played an integral part in the midfield. He played in the first two of Spain's group stage matches and proved an important part of the team, providing a pass for David Villa's second goal against Russia. Despite Spain being assured qualification for the quarterfinals after two matches, he was not rested unlike most of Spain's regulars for the final group game against Greece, which Spain won 2–1 thanks to a volley from Rubén de la Red and a late winner from Daniel Güiza. Iniesta returned for the quarter-final as Spain beat Italy on penalties; he was substituted before the penalty shootout itself. In the semi-final against Russia, he played the entire 90 minutes and produced a cross that Xavi converted to open the scoring in an eventual 3–0 victory;[88] he was subsequently named the Man of the Match.[89] He played the duration of the final in Spain's 1–0 win over Germany. Iniesta was named in the Team of the Tournament alongside fellow Spain midfielders Xavi, Marcos Senna and six other teammates. Iniesta did not participate in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa due to a thigh muscle injury; Spain was eliminated from the tournament at the semi-final stage.[90]

Iniesta was selected for Spain in the 2010 World Cup and scored the second goal in a 2–1 group stage win against Chile. He was also named man of the match.[91] For his excellent performances in helping Spain reach the final of the tournament, Iniesta was shortlisted for the Golden Ball award.[92] During the final, he scored the winning goal in the 116th minute of a 1–0 win against Netherlands.[93] He earned a yellow card for removing his jersey during his ecstatic goal celebration to reveal his message to his late friend Dani Jarque.[94][95] He won the man of the match award for his performance in the final, which gave Spain its first-ever World Cup.[96]

At UEFA Euro 2012, Iniesta was awarded the man of the match award for his performances in three different matches. He was also selected as man of the match in the final against Italy, which Spain won 4–0. In winning the award, Iniesta became the only Spanish player to win the award at least once in each of Spain's three consecutive successful tournaments.[97] Iniesta was also chosen as the UEFA Euro 2012 Player of the Tournament.[98]

2013–2018

edit
 
Iniesta with Spain at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

At the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, Iniesta was named in the Team of the Tournament and awarded the Silver Ball for the second best player in the competition, as Spain finished runner-up to host nation Brazil.[99] Iniesta started all three matches for Spain at the 2014 World Cup, winning his 100th cap in the team's final group match against Australia.[100] At the UEFA Euro 2016, he assisted the only goal of the match against Czech Republic and put in a man of the match display to give Spain a winning start in the tournament.[101] He started in all four Spain's matches and were later knocked out by Italy in the Round of 16.

In May 2018, Iniesta was named in Spain's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.[102] He started in all three matches of the group stage, making an assist for Isco in the 2–2 draw against Morocco on 25 June 2018. He came off the bench in the 67th minute in Spain's last match at the tournament against Russia on 1 July 2018 for the round of 16. After the loss in the penalty shoot-outs, Iniesta announced his retirement from international duty.[103] He amassed 131 senior international caps for Spain and at the time of retiring was the nation's fourth-most-capped player of all time, behind only Iker Casillas, Xavi, and Sergio Ramos.[104]

Style of play and reception

edit
 
Iniesta on the ball for Barcelona against Bayer Leverkusen in 2012

Like fellow La Masia graduate Cesc Fàbregas, Iniesta originally started as a defensive midfielder,[105] but his balance, ball control and agility in close spaces, allied with his skill, composure, and flair on the ball, saw him make progress as an attacking midfielder. Beyond his raw talent that was spotted at a young age by Barcelona's scouts, it was his great versatility, work ethic and inventiveness that allowed him to stake a claim on a first-team place at the age of 18.[106][107][108] Vicente del Bosque described him as "A complete footballer. He can attack and defend, he creates and scores," and Frank Rijkaard said, "I played him as a false winger, central midfielder, deep midfielder and just behind the striker and he was always excellent."[12] He was used initially as a wide-forward in the absence of Juan Román Riquelme and Ronaldinho by Louis van Gaal and Rijkaard respectively, but made his name as a world-class player in central midfield alongside or in lieu of Xavi, at both club and international level. As FIFA.com said, "It is in this position that his direct style and quick feet can be used to full effect, with the ball seeming glued to his toes as he races into threatening positions." A diminutive midfielder, Iniesta was a player known for his passing, technique, vision and movement;[12][109][110] he was also highly regarded for his ability to read the game, as well as his acceleration, and close control at speed, which — when combined with his low centre of gravity — rendered him one of the most skilled dribblers of all time,[111] by allowing him to change direction quickly, get past opponents, and undertake individual runs with the ball, despite not being particularly quick. Moreover, Iniesta's former manager Guardiola praised him for "his mastery of the relationship between space and time," which he utilises to his advantage in order to disorient opposing players when in possession.[107][112][113][114][115][116] His signature move was La Croqueta – a move pioneered by Michael Laudrup and popularised by Iniesta – where he quickly pushed the ball from his right foot to his left which took the ball away from an opponent, allowing him to get out of a tight situation.[117] His role was also likened to that of a mezzala, in Italian football jargon, namely an offensive–minded box–to-box or central midfielder.[118]

"The one who plays this game the best is Iniesta: he knows exactly when to go forward and when to drop back. He picks the right moment to do everything: when to dribble, when to speed things up and when to slow things down. And I think that's the only thing that can't be taught or bought. You can learn how to shoot and how to control the ball, but being aware of everything that's happening out on the pitch – that's something you're either born with or you're not."

Former Argentina playmaker Juan Román Riquelme on Iniesta[119]
 
Iniesta evades Claudio Marchisio during the UEFA Euro 2012 Final

Much like other Barcelona youth products such as Pep Guardiola, Xavi and Iván de la Peña, Iniesta was a playmaker who relied on his technique, passing, intuition, movement and inventiveness to control the midfield, dictate the ebb and flow of play, and create chances or space for teammates.[12][120][121] Iniesta was praised for his understanding and interplay with Xavi; former Barcelona teammate Giovanni van Bronckhorst said of the pair, "They have a special relationship, they always have, they just seem to know where the other one is."[122] Despite not being particularly prolific in front of goal, during his maturation as a player, Iniesta gained a reputation of being a big-game player for club and country, assisting a goal in each of the 2009, 2011 and 2015 UEFA Champions League finals,[123] as well as scoring the winner in the 2010 World Cup final, not to sideline his vital contributions in the 2006 Champions League final, the Euro 2008 final, and the Euro 2012 final, being known for his ability to score from powerful strikes outside the box. He is also the only footballer in history to win the Man of the Match award in a World Cup final, a European Championship final, and a UEFA Champions League final.[124][106][114]

Iniesta's willingness to play anywhere on the pitch earned him the sobriquet El Ilusionista (The Illusionist), El Cerebro (The Brain), El Anti-Galáctico (a pun on Real Madrid players' nickname Los Galácticos), El Caballero Pálido (The Pale Knight)[125] and more recently Don Andrés from the Spanish press. He is widely regarded by many in the sport as one of the most respected and best midfielders of all time,[14][126][127][128] and as one of the greatest passers and playmakers in football history.[129][130] Despite his reserved personality, he was also known for his leadership.[131]

Media and sponsorship

edit

Iniesta had a sponsorship deal with sportswear company Nike, and has appeared in Nike commercials alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Wayne Rooney.[132] Iniesta features in EA Sports' FIFA video game series, and was the sixth-highest rated player in FIFA 15.[133] Iniesta's signature move, La Croqueta, features in FIFA 19.[134] In March 2015, Iniesta had the ninth highest social media rank in the world among sportspeople, with 24 million Facebook fans.[135] On 22 October 2018, Iniesta signed a new sponsorship deal with Japanese sportswear company Asics,[136] with his first signature boot being released on 15 July 2019.[137]

Personal life

edit

Iniesta is married to Anna Ortiz; the couple began dating in 2008 and got married on 8 July 2012.[138] They have three daughters and two sons: Valeria (2011), Paolo Andrea (2015),[139] Siena (2017), Romeo (2019)[140] and Olimpia (2023).[141][142] The couple lost an unborn child, a son, due to miscarriage in March 2014.[143] Iniesta is a Catholic.[144]

In 2011, Iniesta invested €420,000 in his boyhood club, Albacete, thus becoming its major shareholder.[145] Two years later, with the club facing administrative relegation to the fourth tier of Spanish football, he loaned them a further €240,000 to cover unpaid wages.[146]

In May 2018, Iniesta revealed to Risto Mejide that he suffered from depression before the 2010 FIFA World Cup due to his injuries and the death of Daniel Jarque.[147][148]

In September 2018, Iniesta alongside German footballer (and Vissel Kobe team-mate) Lukas Podolski campaigned and donated money for the victims of the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake in Japan.[149]

