Andres Iniesta retires from football at 40

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By Martin Graham | 8th Oct 2024
Andres Iniesta, the legendary midfielder known for his vital role in both Barcelona and Spain’s golden eras, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40. Iniesta’s career is celebrated for its defining moments, including the unforgettable extra-time goal that secured Spain’s first World Cup title in 2010 against the Netherlands.

Rising to prominence in the early 2000s, Iniesta forged a formidable midfield partnership with Xavi at Barcelona. His exceptional technical skill and composure under pressure cemented his status as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. Over his illustrious career, he collected numerous accolades, including four Champions League trophies and nine La Liga titles. Internationally, Iniesta played a crucial role in Spain’s historic run of dominance, winning the UEFA European Championships in both 2008 and 2012, in addition to the 2010 World Cup.

Despite his brilliance on the world stage, Iniesta narrowly missed out on individual recognition, finishing second to Lionel Messi in the 2010 Ballon d’Or voting and placing third two years later.

A journey across continents
After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta embarked on the next chapter of his career in Japan with Vissel Kobe. He spent five years with the club before making a brief move to the UAE’s Emirates Club. His time overseas reflected his enduring passion for football, as he continued to contribute on and off the field well into his late 30s.

In a heartfelt statement, Iniesta reflected on his career and expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities he was given. “I never thought this day would come,” he admitted emotionally. “These are not tears of sadness, but of pride. I achieved the dream of that boy from Fuentealbilla, who worked tirelessly and never gave up.”

He went on to describe how football had shaped him from a young age, highlighting the values of hard work, sacrifice, and resilience that had defined his journey. He reminisced about the early days in his hometown and how his love for football led him to Barcelona, where his life changed forever.

The Barcelona dream
For Iniesta, Barcelona was not just a club – it was the place where his dreams materialized. He joined the La Masia academy at the age of 12, leaving behind his hometown of Fuentealbilla with his family to chase his aspirations. “Coming to Barca was a dream,” he said. “I arrived at the perfect place to make my ambitions a reality.”

Iniesta paid tribute to his family, who accompanied him on the life-changing journey to Barcelona, and to the countless people who supported him along the way. His gratitude extended to the coaches, teammates, and mentors who helped shape his career, particularly during his formative years at La Masia, which he credited for instilling the values that defined him both as a player and a person.

As Iniesta bids farewell to professional football, his legacy as one of the greatest midfielders of all time is firmly established. From his early days at Albacete to his world-conquering performances with Barcelona and Spain, Iniesta’s career will be remembered for its brilliance, humility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer