Andrés Iniesta, widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in football history, has made the decision to retire from professional football at the age of 40. The Spanish legend is set to officially announce his retirement on October 8, 2024, drawing the curtain on a remarkable career that has spanned more than two decades.
In an anticipation video shared on his X (formerly Twitter) page on Tuesday, Iniesta hinted at the announcement with the caption, “Coming soon 8/10/24.”
Iniesta’s football journey began at Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy, where his extraordinary talents quickly came to the fore. His immaculate ball control, sharp vision, and calmness under pressure were evident from an early age, earning him recognition as one of the brightest prospects in the sport.
So impressive was Iniesta that Barcelona’s then-captain, Pep Guardiola, famously remarked to teammate Xavi Hernández, “You’re going to retire me. This lad [Iniesta] is going to retire us all.”
Iniesta has long been celebrated for his technical prowess, creativity, and intelligence on the pitch. FIFA.com once described him as a player whose “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.”
His former national team coach, Vicente del Bosque, praised him as “a complete footballer,” noting his ability to both attack and defend, while also being capable of creating and scoring goals.
Iniesta’s career is filled with accolades that reflect his immense impact on the sport. During his 22 years at FC Barcelona, he accumulated an incredible 35 trophies, including nine La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles, solidifying his status as the most decorated Spanish footballer of all time.
On the international stage, Iniesta was a central figure in Spain’s golden generation, contributing significantly to the team’s triumphs at UEFA Euro 2008 and 2012, as well as their victory at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. His crowning moment came in the 2010 World Cup final, where he scored the decisive goal in extra time to secure Spain’s first-ever World Cup, a moment that will forever be immortalized in football history.
After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta extended his career in Japan with Vissel Kobe, where he continued to demonstrate his exceptional skills. He later had a brief stint with Emirates in the UAE Pro League.
Throughout his career, Iniesta’s ability to read the game, combined with his close ball control, cemented his place among the most gifted midfielders the game has ever seen.
As he prepares to retire, Andrés Iniesta leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations, not only for his on-field brilliance but also for the humility and grace with which he carried himself throughout his illustrious career.