Career statistics

edit

Club

edit
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[150][151][152]
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Barcelona B 2000–01 Segunda División B 10 0 — — — — 10 0
2001–02 Segunda División B 25 2 — — — 5[c] 0 30 2
2002–03 Segunda División B 14 3 — — — — 14 3
Total 49 5 — — — 5 0 54 5
Barcelona 2002–03 La Liga 6 0 0 0 — 3[d] 0 — 9 0
2003–04 La Liga 11 1 3 1 — 3[e] 0 – 17 2
2004–05 La Liga 37 2 1 0 — 8[d] 0 — 46 2
2005–06 La Liga 33 0 4 0 — 11[d] 1 1[f] 0 49 1
2006–07 La Liga 37 6 6 1 — 8[d] 2 5[g] 0 56 9
2007–08 La Liga 31 3 7 0 — 11[d] 1 — 49 4
2008–09 La Liga 26 4 6 0 — 11[d] 1 — 43 5
2009–10 La Liga 29 1 3 0 — 9[d] 0 1[h] 0 42 1
2010–11 La Liga 34 8 5 0 — 10[d] 1 1[f] 0 50 9
2011–12 La Liga 27 2 6 2 — 8[d] 3 5[i] 1 46 8
2012–13 La Liga 31 3 5 2 — 10[d] 1 2[f] 0 48 6
2013–14 La Liga 35 3 6 0 — 9[d] 0 2[f] 0 52 3
2014–15 La Liga 24 0 7 3 — 11[d] 0 — 42 3
2015–16 La Liga 28 1 4 0 — 7[d] 0 5[j] 0 44 1
2016–17 La Liga 23 0 5 0 — 8[d] 1 1[f] 0 37 1
2017–18 La Liga 30 1 5 1 — 8[d] 0 1[f] 0 44 2
Total 442 35 73 10 — 135 11 24 1 674 57
Vissel Kobe 2018 J1 League 14 3 1 0 0 0 — — 15 3
2019 J1 League 23 6 2 1 0 0 — — 25 7
2020 J1 League 26 4 0 0 1 0 6[k] 2 1[l] 0 34 6
2021 J1 League 23 6 0 0 4 1 — — 27 7
2022 J1 League 24 2 1 0 1 0 1[k] 1 — 27 3
2023 J1 League 4 0 0 0 2 0 — — 6 0
Total 114 21 4 1 8 1 7 3 1 0 134 26
Emirates 2023–24 UAE Pro League 20 5 1 0 2 0 — — 23 5
Career total 625 66 78 11 10 1 142 14 30 1 885 93
  1. ^ Includes Copa del Rey, Emperor's Cup, UAE President's Cup
  2. ^ Includes J.League Cup, UAE League Cup
  3. ^ Appearances in Segunda División B play-offs
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  5. ^ Appearances in UEFA Cup
  6. ^ a b c d e f Appearance(s) in Supercopa de España
  7. ^ One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances in Supercopa de España, two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup
  8. ^ Appearance in FIFA Club World Cup
  9. ^ One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances and one goal in Supercopa de España, two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup
  10. ^ One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances in Supercopa de España, two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup
  11. ^ a b Appearance(s) in AFC Champions League
  12. ^ Appearance in Japanese Super Cup

International

edit
Appearances and goals by year and competition[153]
National team Year Competitive Friendly Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Spain 2006 3[a] 0 5 0 8 0
2007 9[b] 3 3 1 12 4
2008 10[c] 1 4 0 14 1
2009 2[d] 0 3 0 5 0
2010 9[e] 3 6 0 15 3
2011 2[f] 0 7 1 9 1
2012 9[g] 0 5 1 14 1
2013 10[h] 0 7 0 17 0
2014 5[i] 0 3 1 8 1
2015 3[j] 1 2 0 5 1
2016 6[k] 0 2 0 8 0
2017 4[l] 0 4 1 8 1
2018 4[m] 0 4 0 8 0
Total 76 8 55 5 131 13
  1. ^ One appearance in 2006 FIFA World Cup, two appearances in UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
  2. ^ Appearances in UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
  3. ^ Six appearances at UEFA Euro 2008, four appearances and one goal in 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
  4. ^ Appearances in 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
  5. ^ Six appearances and two goals in 2010 FIFA World Cup, three appearances and one goal in UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
  6. ^ Appearances in UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
  7. ^ Six appearances at UEFA Euro 2012, three appearances in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
  8. ^ Five appearances in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification, five appearances in 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup
  9. ^ Three appearances in 2014 FIFA World Cup, two appearances in UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying
  10. ^ Appearances in UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying
  11. ^ Four appearances at UEFA Euro 2016, two appearances in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
  12. ^ Appearances in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
  13. ^ Appearances in 2018 FIFA World Cup
Scores and results list Spain's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Iniesta goal.[153]
List of international goals scored by Andrés Iniesta
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 7 February 2007 Old Trafford, Manchester, England   England 1–0 1–0 Friendly
2 28 March 2007 Iberostar Stadium, Palma, Spain   Iceland 1–0 1–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
3 8 September 2007 Laugardalsvöllur, Reykjavík, Iceland   Iceland 1–1 1–1 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
4 17 November 2007 Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain   Sweden 2–0 3–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
5 25 October 2008 King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium   Belgium 1–1 2–1 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
6 25 June 2010 Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, South Africa   Chile 2–0 2–1 2010 FIFA World Cup
7 11 July 2010 FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa   Netherlands 1–0 1–0 2010 FIFA World Cup Final
8 12 October 2010 Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland   Scotland 2–0 3–2 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
9 2 September 2011 kybunpark, St. Gallen, Switzerland   Chile 1–2 3–2 Friendly
10 29 February 2012 La Rosaleda Stadium, Málaga, Spain   Venezuela 1–0 5–0 Friendly
11 30 May 2014 Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium, Seville, Spain   Bolivia 2–0 2–0 Friendly
12 5 September 2015 Carlos Tartiere Stadium, Oviedo, Spain   Slovakia 2–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying
13 11 November 2017 La Rosaleda Stadium, Málaga, Spain   Costa Rica 5–0 5–0 Friendly

Honours

edit

Barcelona[7]

Vissel Kobe[67][68]

Spain U16[7]

Spain U19[7]

 
Iniesta and his teammates celebrate winning UEFA Euro 2012.

Spain[7]

Individual

Decorations

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ a b "FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010: List of Players: Spain" (PDF). FIFA. 4 June 2010. p. 29. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 June 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2013.
  2. ^ "Andrés Iniesta". Emirates Club. Archived from the original on 28 August 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  3. ^ "Andrés Iniesta". UAE Pro League. Archived from the original on 25 August 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  4. ^ "The 10 Greatest Midfielders In Football History Have Been Named And Ranked". www.sportbible.com. 25 March 2021. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
  5. ^ HS, Shreyas (12 February 2021). "10 greatest midfielders of all time". www.sportskeeda.com. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  6. ^ Rogers, Joshua (21 May 2018). "Vote on where Iniesta ranks among the greatest midfielders of all time". mirror. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h Walker, Joe (1 July 2018). "Andrés Iniesta ends Spain career: his greatness explained". UEFA. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  8. ^ Futsalfeed.com (14 March 2020). "Top 10 Footballers Who Played Futsal! Archived 6 November 2020 at the Wayback Machine", "futsalfeed.com". Retrieved 14 March 2020.
  9. ^ "Iniesta: the Spanish matador Archived 20 January 2015 at the Wayback Machine", 28 October 2003, FIFA.com.
  10. ^ Brown, Lucas (27 October 2008). "Madrid Red Light Let Iniesta Leave For Barça Archived 24 August 2014 at the Wayback Machine", goal.com. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  11. ^ "The men who make Barca beautiful" Archived 29 May 2009 at the Wayback Machine.BBC. Retrieved 17 May 2014
  12. ^ a b c d e Lowe, Sid (24 May 2009). "Iniesta graduates from cameo role to take centre stage at Barcelona Archived 6 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine", The Guardian. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  13. ^ Stevenson, Jonathan (12 July 2010). "Andres Iniesta, the unassuming superstar Archived 2 January 2021 at the Wayback Machine", BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  14. ^ a b "Iniesta Profile" Archived 2 January 2021 at the Wayback Machine. ESPN. Retrieved 17 May 2014
  15. ^ "Andrés Iniesta". ESPN. Archived from the original on 26 October 2012. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
  16. ^ "Iniesta, Barcelona's quiet man Archived 7 December 2013 at the Wayback Machine", 7 November 2006, FIFA.com. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  17. ^ "Barcelona 2–1 Arsenal" Archived 2 September 2017 at the Wayback Machine, 17 May 2006, BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 December 2010.
  18. ^ "Andres Iniesta". Fc.barcelona.com. Archived from the original on 29 November 2010. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
  19. ^ "Iniesta is Barça's new number 8", 19 July 2007, fcbarcelona.cat. Retrieved 23 December 2010. (in Spanish)
  20. ^ JOSÉ VICENTE HERNÁEZ (19 July 2007). "El Real Madrid va a por Iniesta Archived 14 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine", Marca. Retrieved 23 December 2010. (in Spanish)
  21. ^ "Pre-Madrid renewal nothing new to Iniesta". Fcbarcelona.com. Archived from the original on 23 January 2013. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
  22. ^ Leong, KS (5 June 2009). "Barcelona Set To Extend Puyol's Stay & Improve Iniesta's Contract Archived 16 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine", goal.com . Retrieved 23 December 2010.
  23. ^ donbalon.com. "Ranking db 2006–2007". Archived from the original on 6 November 2007. Retrieved 1 May 2007.
  24. ^ www.donbalon.com. "Ranking DB 07-08". Archived from the original on 6 November 2007. Retrieved 1 May 2008.
  25. ^ fifa.com. "FIFA World Player Gala 2008" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 January 2009. Retrieved 10 January 2009.
  26. ^ "Four home-grown captains". Fcbarcelona.com. 23 September 2008. Archived from the original on 22 January 2013. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
  27. ^ Goal.com. "Player Ratings: Almeria 0–2 Barcelona". Archived from the original on 17 March 2009. Retrieved 15 March 2009.
  28. ^ Goal.com. "Iniesta Enjoys Barcelona Return Against Mallorca". Archived from the original on 6 January 2009. Retrieved 4 January 2008.
  29. ^ Cheese, Caroline (8 April 2009). "Barcelona 4-0 Bayern Munich". Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  30. ^ McNulty, Phil (6 May 2009). "Chelsea 1–1 Barcelona (agg 1–1) Archived 5 May 2009 at the Wayback Machine", BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  31. ^ Hawkey, Ian (29 November 2009). "Andres Iniesta: 'Don't call me Rambo' Archived 2 January 2021 at the Wayback Machine", The Times. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  32. ^ Iniesta: "No me veo para jugar 90 minutos" Archived 1 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine Público; 10 September 09; Accessed 11 September 2009 (in Spanish)
  33. ^ McCarra, Kevin (27 May 2009). "Manchester United fold without a fight as Barcelona claim Champions League Archived 26 January 2013 at the Wayback Machine", The Guardian. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  34. ^ Pleat, David (28 May 2009). "Middle men to the fore in dictating the rhythm with care Archived 18 January 2017 at the Wayback Machine", The Guardian. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  35. ^ Mole, Giles (28 May 2009). ""Manchester United v Barcelona: Wayne Rooney backs Andres Iniesta for Ballon d'Or" Archived 12 February 2018 at the Wayback Machine, The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  36. ^ "La Liga 2008-09 season". Don Balon. Retrieved 11 June 2009.[dead link‍]
  37. ^ "Lionel Messi Wins FIFA World Player of the Year Award". Goal.com. 22 December 2009. Archived from the original on 16 January 2010. Retrieved 22 December 2009.
  38. ^ "Classement 2009". France Football (in French). Groupe Amaury. Archived from the original on 16 November 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
  39. ^ "FCBarcelona.cat". 29 July 2012. Archived from the original on 29 July 2012.
  40. ^ "Iniesta: "No me veo para jugar 90 minutos"". RTVE.es. 10 September 2009. Archived from the original on 1 June 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2010.
  41. ^ Andrés Iniesta (11 May 1984). "Andrés Luján Iniesta Profile, Statistics, News, Game Log – Barcelona, Spanish Primera División – ESPN Soccernet". ESPN. Archived from the original on 13 April 2009. Retrieved 17 June 2010.
  42. ^ "FCBarcelona.cat". Fcbarcelona.com. 13 April 2010. Archived from the original on 16 June 2010. Retrieved 17 June 2010.
  43. ^ "Barcelona psychologist: Not only those who have problems suffer from depression". marca.com. 12 April 2019. Archived from the original on 15 February 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  44. ^ Lowe, Sid (6 September 2016). "Barcelona's Andrés Iniesta: 'I was a victim of something that terrified me'". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
  45. ^ a b "Iniesta: "My objectives are collective"". Fcbarcelona.cat. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
  46. ^ "Andres Iniesta's Volley vs Racing Santander". The Offside. 30 August 2010. Archived from the original on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
  47. ^ "Player Ratings: Atletico Madrid 1–2 Barcelona". Goal.com. 19 September 2010. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
  48. ^ "SPORT". Sport.es. Archived from the original on 5 October 2008. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
  49. ^ "Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta shortlisted for Ballon d'Or" Archived 28 September 2020 at the Wayback Machine, The Guardian, 6 December 2010. Retrieved 13 December 2010.
  50. ^ Philip Mboya (18 March 2012). "Iniesta Equals Butragueno's 50 Match Unbeaten Streak". Soccerticketsonline.com. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
  51. ^ "Levante 0–4 Barcelona Match Report". Goal. (25 November 2012). Retrieved 25 November 2012.
  52. ^ "Messi, Ronaldo and Iniesta named on 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or shortlist" Archived 2 January 2021 at the Wayback Machine, [1] Archived 12 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine, 29 November 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  53. ^ "Rosell announces new Iniesta contract until 2018". FC Barcelona. 19 December 2013. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2013.
  54. ^ "8 Andrés Iniesta". Fox Sports. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  55. ^ "Barcelona see off Juventus to claim fifth title". UEFA. 6 June 2015. Archived from the original on 31 March 2019. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  56. ^ a b "Barça make history with second treble!". FC Barcelona. 6 June 2015. Archived from the original on 7 June 2015. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  57. ^ "Real Madrid Fans Applaud Barcelona's Andres Iniesta In 'El Clasico'". NESN. 21 November 2015. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  58. ^ "Real Madrid 0 – 4 Barcelona Player & Team ratings – 11/21/15 Primera División – Goal.com". www.goal.com. 21 November 2015. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  59. ^ "Andrés Iniesta signs lifetime contract with FC Barcelona | FC Barcelona". FC Barcelona. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  60. ^ "Barcelona vs Levante". ESPN. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2017.
  61. ^ Sport (27 April 2018). "Este club se merece lo mejor de mí y yo ya no podría dárselo". sport (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
  62. ^ Sam Marsden (20 May 2018). "Andres Iniesta 7/10 in final Barcelona game, a 1-0 win vs. Real Sociedad". ESPN FC. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
  63. ^ "Andrés Iniesta to Join Vissel Kobe". vissel-kobe.co.jp. 24 May 2018. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  64. ^ "Andres Iniesta and Fernando Torres lose on J-League debuts". BBC. 22 July 2018. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  65. ^ "イニエスタ、磐田戦でJリーグ初ゴール！ 主将ポドルスキが得点を演出". SOCCERKING. 11 August 2018. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  66. ^ "天皇杯決勝進出へ殊勲のイニエスタ、「１月１日に幸せをお裾分けしたい」". SOCCER DIGEST WEB. 21 December 2019. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  67. ^ a b "Andrés Iniesta skippers Vissel Kobe to first trophy in David Villa's final match". AS. 1 January 2020. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  68. ^ a b "Andres Iniesta lifts Japan Super Cup after nine straight pen misses". ESPN. 8 February 2020. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  69. ^ "AFC Champions League 2020: Andres Iniesta injury mars Vissel Kobe's quarterfinal berth". ESPN. 7 December 2020. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  70. ^ "Andres Iniesta suffers tear and will be out for four months after surgery in Barcelona". Marca. 16 December 2020. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  71. ^ "Ex-Barcelona star Iniesta extends Vissel Kobe contract by two years". ESPN. 11 May 2021. Archived from the original on 17 April 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
  72. ^ "月間ＭＶＰにイニエスタ Ｊリーグ" (in Japanese). Jiji.com. 12 November 2021. Archived from the original on 16 May 2022. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  73. ^ "Iniesta, seven Kawasaki Frontale players lead the way on MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE Best XI". J.League. 6 December 2021. Archived from the original on 8 August 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  74. ^ "イニエスタ、辛かった胸中を吐露「今季序盤は本当に苦しかった」38歳第1号、1ゴール1アシストでヴィッセル神戸を初勝利に導く" (in Japanese). Goal.com. 14 May 2022. Archived from the original on 16 May 2022. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  75. ^ "Iniesta to leave Vissel Kobe in July". Reuters. 25 May 2023. Archived from the original on 26 May 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  76. ^ a b Duerden, John (10 July 2023). "Andrés Iniesta's Japan adventure ends with sense of unfulfilled promise". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 16 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  77. ^ "Iniesta coy on future plans following Vissel Kobe departure". Reuters. 2 July 2023. Archived from the original on 16 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  78. ^ "Iniesta set for Emirates Club move after snubbing MLS reunion". KingFut. 7 August 2023. Archived from the original on 7 August 2023. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  79. ^ "Barcelona great Andres Iniesta, 39, moves to UAE". ESPN. 8 August 2023. Archived from the original on 9 August 2023. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  80. ^ McAuley, John (19 August 2023). "Spain and Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta makes his UAE football debut". The National. Archived from the original on 26 August 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
  81. ^ Radley, Paul (26 August 2023). "'Immense joy' for Andres Iniesta after dramatic home debut for Emirates Club". The National. Archived from the original on 26 August 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
  82. ^ Turner, Jon (6 June 2024). "Andres Iniesta: Has Spain great played his last match?". The National News.
  83. ^ "Andrés Iniesta confirms his retirement from football". OneFootball. 7 October 2024.
  84. ^ "FIFA U-17 World Championship Trinidad and Tobago 2001". FIFA.com. Archived from the original on 16 October 2015. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  85. ^ "Andres INIESTA". FIFA. Archived from the original on 12 June 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
  86. ^ "La carrera de Andrés Iniesta en la Selección española: Goles, asistencias, total partidos, títulos y todo lo que hay que saber". Goal (in Spanish). 3 July 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  87. ^ "Un golazo de Iniesta da la victoria a España en Inglaterra (0-1)". sport.es (in Spanish). 7 February 2007. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  88. ^ McNulty, Phil (26 June 2008). "Russia 0-3 Spain". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 28 September 2020. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  89. ^ euro2008.uefa.com – Fanzone Archived 21 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  90. ^ (AFP) – 5 June 2009 (5 June 2009). "Injured Iniesta to miss Confederations Cup". Archived from the original on 15 March 2011. Retrieved 17 June 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  91. ^ Smith, Rory (25 June 2010). "Chile 1 Spain 2: match report". London: telegraph.co.uk. Archived from the original on 28 June 2010. Retrieved 25 June 2010.
  92. ^ "Forlan collects Golden Ball award". BBC News. 11 July 2010. Archived from the original on 12 March 2020. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  93. ^ "Iniesta sinks Dutch with late strike". ESPN Soccernet. Archived from the original on 13 July 2010. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
  94. ^ "World Cup final: Spain goal scorer Andres Iniesta pays tribute to Dani Jarque with t-shirt". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 3 July 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  95. ^ Jones, Grahame (11 July 2010). "Spain's Little Man Comes Through in the Biggest Moment". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 15 July 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2010.
  96. ^ Jonathan Stevenson. "Andres Iniesta, the unassuming superstar". Bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
  97. ^ Lyttleton, Ben. "Spain earns the big prize, but here are my Euro 2012 tourney awards". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 15 October 2013. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  98. ^ "UEFA EURO 2012 Team of the Tournament". uefa.com. Archived from the original on 3 March 2013. Retrieved 2 July 2012.
  99. ^ "Neymar wins Confed Cup Golden Ball". Fox Soccer. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
  100. ^ "World Cup 2014: Socceroos lose 3–0 to Spain in final game as valiant campaign comes to an end". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 24 June 2014. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  101. ^ "Player ratings: Andres Iniesta shines in Spain's midfield". The Independent. 13 June 2016. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  102. ^ "Morata misses out on Spain's 23-man World Cup squad". Goal. 21 May 2018. Archived from the original on 9 July 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
  103. ^ "Spain's World Cup hero Andres Iniesta retires from international football after penalty defeat by Russia". The Independent. 1 July 2018. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2018.
  104. ^ Corrigan, Dermot (1 July 2018). "Andres Iniesta confirms retirement from Spain squad after World Cup exit". ESPN. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  105. ^ "Andrés Iniesta Lujan". FC Barcelona. Archived from the original on 9 March 2009. Retrieved 17 March 2009.
  106. ^ a b "The official website for European football". UEFA.com. Archived from the original on 24 February 2011.
  107. ^ a b Tighe, Sam (7 January 2014). "Picking a World Football Flair XI: Neymar, Ronaldo and Iniesta Star". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  108. ^ Matchett, Karl (21 November 2012). "Amazing Andres Iniesta Skill Steals Show from Leo Messi's Barça Goals". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  109. ^ "2010 FIFA World Cup – Andres INIESTA". FIFA.com. Archived from the original on 12 November 2012. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
  110. ^ Jenson, Pete (27 May 2009). "Why Iniesta and Xavi are Barça's real danger men". The Independent. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
  111. ^ "Lionel Messi: Stats reveal Barcelona star's unparalleled dribbling skill". Squawka. 16 November 2019. Archived from the original on 14 June 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
  112. ^ Jones, Grahame L. (11 July 2010). "Spain's little man comes through in the biggest moment". The Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  113. ^ Jones, Matt (12 September 2017). "Ernesto Valverde Won't Lean on Andres Iniesta over Barcelona Contract". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  114. ^ a b Carragher, Jamie (15 June 2018). "Andres Iniesta has transformed football – watching him is pure pleasure". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  115. ^ López, Marcos; Besa, Ramón (7 June 2016). "Pep Guardiola: my debt to Andrés Iniesta and how he opened my eyes on tactics". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  116. ^ "Little guys enjoying last laugh". FIFA.com. 15 April 2011. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  117. ^ "The best 'croquetas' in world football". Marca. 16 January 2017. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 3 August 2018.
  118. ^ "Iniesta "Verratti sarà mio successore"" [Iniesta "Verratti will be my successor"]. www.lagazzettadelmezzogiorno.it (in Italian). 20 February 2017. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2022.
  119. ^ "They said it: Juan Roman Riquelme" Archived 2 January 2021 at the Wayback Machine. FIFA.com. Retrieved 31 October 2014
  120. ^ "World Player of the Week: Andrés Iniesta – Spain". Goal.com. 12 July 2010. Archived from the original on 5 July 2018. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
  121. ^ Welch, Ben (3 February 2011). "Andres Iniesta: The vital statistics". FourFourTwo. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
  122. ^ Stevenson, Jonathan (26 May 2009), The men who make Barca beautiful, BBC Sport, archived from the original on 29 May 2009, retrieved 11 November 2010
  123. ^ "Genius Moment: Iniesta is Barcelona's man for the big stage". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  124. ^ "Andrés Iniesta – THE Man of the Match | FOOTY FAIR". www.footyfair.com. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  125. ^ "El caballero pálido de Fuentealbilla". Elperiodico.com. 13 July 2010. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
  126. ^ "Iniesta pips Messi and Ronaldo to UEFA Best Player in Europe award – CNN.com". CNN. 31 August 2012. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
  127. ^ Rice, Simon (9 January 2013). "Fifa Ballon d'Or: Andres Iniesta and the best players never to win the award". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 19 September 2017.
  128. ^ "Guillem Balague debates whether Barcelona star Andres Iniesta is better than former Real Madrid man Zinedine Zidane". Sky Sports. 18 February 2013. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
  129. ^ Atzenhoffer, Thomas (22 April 2012). "28 Most Skilled Passers in World Football History". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
  130. ^ Sahu, Amogha (2 January 2012). "20 Greatest Playmakers in the History of World Football". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
  131. ^ "Xavi's open letter to Andres Iniesta – 'the most talented player in the history of Spain'". ESPN FC. 21 May 2018. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  132. ^ "Nike Football Ad ft. Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., Rooney, Ibrahimovic, Iniesta & others" Archived 8 September 2014 at the Wayback Machine. India Times. Retrieved 8 September 2014
  133. ^ "The 10 highest rated players in 'FIFA 15'" Archived 8 September 2017 at the Wayback Machine. USA Today. Retrieved 8 September 2014
  134. ^ "FIFA 19 release: Champions League, new ICONs & 19 reasons to get excited for new game". Goal. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
  135. ^ "Cristiano Ronaldo overtakes Shakira as Facebook's most 'liked' person". Yahoo.com. 10 February 2017. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  136. ^ "Con mis nuevas botas !! With my new boots !! #INIESTASICS #IMoveMe #ASICS @ASICS_J". Twitter. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  137. ^ "INTRODUCING SOCCER CLEATS DESIGNED IN COLLABORATION WITH ANDRÉS INIESTA". Asics. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  138. ^ "Iniesta caps Euro 2012 winning week with wedding". San Francisco Chronicle. Archived from the original on 11 July 2012. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  139. ^ "Happy times: Andres Iniesta and Anna Ortiz have a second child!". Sport. 1 June 2015. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
  140. ^ "Nace Romeo Iniesta, el cuarto hijo de Andrés Iniesta". Culé Manía. 21 June 2019. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
  141. ^ "Nace Olympia, la quinta hija de Andrés Iniesta" (in Spanish). Cronica Global. 25 February 2023. Archived from the original on 25 February 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  142. ^ Hermoso, Borja (12 May 2024). "Andrés Iniesta en Emiratos Árabes: la recta final". El País (in Spanish). Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  143. ^ Cabezas, Francisco (23 September 2016). "El sueño de Iniesta". El Mundo (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2016.
  144. ^ "Soccer player who scored winning World Cup goal promises to make pilgrimage". Catholic News Agency. 14 July 2010. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2014.
  145. ^ Ciriza, A. (6 December 2011). "Iniesta throws 420,000-euro lifeline to indebted Albacete". El País. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  146. ^ "Iniesta loans Albacete 240,000 euros to prevent relegation". as.com. EFE. 28 June 2013. Archived from the original on 14 May 2014. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  147. ^ "Andrés Iniesta conmueve a todos hablando de cómo salió de "pozo" en el que cayó". Lecturas (in Spanish). RBA. 28 May 2018. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  148. ^ "Andrés Iniesta confiesa a Risto Mejide que sufrió una depresión antes de ir al Mundial". Hola! (in Spanish). 28 May 2018. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  149. ^ "Andres Iniesta and Lukas Podolski help gather donations for the Hokkaido Earthquake". BeSoccer. September 2018. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
  150. ^ "Iniesta » Club matches". WorldFootball.net. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  151. ^ "Iniesta". BDFutbol. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  152. ^ Andrés Iniesta at Soccerway. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  153. ^ a b Mamrud, Roberto (5 July 2018). "Andrés Iniesta Luján – Century of International Appearances". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived from the original on 20 September 2018. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
  154. ^ "Spain - List of Super Cup Finals". RSSSF. Retrieved 11 October 2024. "Spanish Super Cup - 21/08/2010". FCBarcelona. Retrieved 11 October 2024. "Andrés Iniesta ends Spain career: his greatness explained". UEFA. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  155. ^ "The Best named at FIFA Football Awards". FIFA. 9 January 2017. Archived from the original on 20 May 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  156. ^ "FIFA FIFPro World11". FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 24 October 2017. Archived from the original on 14 April 2018. Retrieved 24 October 2017.
  157. ^ "Spaniards dominate Dream Team". fifa.com. 15 July 2010. Archived from the original on 28 September 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  158. ^ "Iniesta named Best Player of the Tournament". uefa.com. 2 July 2012. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 1 January 2016.
  159. ^ "Former Results". IFFHS. Archived from the original on 10 January 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2016.
  160. ^ "IFFHS (International Federation of Football for History & Statistics". IFFHS. Archived from the original on 15 June 2021. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  161. ^ "IFFHS (International Federation of Football for History & Statistics". IFFHS. Archived from the original on 17 June 2021. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  162. ^ "Andrés Iniesta wins Golden Foot 2014". FC Barcelona. 13 October 2014. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
  163. ^ "Ultimate Team of the Year: The All-Time XI". UEFA. 22 November 2015. Archived from the original on 7 May 2016. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  164. ^ "2015 FIFA Club World Cup awards". Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from the original on 12 January 2016. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  165. ^ "Messi, Neymar Jr, Iniesta and Alves in France Football world XI of 2015". FCBarcelona.com. 30 December 2015. Archived from the original on 8 June 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  166. ^ "The 2015/16 Liga BBVA Team of the Season". LFP. 1 June 2016. Archived from the original on 18 November 2018. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  167. ^ "Your All-time EURO 11 revealed". UEFA. 7 June 2016. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
  168. ^ "Teruhito Nakagawa named J. League MVP, with Iniesta joining Marinos and Tokyo players in Best XI". The Japan Times. 7 December 2019. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2019.
  169. ^ "The other two Ballon d'Or Dream Team XIs: Zidane, Cruyff, Iniesta, Di Stefano... but no Casillas". MARCA. 15 December 2020. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
  170. ^ "Prince of Asturias Awards 2010". Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  171. ^ "Royal Order of Sporting Merit 2011". 5 October 2011. Archived from the original on 28 August 2018. Retrieved 6 December 2011.
  172. ^ "Andrés Iniesta collects Queen Sofia Award in Madrid". FCBarcelona.com. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 24 January 2017.
  173. ^ "Iniesta awarded Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sports Merit in Spain". www.efe.com. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
edit
 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Andrés Iniesta.
Sporting positions
Preceded by FC Barcelona captain
2015–2018 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Andrés_Iniesta&oldid=1265015767"